Confused about which hybrid or trekking bike! Looking at CUBE touring and Felt QX70...

[ramblingr]

Hi,

I've recently moved to Germany (Berlin) and I'm looking for a hybrid or trekking bike which I can use for commuting around town, and weekend and some longer trips mainly taking advantage of the fantastic cycle path networks round here. But I'm slightly confused by all the options, and need help deciding what is worth paying for.

Back home in the UK I had a cheap get around town bike and a mountain bike for country adventures - so this will be my first hybrid purchase. Also, as cycling has increasingly become a big pleasure of mine (from long day trips to a week long ride in Cuba last year), I want to spend enough to know that it is a bike that will be a joy to ride and will last well, and be comfy enough for a day in the saddle. But it's not worth me going overboard as I don't have anywhere especially safe or dry to store the bike. So I've been looking between £400 -500 (or 500 to 600 euros as prices below in euros!) and will buy a good lock and insurance...

These are the options I'm considering. If anyone has any experience of these bikes or an opinion on whether they are worth the money, I'd love to know!

1. CUBE Touring Lady black grey blue
Found 2013 version in sales for 639 euros (from 849), fully kitted out (rack, lights etc)
Looks like it's at the on the 'road' end of the hybrid spectrum? Anyone know how well it would handle forest paths and less well maintained cycle paths? (maybe with different tyres?)
http://www.bike-discount.de/shop/k1282/a79025/touring-lady-black-grey-blue.html

2. FELT QX 70-EQ Lady (549 euros)
or possibly, FELT QX90 EQ Lady (but because there's a good sale price only at certain sizes so I need to try Felt sizes out first)
Looks like a nice all round option?
http://www.bike-discount.de/shop/k1282/a116935/qx-70-eq-lady.html

3. Cube Nature Lady grey blue print
Looks like a better offroad option than the touring cube above but it's definitely at the v top end of my budget once I've added rack and lights so I'm not sure if it's worth it...
http://www.fahrrad.de/cube-nature-lady-grey-blue-print-329592.html

Other questions I still have...
- how much of a difference will it make to me to go for a hybrid / trekking bike that is at the road or off road end of things?
- I've heard people say not to bother with suspension forks if you're not going to be off road much, but it seems that the majority of hybrid/trekking bikes at this price range have them?
- all of the options above are around the 15kg mark which seems quite a lot compared to other types of bikes but I think to get a kitted out trekking bike that's less than that you really need to spend a lot more?
- I expect the answer to be yes but just need a bit of reassurance that bikes like this are noticeably better than what I could get in the £300-400 price bracket?

The forums here have already been helpful so thank you very much in advance and apologies if I am repeating questions already covered elsewhere.

 

[Pale Rider]

All the bikes will handle cycle paths and forest paths, assuming you don't mean ones with large tree roots and deep ruts.

The Cube Touring has slightly wider tyres - better on soft stuff - than the Felt, which might roll a bit better on asphalt.

Probably not much in it, so it may come down to the bike/retailer you like best.

 

[Cyclist33]

I honestly don't think there's much of a difference between the 3-400 and 4-500 bracket.

If you've done week long tours then hats-off and I think you could justify spending more. Go to £600 and you'll get a pretty nice frame... from which all other good things flow.

 

[ramblingr]

All the bikes will handle cycle paths and forest paths, assuming you don't mean ones with large tree roots and deep ruts.

The Cube Touring has slightly wider tyres - better on soft stuff - than the Felt, which might roll a bit better on asphalt.

Probably not much in it, so it may come down to the bike/retailer you like best.

Thank you, that's reassuring to know and useful info re they tyres, hadn't compared them ... think I've found a shop where I can try them both out so hopefully that will help...

 

[ramblingr]

I honestly don't think there's much of a difference between the 3-400 and 4-500 bracket.

If you've done week long tours then hats-off and I think you could justify spending more. Go to £600 and you'll get a pretty nice frame... from which all other good things flow.

Justifying is always the easy bit - finding the money less so
Mainly though, as this is the first time I've gone out looking for a bike that isn't just adequate and cheap, it's hard to know what to prioritise and look for that will be worth the extra cash, I don't want to spend money for the sake of it without knowing what I'm doing!
If there was an option around 600 that really was worth the step I might step up a bit.... any suggestions?!

 

[Cyclist33]

Alas, I know nothing of touring bikes. I think you have to spend a bit more still..?

Road hybrids I'm a big fan of. I have a road bike and a flat bar hybrid made up like a road bike and while the extra sleekness of the road bike and the extra hand positions are useful, they don't outweigh the pootling pleasure of the hybrid. And it's just as fast. And more comfortable.

Don't know what's available in Germany!! If Cannondale I can recommend the Quick http://www.evanscycles.com/products/cannondale/quick-4-2014-womens-hybrid-bike-ec054933

Stu

 

[ramblingr]

Yes Cannondale seem to be around but not all that much... I will keep an eye out and see if I can try some. Good to hear the thumbs up for hybrid on the roads. Comfortable position definitely an important part of what is going to keep me out there for long rides!