Bike Choices for Upgrade

[woodland81]

Hello,

A couple of years ago I bought a cheap hybrid bike (£180) to get some exercise in and in the summer used to cycle to work about 8miles.
The bike wasnt the greatest but didnt want to spend alot and find it gathering dust in the garage.
Had problems with the breaks and the gears since day one.

http://www.rutlandcycling.com/281904/products/saracen-urban-escape-mens-hybrid-bike.aspx

Im looking to get a new bike now through cycle2work scheme, so will be paying 30% less. Halfords is our store. Been checking out the Boardman, went into a store just to have a little look at them.

http://www.halfords.com/cycling/bikes/boardman-end-of-season/boardman-hybrid-team-bike-2014 £562

http://www.halfords.com/cycling/bikes/hybrid-bikes/boardman-hybrid-team-bike £699

http://www.halfords.com/cycling/bikes/hybrid-bikes/boardman-mx-comp-bike £599

http://www.halfords.com/cycling/bikes/hybrid-bikes/pinarello-treviso-hybrid-bike-black-54cm £650

I cant really notice much difference between then, can some advice on good choice?
I didnt actually see any of the pinarello in the store. These should be a million times better than the bike I have.

My use will be mostly road, paths and light gravel. I struggle with hills and end up in the lowest gear, others breeze past me

 

[13 rider]

Just to confuse you further if you use halfords have A look at the 13 range .Store may not have stock look on website they had several of the range on offer but don't know if this will apply with c2w. In my opinion the 13s are better specced than the boardman's . But I own a 13 so I am bias

 

[NorthernDave]

I've got a Boardman MX Sport and would recommend it to anyone looking for a hybrid. I'd imagine the higher spec ones are even better...

 

[woodland81]

Thanks for replies, good to hear opinions on bikes people have tried and tested. Ha thats thrown a spanner in the works, only looked at Boardman knowing good brand.

I dont think there are any restrictions on C2W, on brands etc.

Just looking at 13 - http://www.halfords.com/cycling/bikes/hybrid-bikes/13-implicit-beta-hybrid-bike-2015 £549 , has good reviews
and the Boardman mx sport looks good around same price too.
Which is a higher spec mx comp or mx sport? both being hybrids,

Compared to what ive got i should see massive difference, with either of these?

To be honest visited the store i found bikes all over the place, 3 separate sections in the shop for mens hybrids so liked to do my research to decide then go in saying what I want and purchase on the C2W scheme.

 

[vickster]

You can use Halfords vouchers at other local bike shops which take them. That said Halfords have a decent selection in that price range, you can contact them regarding other bikes too

http://www.cycle2work.info/bikes/range

If you find hills an issue go for the lightest bike (Iikely without suspension and a carbon fork) and friendly gearing, triple chain set or 50-34/11-32

 

[NorthernDave]

The Boardman range goes Sport, Comp, Team, Pro (I think).
One of the Techs at my local Halfords has a 13 bike and is very happy with it.

 

[woodland81]

my current bike i think its 12kg, so i guess its not the weight its me, as one of them boardmans is heavier than that, the hill is pretty bad lol. trying to find what the size of my current bike is, to see if i need the same again

 

[woodland81]

Ordered my bike.
Boardman hybrid mx comp. Advised to get 49cm one,(im 5'6 ish) measured mine when i got home, 45cm, I always thought my bike might not be the right size. I guess this could be why struggle on hills.
Bigger bike overall should make me quicker and more efficient?