entry level hybrid for everyday commuting

[bartiz]

Hello,

I'm looking for advice what to choose for hybrid commuting bicycle, too many choices available and brands I don't know, makes me all confused. I'm a bit limited with visiting stores as only few around and not everything in stock I'd like to check I guess (taking evans for example, or cycle uk where salesperson wants to push specialized - no offence tho).

I'd like to I want to use bike mainly for commuting to work (the distance is ~4 miles one way) on road and pathways, some not best. As well as city and maybe some shorter trips. Might be, I'll be cycling in dark, rain. I used to ride only a MTB (mainly woods), so I'm naturally looking into some hybrids with front suspension and am a bit scared of rigid bikes and road cycling. ;-)

I would like to spend roughly £400, preferably no more including basic accessory - I'd like to include mudguards, rack and lights.

What I'm looking at:

http://www.raleigh.co.uk/ProductType/ProductRange/Product/Default.aspx?pc=1&pt=266&pg=10874
£400 @ halfords, comes with suspension lock, might be handy?
Just don't like the handlebars shape.

http://www.evanscycles.com/products/claud-butler/claud-butler-legend-2014-hybrid-bike-ec075024
Very similar to previous one, not sure which one is better.

http://www.cube.eu/en/bikes/tour/touring/cube-touring-black-grey-white-2015/
Above my price tag, but looks nice and has dynamo, not sure how does these lights actually do. And no suspension lockout.

From rigid bikes
http://www.ridgeback.co.uk/bike/meteor
looks nice and has cheaper version http://www.ridgeback.co.uk/bike/speed

http://www.tredz.co.uk/.Dawes-Discovery-201EQ-2015-Hybrid-Sports-Bike_76834.htm
Just different brand on frame to me. ;-)

Or just Giant Escape 3
http://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-gb/bikes/model/escape.3/19208/77308/
They are available at my LBS, so it's always good thing. Also have Giant MTB which served me well.


I guess all above are very similar in equipment (gear, components?) and value, and all you could just advice to me is try each one of these and choose which one fits best. But I doubt I could test-drive even half of them. Maybe some of you have some other advice or some experience with any of these bikes with similar conditions. I'll be grateful for any advice that could straight up my choice.


Other forums suggested me voodoo marsa http://www.halfords.com/cycling/bik...-bikes/voodoo-marasa-hybrid-bike-2013-2014-18
but I've been told V brakes are cheaper and simpler to maintain, never had disc brakes, so not sure...
As well as b'twin @ decathlon but not sure about it.

 

[Shortmember]

http://www.evanscycles.com/products/norco/storm-73-2015-mountain-bike-ec074746#features
A friend of mine has recently bought one of these and rides a round trip of about 8 miles to and from work. He loves the bike.Technically it's not a hybrid; more like a trail bike but I think it would make a nice little all rounder, and the front suspension would soak up the punishment that potholes and rough tracks dish out to your arms and hands on a rigid fork bike. At £300 there should be enough cash left over in your budget for mudguards, lights and, possibly, a beam rack.

 

[bartiz]

Maybe I'll change my question a bit then. Since the component names doesn't tell me much, especially if it's mainly bunch of names like that: RD-TX55.

Which one of these has best value for the components and if I will even feel any much difference between them since they're all similar price tag and I'm a rookie. How much the 'brand' matters for these?

http://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-gb/bikes/model/escape.3.city/19208/77310/

http://www.ridgeback.co.uk/bike/Meteor

http://www.tredz.co.uk/.Dawes-Sonoran-2015-Hybrid-Classic-Bike_76891.htm

To me seems like Giant gives least for lowest price, and Ridgeback being best value out of three above.

http://www.evanscycles.com/products/norco/vfr-3-2015-hybrid-bike-ec075297 also this one looks interesting to me, just not sure if I could test it before buy at my local evans store if its not in stock

 

[vickster]

Evans will order in a bike for you to test ride if they have it in their warehouse, there's no obligation to buy, but you do have to pay a £50 or £60 refundable depost

As you say, the components are pretty similar at any given price point. Concentrate on buying a bike that will enable you to commute comfortable, ie takes full mudguards, maybe a pannier rack (although a rucksack is bearable for 4 miles if not carrying heavy computers etc), one that is comfortable when you try it out and one you find aesthetically pleasing

Don't forget to budget for good locks, at least £50 on a sold secure gold d lock

 

[Shortmember]

http://www.halfords.com/cycling/bik...-bikes/carrera-subway-1-mens-hybrid-bike-2015
You might want to consider this hybrid.I have owned two of these Carrera Subways, and as far as I am concerned it is the best value Hybrid around for the price.A pair of semi slicks like these fitted in place of the standard treaded ones make it the perfect commuter bike IMO.

 

[Kestevan]

Given the type of riding you've described, and your budget I'd really recommend that you avoid suspension altogether. It's going to be heavy, unresponsive and pointless. A decent rigid fork (carbon preferably) and bigger smooth tyres will give a perfectly ok ride and be a sight easier too.

 

[bartiz]

Yes, I decided I'll go rigid after all, but probably steel/alloy though. Thank for you reply.

Now to make it 'simplier' I have trouble deciding between cheap disc brakes or maybe also cheap standard V brakes.
I have few bikes on mind (ridgeback meteor, norco indie, jamis coda), all available through evans, so maybe I'll just order one for the test.

 

[mybike]

Yes, I decided I'll go rigid after all, but probably steel/alloy though. Thank for you reply.

Now to make it 'simplier' I have trouble deciding between cheap disc brakes or maybe also cheap standard V brakes.
I have few bikes on mind (ridgeback meteor, norco indie, jamis coda), all available through evans, so maybe I'll just order one for the test.

I had a motorbike (yes I know they are different) with a cabled disk brake at the front. I found that it was pretty useless when I really needed it & reading comments on here I'd avoid cable operated disk brakes on a bicycle as well.

 

[bartiz]

Oh, I meant hydraulic brakes like Shimano BR-M355 or Tektro HDC-300.

I've also just found Marin Larkspur cs3 from last year with nice discount, I think it might be it.

 

[Snoopeh]

I got a specialized 2015 cross-tail Hybrid i would recommend it. It took a bit of getting used to as i was used to smaller wheeled mountain bikes but it does the job for a mere £550. It also covers the rigid as you can lock the suspension.

I am no expert though. But as a mere novice i was more than happy with this.