Hi and what ladies hybrid

[speedy gonzalez]

I've been biking for years and I'm going to treat myself to a nice new bike this year. My bike goes over mainly grass, cycle paths and pretty rutted paths so I'm thinking a hybrid. I want to be able to fit panniers to the back for when I go shopping. I'm planning to spend up to £350.
There's nothing in the way of 2nd hand bikes near me and not much in the way of bike shops so online would be the best option.
Any suggestions please?

 

[Peteaud]

A bit over your budget but my wife has this and loves it.

http://www.deersleapbikes.co.uk/sho...ess-bikes/trek-7100-wsd-hybrid-bike-2012.aspx

It does have front suspension tho.

 

[vickster]

Specialized ariel probs around that or alternatively the ladies equivalent of the giant roam there are often good deals on the web for previous years models of the giant. Marin may well make something suitable too

 

[festival]

Giant Roam, whichever model you can get closest to your budget.

 

[speedy gonzalez]

Thanks all. Looking forward to new shiny bike!

 

[vickster]

Here's a 2012 Roam at a decent price (£338 from £400)

http://activesport.co.uk/shop/catalog/details?shop_param=

Here's the spec from Giant with a link to a sizing chart http://www.shopgiant-bicycles.co.uk/179/products/2012-giant-roam-3-w.aspx

 

[speedy gonzalez]

Thanks - quite liking the Giant Roam and I found a Giant Roam 2 2011 for £339 but I'm still looking around at the moment. What are the differences between the Roam and the Escape models? Also what about the Dawes Discovery?

 

[vickster]

Dawes make good solid bikes - Discovery is a road going hybrid with rigid forks, fairly fat 37mm tyres it seems. £300 model has steel forks, expect it'll be quite heavy

The Giant Escape also has a rigid fork and will be easier/quicker to ride on the road, with 32mm tyres. On the other hand, the Roam is a bit more off-roady and will be more comfy on the bumpy stuff due to the front suspension. Will require more energy on the road - due to the suspension and fatter 40mm tyres (based on 2013 specs at least)
If riding mainly on rutted paths, I'd be inclined by the Roam with the suspension. If you want to be quick on the road and this is as important as the rougher stuff, then try to find a carbon forked bike, will be more comfortable (albeit more costly)

 

[speedy gonzalez]

Thanks Vickster that's really helpful. Have Giant done away with the ladies Roam for 2013 as I couldn't see it on their website? Looks like it's been replaced by the Rove although they still do the men's Roam.