Can't pick a bike

[tbl]

Hi all,

I've been looking for a new bike for a few weeks, and keep giving up due to the vast array of options.

I *think* I want/need a hybrid, but open to options.

I've been looking at the Specialized Crosstrail range, as this will allow me to do my 12 mile round trip daily commute, and also allow me to hit some trails/canal paths at the weekend without much hassle.

I'm also wanting to make life easy for myself, so definitely don't want a full MTB like I have at the moment.
It's simply too heavy and the tires are no good for the road, end up shattered just getting to work!

The other main reason for going for a hybrid is that I Can occasionally take some shortcuts across dirt paths which would probably be too much for narrow slicks.

I have an open budget, but I would baulk at spending more than £500 all in.

Help appreciated.

 

[fossyant]

Loads of options - why not go towards the 'quicker end' of the hybrid market, as you already have an MTB for the mucky stuff.

Like a Scott Sub or Cannondale Bad Boy sort of thing.....

 

[tbl]

Thanks for the prompt reply, appreciated.
I should really have mentioned that the MTB is on it's last legs. It was a cheapo £200 jobby and it's been sitting in a dilapidated shed whilst I've been working away from home!
i.e. rust bucket, and not much salvageable (with my limited bike repair knowledge!)

 

[Black Sheep]

what kind of bike do you fancy?

if your were wanting a road bike but trying to still allow for your off road expeditions then perhaps a cross bike?

 

[tbl]

Hi, ta for your reply.

Some people are indeed suggesting a crossbike, like the Specialized Tricross; is this what you mean?

I was sort of thinking inside the box and assuming I'd go for an MTB style hybrid, but I'm certainly open to suggestions.
I'd thought the bigger 700c wheels on most of the hybrids would set me in good stead.

I'm just not knowedgable enough on the components to know for sure, so I'm going to end up thinking about this too much knowing me!

I'm getting lots of good suggestions but less firm advice; Some people are saying don't go with mechanical disc brakes for example, as they are maintenance heavy VS V-brakes or hydraulics... I wouldnt have knowsn this.

thanks for everyone's help so far, more trouble than it's worth this bicycle malarky; if only my poxy employer participated in Cycle to Work!

Steve

 

[Sittingduck]

Ridgeback Velocity
Ridgeback Flight (faster)
Specialized Sirrus
Trek 7.3

Checkout these 4... should be plenty food for though

p.s. if 26" wheels are acceptable - why not take a butchers at the Carerra Subway?

 

[Two mile commute]

Specialized Globes are also quite popular as commuter hybrids. Since I started on mine a couple more have appeared in the bike shed at work.

 

[downfader]

My Bro got a specialised Sirrus for about 300 quid and thats pretty good imo. You could always whack on some wider tyres for the offroading (something I did for my Jake and others do on their 'crossers)

I think the Sirrus's wheel will take about a 30-35mm max looking at my Bro's this morning. The front might be a little tighter..

I had a look in Halfords the other week at one of there carrera's. The Virtuoso I think its called? £330 and seems to have a good frame and spec. You could always upgrade the wheels on these things with a cheap set of aksium, fulcrums or racelites and still be within your budget.

 

[tbl]

What about the Felt QX range? Possible the QX70 or 80? Anyone have any experience/thoughts?