Help needed finding a hybrid bike.

[Rustylady]

Help! I need a new bike. As I mentioned in a previous post I’m not the most gifted rider! I’m looking for something which hopefully won’t appeal to a thief, a I’ve lost 2 bikes!.

All I’m looking for a hybrid shopper with a step through frame, with a basket at the front, and a rack at the back. I’ve seen the Pashley bikes, but unfortunately they are out of my league! My budget is a max £300 as I will mostly use the bike for trips to the supermarket, and our allotment, and maybe along the some trails.

So I’ve seen these do you knowledgeable guys think?

http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/..._productId_762373_langId_-1_categoryId_165534

http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/..._productId_700791_langId_-1_categoryId_231005

http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/..._productId_842975_langId_-1_categoryId_165534
Is this a Pashley copy?

http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/..._productId_822073_langId_-1_categoryId_231005

On EBay. I’m a little dubious of buying one from here, just in case it’s stolen!
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/120895368...AX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1438.l2649#ht_500wt_1287

I will also be visiting my LBS for some advice too!

Regards
Rusty

 

[Norm]

Hey, Rusty

I don't know any of those Halfords bikes, although I'm intrigued by the Pendleton as Victoria is just starting to develop a range which could / should match Boardman's. Although with a less sour face, if the cyclists behind the names are anything to go by.

 

[mickle]

As I was reading your post I came to the same conclusion - get thee to an LBS!

And be very careful with the word 'hybrid'. It's much better to approach the task with an idea of what you want the bike to do than what it's called. 'Hybrid' means everything and nothing, and different things to different people.

What sort of distances do you want to cover? Is your area hilly? How much shopping/paperwork/chicken feed do you need to carry? How much do you want to spend? (a) On the bike and (b) On accessories such as lights/lock/panniers/basket?

How about a Bobbin? Or a BEG? Or even a Dawes?

 

[wiggydiggy]

LBS Time!

I'm normally able to put some recomnedations up when someone wants a hybrid but I dont know much about shoppers sorry.

I'd only say to avoid the Apollo as its a poor bike make generally IMO

 

[Rustylady]

Ok thanks for the suggestions guys, well off I went to a LBS and after a chat and look at the bikes I’ve narrowed it down to these two. What do you think-good choices? My riding will be to the supermarket 2 miles and the allotment 1.5 miles from home. Maybe some trails. I’ll be getting a front basket, so my budget has widened slightly to inc locks, but budget for bike has risen slightly to £325.

http://www.winstanleysbikes.co.uk/product/39987/Dawes_Mojave_2012_Womens_Bike

http://www.rutlandcycling.com/41810/Trek-T30-WSD-2011---Ladies-Hybrid-Bike.html?referrer=froogle1?utm_source=google

Regards
Rusty

 

[mickle]

Trek I reckon. It's a good deal, and a great bike.

 

[wiggydiggy]

Trek

I do prefer the Dawes handlebars, but not enough to choose it over the Trek

 

[Ivan Ardon]

The Trek's the best of the bunch by far. It's also recognisable as such and worth a thief putting the effort in to steal it.

Much as it pains me to say it, the Apollo may be a better choice given your history of having the things stolen. They CAN be good bikes, but in my experience, they need a proper bike shop so set them up properly once they've been put together by Halfords. [I've done a lot of miles on an Apollo CX10 Apollo - fine once assembled properly, and sister-in-law has the Etienne you've linked to - it's OK].

 

[Rustylady]

Guys thanks for you advice. I really don't know the difference between the Trek and the Dawes what makes the Trek 'superior' to the Dawes?

Maybe Ivan has a point with the Apollo Etienne? BUT as both my bikes were stolen from our 'secure' underground car park I will be keeping the bike at home.

Regards

Rusty

 

[wiggydiggy]

Guys thanks for you advice. I really don't know the difference between the Trek and the Dawes what makes the Trek 'superior' to the Dawes?

Maybe Ivan has a point with the Apollo Etienne? BUT as both my bikes were stolen from our 'secure' underground car park I will be keeping the bike at home.

Regards

Rusty

Dont read too much into it, I just preferred the look of the Trek and on gut feeling I think the Trek is better. Plus I prefer the colour lol

Honestly, either seem fine?

 

[Rustylady]

Well I did end up buying the Trek, and purchased a Basil Berlin front mesh basket, also a Kryptonite New York Fahgettaboudit Mini Lock, and a Kryptonite Kryptoflex 4 ft Cable Lock. Hopefully this will stop those thieving b******* from getting their mitts on my wheels!

She is currently residing in the spare room where she sleeps at night!

Thanks for the advice you've all been most helpful,

Regards

Rusty

 

[cyberknight]

My pride and joy never gets left anywhere, even at a cake stop its in view .The commuter is always locked with 2 locks in a secure cycle rack with cctv and never gets left anywhere else.

Hope your new bike brings you many miles off fun.