Good Beginner Hybrid Bike

[Anto]

Hi Everyone,

I'm new to cycling and I'm looking to get my first proper bike this week. I went to a couple of LBS today just to get a feel for what's available and also to see which shop I would like to do business with in future.

I've been doing a bit of research on bikes and I'm looking on some advice on what to choose in the £200-£300 bracket. I'm looking to mostly go out cycling on the road for fitness but also to be able to commute to work and maybe do a bit of light off-road stuff (cycle trails n stuff).

Anyway, I've heard that the Carrera Subway is a good buy (despite it coming from Halfords) and i've also seen what seems like a cracking deal on a GT Transeo 4 on Wiggle (both below).

GT Transeo 4:
http://www.wiggle.co.uk/gt-transeo-4-2012/

Carrera Subway:
http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/..._productId_892925_langId_-1_categoryId_165534

The LBS(s) seem to be pushing the Claud Butler range this season and I see the entry-level Urban 100/200 looks like a decent option too. I also looked at Specialized Sirrus and Trek FX 7.x range but they look a little over my budget.

Please help me decide or offer alternative options, cheers!

P.S. I'm 6"2 and 34" inside leg so I'm looking at a 22" frame right?

 

[Falwheeler]

My son has just bought a Giant Escape 3, nice bike £299

 

[ACS]

I started commuting on a Specialized Sirrus Sport 09, used it every day, in all weathers, never missed a beat. Thought I was progressing by 'upgrading' to a Tricross Sport. I would have another Sirrus at the drop of a hat great bike. Light, responsive and stable. Save up and treat yourself to an XL.

 

[Sheffield_Tiger]

That GT looks nae bad for the money. Can't tell whether it's a 26" or 700. It's be lovely if it had rigid forks...

Although the Sirrus is popular for a good reason, and a bit more nimble

 

[Anto]

That GT looks nae bad for the money. Can't tell whether it's a 26" or 700. It's be lovely if it had rigid forks...

I think from looking at the description its 700cc. Is that the racing-style tyres? Also, is the fact that it has front suspension and not rigid forks a bit of a negative?

 

[Anto]

I started commuting on a Specialized Sirrus Sport 09, used it every day, in all weathers, never missed a beat. Thought I was progressing by 'upgrading' to a Tricross Sport. I would have another Sirrus at the drop of a hat great bike. Light, responsive and stable. Save up and treat yourself to an XL.

Yeah the Sirrus looks great alright but I can't seem to see any for under £370, which is a but over my budget. By XL do u mean frame size or a Sirrus 'XL' ?

 

[Sheffield_Tiger]

I think from looking at the description its 700cc. Is that the racing-style tyres? Also, is the fact that it has front suspension and not rigid forks a bit of a negative?

Personal preference, but generally on an entry level bike, something else suffers in quality (something not "flashy" like bottom bracket or wheel hubs) to offset the cost of bouncy forks - and they're not really needed but some prefer them and that's a valid choice

And yes, looking at descriptions elsewhere it seems 700C which is a plus in my opinion - 700x40 - wide! But you can always drop down to a 35 or similar later which will still be more than capable on most leisure trails

 

[ACS]

Yeah the Sirrus looks great alright but I can't seem to see any for under £370, which is a but over my budget. By XL do u mean frame size or a Sirrus 'XL' ?

XL frame. I''m 5 11 with a 33 inside seam and a 'large' was just a shade small, not saddle height because that has a fair range of adjustment, but across the top tube (saddle to handle bars). In my limited experience of purchasing bikes I have come to learn that' try before you buy' is a sound piece of advice.

Have you considered the Triban 3 ? Probably the best value entry level bike on the market at present. Lot of people have a lot of good things to say about this bike, run a search on this forum you will be very suprised. (for instance link )

 

[Anto]

Have you considered the Triban 3 ? Probably the best value entry level bike on the market at present. Lot of people have a lot of good things to say about this bike, run a search on this forum you will be very suprised. (for instance link )

Had a look and it seems more like a straight-forward road racer, rather than a Hybrid? I'm just wondering as I need to make sure it's versatile enough to commute, open road and also go through parks and stuff.

Also, does anyone have an opinion on the Claud Butler bikes I mentioned? The LBS all seem to stock them at the moment.

 

[Pjays666]

I have not cycled for 20 years just got myself a diamondback contra flow and I think it is great. They are made by raleigh and I believe they are an entry level version of the contra. So far I have only done around 300 miles on it but more than happy for the £290 I spent from my lbs. Good luck.

 

[Supersuperleeds]

I'm 6ft 2 and 34" leg as well (and also on the large size weight wise.) I have a Felt QX70, had it for a few years and it is great for commuting. Wiggle currently have it for £280 (just spotted they haven't got your size - but still worth a look at!)

 

[Anto]

Thanks for the suggestions so far folks!

Went into some shops today, including Evans and Edinburgh Cycling and managed to try out a Sirrus, which seems like a really decent bit of kit. Unfortunately i didn't get to try out the GT Transeo that I also had my eye on (nobody had them in stock).

At the moment really I'm between ordering the GT Transeo from Wiggle (seems like a great deal for £270) or stretching my budget to £370 for the Sirrus 2012.

 

[MrJamie]

http://www.tredz.co.uk/.Giant-Escape-3-2013-Hybrid-Sports-Bike_54942.htm
http://www.wiggle.co.uk/felt-qx60-2012/

I like the look of the GT Transeo though, Id guess with the Sirrus youd be paying a little extra for the brand. I actually like front suspension, but then I ride paths/trails as much if not more than roads, theyre not as heavy as people make out like +0.5-1kg and they add a lot of comfort on rough ground and trails. I dont think that fork has a lockout though, so for hills in particular, the suspension bounce will waste some of your energy making it harder work for you although you can turn the preload up to counter a lot of it. I wouldnt base a bike choice on tyres either, theyll get replaced in time anyway