First hybrid bike

[johnmillie]

Just now im using my gt aggressor 2 but iv locked the suspension off and fitted schwalbe city Jet tyres pumped up as high as they allow,

 

[HLaB]

If you read up, MY, I was commenting on HLaB's post that he'd "...rule out the Ridley because its quite low geared (a 22/32/44 chainring)..." as the Ridley site says it comes with 30/39/50.

Norm, John said he was looking at the Cross which according to the Ridley site does come with 22/32/44. I freely admit though whilst I'd consider that low as would many others, others would not.

 

[nich]

If you're still undecided, check out the boardman hybrids at Halfords. They are rather nice, and excellent value for money. The 2011 range is in now, so the 2010 models are cheaper, but harder to come by.

 

[Norm]

Norm, John said he was looking at the Cross which according to the Ridley site does come with 22/32/44. I freely admit though whilst I'd consider that low as would many others, others would not.

Sorry, sir, you're right. My first search turned the cross up as frame only, by the time I went to the Ridley site, that bit had escaped me. Apologies.

So, back to my earlier comment, I'd be happy with 44 on the big ring. I think my MTB has 22/32/42 anyway, and I don't spin out on that although obviously that's a different style with different tyres (2.3cm) as well.

 

[HLaB]

Just now im using my gt aggressor 2 but iv locked the suspension off and fitted schwalbe city Jet tyres pumped up as high as they allow,

Bearing in mind a new bike will be lighter, more efficient etc., how do you find the gearing on that. That might be a starting point for comparing gears but as most folk have pointed out comfort is more important.
Its been a while since I've done Pedal for Scotland but iirc its pretty flat apart from one short climb and that's not much of a climb. Good Luck!

 

[johnmillie]

Thanks iv just checked and the crank has 42 stamped on it, with that I rarely spin out, the Ridley model I was looking at is the SLX build and the Ridley site says that comes with the same 42 on the big wheel, just now I rarely change of it even on uphill, the other thing the site says is that the disc version is lighter than the other usually the shops have been saying the disc brakes add to the weight

 

[HLaB]

Thanks iv just checked and the crank has 42 stamped on it, with that I rarely spin out, the Ridley model I was looking at is the SLX build and the Ridley site says that comes with the same 42 on the big wheel, just now I rarely change of it even on uphill, the other thing the site says is that the disc version is lighter than the other usually the shops have been saying the disc brakes add to the weight

If you are rarely out of the 42 (uphill or downhill), I'd suggest you'd be comfortable with higher gearing, at a guess 90% of your cycling would then be in the middle ring and you'd have the bigger/smaller ring for when you need them (downhill or steeper uphills).

What the lbs's are telling you with regard to disc brakes would be my perception too. Without significant other changes (frame size, added carbon, etc) discs would be slightly heavier but they are getting lighter and more reliable all the time. The only safe way to determine how you feel about them is to test ride.

 

[johnmillie]

Thanks again, sorry to keep bothering you but when you say higher gearing fo you mean greater than 42, and could you point me in the direction of something with it

 

[Beebo]

I switched from a slicked up MBT to a Trek 7.3FX last month with 48, 38, 28 front cogs. It makes my commute faster, but if you are used to front suspension you will feel the bumps and potholes on the 7.3FX.

The MTB had 42, 32, 22 front cogs, I was riding my commute in 42 cog the entire way on the flat, and could get up the steepest hills without going down to the granny ring.

The Hybrid 7.3 FX is higher geared, I never use the 48 cog I commute in the middle cog and have to drop into the granny ring to get up hills.

You have to factor in the larger tire circumference that comes with the 700c wheels, it means that one revolution of the wheel takes you further but you have to push harder to achieve the same no. of revolutions. (does that make sense?)

 

[johnmillie]

That's perfect so even with the same 42 I'd go quicker cause of the bigger wheels, I'll go try them tomorrow see which I fine the best fit, hopefully it'll not be raining or I'll have to wait again

 

[marinyork]

If you read up, MY, I was commenting on HLaB's post that he'd "...rule out the Ridley because its quite low geared (a 22/32/44 chainring)..." as the Ridley site says it comes with 30/39/50.

I actually started typing my original post before yours, so nurrrrr.

 

[marinyork]

That's perfect so even with the same 42 I'd go quicker cause of the bigger wheels, I'll go try them tomorrow see which I fine the best fit, hopefully it'll not be raining or I'll have to wait again

Weight (probably), tyre width and type (slick versus knobblies). The size of the wheels will make a bit of difference but wouldn't read too much into it. It doesn't sound, superficially, to me like you need 22/32/42.

 

[Norm]

I actually started typing my original post before yours, so nurrrrr.

OK, ok, I've admitted I was wrong, put that salt away, please, MY.

 

[HLaB]

Thanks again, sorry to keep bothering you but when you say higher gearing fo you mean greater than 42, and could you point me in the direction of something with it

Yip that's exactly what I mean you sound like you'd cope no problem with a higher gear; at the moment you seem to be doing most of your riding in the large chainring (if you were struggling all the time in the small chainring I'd advise you consider the same or lower gearwise). I think the listed your listed Trek has a 48, as does the sirrus. Whilst you might not need them often the bigger big ring is there for the odd time you do (for me that's 90% of the time ).

That's perfect so even with the same 42 I'd go quicker cause of the bigger wheels, I'll go try them tomorrow see which I fine the best fit, hopefully it'll not be raining or I'll have to wait again

As Marinyork says there is much more reasons why you would be going faster than just the 700cc wheels: a lighter bike, smoother/ narrower tyres, improved personal fitness, the new toy effect etc.

 

[Mike!]

Tried both the Trek 7.5fx and sirrus comp and didn't get on with the trek myself. The front felt light and skipped around all over whereas the Sirrus was perfect for me.

You have to ride them and it will become clear....