buying a new hybrid bike- advice seeked

[cityfan247]

Hi,

I know the topic of hybrids has been discussed many times already, i have looked at most of the threads, so apologies if covering old ground.

I am new to cycling- over the summer (the little bit we've had) I have really gotten into it and am starting to love it. Up to now I have being using an old (and cheap) MTB and built up from doing a couple of miles to 10-20 mile runs. i should maybe point out I am 6'4" and over 16 stone.

I would describe myself as cycling for pleasure with a bit of keep fit thrown in. When the weather is nice it beats sweating in the gym and at the moment I am probably cycling 4 or 5 times a week- mainly roads and country lanes/paths. I realise the old MTB isn't really suitable and want something quicker and more efficient.

I dont really want a full out and out road (racer) bike,something a bit more comfortable to ride and think Hybrid is the way to go- a combo of comfort with decent speed. Not exactly spolit for choice with LBS. 2 main ones near me really only had the Claud Butler Urbans and a GT (which was over £400). the next nearest shops are nearly 30 miles away but may have a wider choice such as Trek, Giant & Specialized.After a bit of research i have narrowed down the specs and my choices:

700 wheels, 21-24 speed, lightweight frame (aluminium or alloy) straight forks:

my budget is around £300 to £350 and scouring the internet have come up with these

Giant CRS 3.0 2009- around £280
http://www.giant-bicycles.com/EN-GB/bikes/lifestyle/2463/32851/

Scott Sportster P6- around £280
http://www.evanscycles.com/products/scott/sportster-p6-2009-hybrid-bike-ec016321

Pinnacle Stratus 2.0 around £300
http://www.evanscycles.com/products/pinnacle/stratus-20-2009-hybrid-bike-ec018121

Trek FX 7.0 around £290
http://www.evanscycles.com/products/trek/70-fx-2010-hybrid-bike-ec016499

slightly more expensive than my original budget but considered if they are good value:

trek FX 7.2 around £370
http://www.evanscycles.com/products/trek/72-fx-2009-hybrid-bike-ec016505

Specialized Sirrus 2010 £400
http://www.evanscycles.com/products/specialized/sirrus-2010-hybrid-bike-ec020018

Felt QX75 £370
http://www.evanscycles.com/products/felt/qx75-2009-hybrid-bike-ec017117

I notice it is not possible to order the treks online for home delivery.

I would appreciate any advice on the which of these bikes would be recommended and represent best value.

thanks

 

[Gerry Attrick]

Welcome to this venerable organ Cityfan. May your rides be smooth and p****ure free.

Of the bikes you have mentioned, I only have experience of the Pinnacle. I have found it to be excellent value and reliable if a little on the weighty side.

Hang around for other's opinions of your alternatives.

 

[cityfan247]

Thanks Gerry for the welocme and advice.

The Pinnacle is an exclusive to Evans. There doesn't seem to be any reviews on them and they appear to be a relatively new name on the scene. But I thought the spec looked alright for the price range with full Shimano gearing inc bottom bracket.

I dont know of an Evans store near me in North Lincolnshire -nearest is probably over near Leeds.

 

[Gerry Attrick]

Ah, another Yellowbelly. Welcome indeed. Pull up a chair and grab a mug of tea. We can discuss the rersistance tactics when the Hullygullies are sleeping.

Whereabouts are you? Are you far from Barrow?

Oh, and yes the nearest Evans to civilisation is in Castleford, but there is a shared store (with Blacks) at Monks Bar near York.

 

[lanternerouge]

Hi Cityfan, I've got a Scott Sportster and I love it

 

[cityfan247]

outskirts of Scunny. Been to Rustys in Ashby and the Falcon shop over in Brigg ,nice people but as i said not a lot of choice.

I may pop over to Grimsby -yellow pages has a couple of stores which may be alright- ones a Spesh/Trek stockist and another has Giant.

I must say I am intrigued by the Spesh but is certainly at the road bike end of the hybrid spectrum (has 28mm tyres) so will be quick but don't know how comfortable

 

[Gerry Attrick]

We are a bit limited for good local bike shops (lbs) around our neck of the woods, but I can recommend Ettridges in Grimsby and Star Bikes, Ken Ellerker and Freetown Sports in Hull.

Most others seem to cater more for the bike shaped object (bso) market.

 

[cityfan247]

Hi lanternerouge- thanks for the feedback

My bike of choice changes daily at the moment- the Scott has been my number 1 at various times and is available on tinternet for around £280 which is £50 off rrp. Is it relatively light and quick but still ok to ride in terms of comfort? The only negative comment i've seen on it is that the tooth range is a little limited

 

[cityfan247]

I think it was Ettridges that did Giant (as well as Bianchi) so may be worth speaking to.

I am loathe to pay the tolls to get to Hullygully land!!

 

[Gerry Attrick]

I think it was Ettridges that did Giant (as well as Bianchi) so may be worth speaking to.

I am loathe to pay the tolls to get to Hullygully land!!

Fully understand your mindset. However, like a puppy, a bike is for life not just for Christmas. Try out as many as you can before committing.

 

[cityfan247]

wise words

 

[lanternerouge]

Hi lanternerouge- thanks for the feedback

My bike of choice changes daily at the moment- the Scott has been my number 1 at various times and is available on tinternet for around £280 which is £50 off rrp. Is it relatively light and quick but still ok to ride in terms of comfort? The only negative comment i've seen on it is that the tooth range is a little limited

Hi Cityfan

There may be something in that but I've not had anything to compare it to! Comfort wise it's absolutely fine. It is certainly quite quick and a lot of fun to ride, for me anyway.

 

[cityfan247]

I don't even know if the difference between a 11 or 14 cassette is important to the likes of me anyway ! Up to now I've been on a cheap MTB so any of the bikes on the list would be a marked improvement.

 

[Archie_tect]

Hallo,
I bought a Giant CRS in April and it's the best thing I've ever bought... but any in your list would be decent. Best to go to the shop and try them out... if the shop's any good they'll be happy to let you.
Cheers,
Chris

 

[HJ]

Fully understand your mindset. However, like a puppy, a bike is for life not just for Christmas. Try out as many as you can before committing.

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