Bridle Paths for Hybrids

[ericthepenguin]

Hi

I have been a keen rambler for 5 years, but due to a knee operation carried out in the 1980's I now have arthritis and find walking increasingly painful.

I have not owned a bike for 35 years but this is my only option if I wish to enjoy the countryside. However, as you can appreciate, for a new boy, whilst the internet is a great source of information , it can also be confusing with so much choice and so many reviews. My question is, if I wish to use not only roads but Bridle paths, some of which can get rutted, will hybrid bikes be good enough for this? I was thinking about spending £250, but from what I see I would be wise in paying more for better quality, (say £500). The Trek 7.2 looks good, but disc or not? I did go to Evans and was shown the Pinnacle Cobalt 4 (looked good....... but at £650 I would be stretched). Finally, given my post would suspension springs be a luxury that would not be worth paying the extra for?

Any help gratefully received

Eric

 

[Cyclist33]

http://www.evanscycles.com/products/cannondale/quick-4-2013-hybrid-bike-ec042949#BVRRWidgetID

i would have no hesitation in recommending this. ive got the next one up from 2011 and it handles bridleways n stuff just fine. you could get wider knobblier tyres for it if you wanted extra confidence offroad.

it is also plenty speedy on the road which is a big bonus!
stu

 

[Ern1e]

Hi Eric all I can say is try out several bikes and buy the best you can and the one you feel the comfy on and you should not go to far wrong with an hybrid IMO, also would you be using a rear rack and panniers on it.

 

[rovers1875]

When I started cycling again I bought a Claud Butler Urban 100, which I thought was a classy bike (well I liked it and still do) I have since learned its actually very basic. But my point is I have had it over four years now, it has covered hundreds of miles on all sorts of terrain even done a couple of mountain bike trails (bit hairy those) and apart from changing consumables ie tyres, brake pads etc it has coped with every thing I have thrown at it, and it still scrubs up looking like new (well nearly new). From my experience and what I've read, most forks in the price range you are looking at are pretty naff and just and weight. As for the brakes normal V brakes are more than capable, however hydraulic discs are awesome (frightening at first). Whatever you do go for, as long as you like the look and its comfy you will love it. Good luck.

 

[Gravity Aided]

You might have to spring for a bike fitting, or use the information on the internut about bike fitting, due to your knee problem. Get the bike well "dialed in" to avoid putting undue stress on your knees, especially.
http://www.competitivecyclist.com/z...LINK=NOREDIR&CLEAR_RESULTS=TRUE&SITE.CODE=RDB
this is more for racing fit, but may be helpful, as I am sure other who come along here will be.

 

[vickster]

I think if only riding on rougher paths, suspension with a lock out would be a good idea If going on smoother paths and roads in the future, then perhaps a rigid fork. However, if you are looking to pootle around rather than for speed and the lightest bike, no reason why not to have the suspension

This looks good, see your local Giant dealer (Evans don't sell)

http://www.ashcycles.com/site/giant-roam-2-2012-15percent-worth-of-free-goods

Suspension with lockout, hydraulic discs, 35mm tyres will be comfy

Just realised this is quite an old thread with no replies from OP

 

[keyop_75]

http://www.cube.eu/uk/tour/urban-life/hyde/

I bought one of these about 6 weeks ago. It has slightly wider tyres than you would usually find on a Hybrid bike. But it gives you much more confidence if the tracks get a bit rough.

 

[youngoldbloke]

The Orange RX9? - OK twice the OP's budget, but sure is temptation - see The Thing

 

[MickL]

I have the Carrera Subway, I use it for both road, Canal towpaths which are in some part no more than a dirt trail and odd bridleway. Great bike and very comfortable for a 10 + mile bike ride.