ianrauk said:
I actually agree with Norm as regards to Hybrids (*spit>>>>>>P'Tang!*).
Correcting the world, one person at a time.
Liamblink182 said:
Norm,
The specialized sirrus looks like just what im after, ive also looked at the GT Zum (which has been classed as a Hybrid!)
IMO, the Zum shows some of the downsides of the broad definition of the word "hybrid".
I would say that the Zum would make a great trail bike. By that, I mean that its environment mixes roads, cycle paths, single-track and tow paths. As g00se says, it has 26" wheels and it comes with off-road components (Shimano Deore gearing and disk brakes) and neither mudguard nor pannier mounts. Whilst I think disk brakes are good, I would be looking for the larger wheels and the closer gearing of a road bike if it was only going to be used on tarmac.
So, the GT Zum (and the Specialized Crosstrail) are excellent bikes for their environment, but I think that there are more suitable bikes if you aren't heading off the tarmac. For instance, the Sirrus mentioned already or something like
this (I can't bring myself to type the name) from Boardman.
Liamblink182 said:
I think im gonna get myself a pair of Schwalbe City Jets and see how i get on first, i really like the look of the sirrus though.
That's the way that I would do it. City Jets can be had for not very much and you'll get a chance to figure out what you want to change from your current bike.
Liamblink182 said:
I was looking at buying it on the cycle2work scheme, whats everyones opinions on the scheme?
Oh, crap. I think I've already typed too much on this thread.
It's generally a good idea but the quality of local implementations vary widely. Have a read of
this recent thread if you want to read a bit more.