Hi there

[pb63]

Hi there, I've just joined up to this website and have been reading a couple of reviews .

I used to be a keen cyclist when I was younger and now I'm trying to get back into it . Mainly will be riding on the weekends and evenings around 10-20 miles building up to more longer rides.

I'm looking for a Hybrid as I hope this will give me the happy medium between road and light trail. I've seen 3 bikes in the £300 range and would love to know your opinions:

Scott Sportster P5: http://www.evanscycles.com/products/scott/sportster-p5-2009-hybrid-bike--ec016360

Saracen Venturer 3
http://www.evanscycles.com/products/saracen/venturer-3-2008-hybrid-bike-ec001201

Kona Dew Plus 2008
http://www.abbeycycles.com/products.php?plid=m1b12s218p318

Which would you go for? Anyother suggestions?

Greatly appreciate your views.

 

[aJohnson]

Welcome and good job wanting to get back into cycling. As for the bikes, I don't know know which is a better buy sorry.

 

[pb63]

Thanks for the welcome.

All 3 bikes look tempting...but I just don't know which to go for?

 

[mike e]

Hello and welcome.

Out of the 3 bikes you've listed I would go for the Kona without question. The other 2 have a suspension fork but at best it will be a fairly crude affair which just adds weight and maintenance. The Kona also has disc brakes which will improve braking in the wet and it just looks the nicer of the 3....

Most important is to get the bike that fits you correctly, any good bike shop will ensure this happens.

 

[pb63]

Thanks Mike - The Kona was the one I was swaying towards for that reason + it's a sexy green...

I know the frames on this particular bike are smaller than normal by around 5cm so this will have to be factored into it...

 

[Tenorman]

Welcome, and good for you for wanting to get back into cycling. Regarding the bikes, there are differences that make each stand out a bit - the Kona appears to have disc brakes, which some prefer, but it looks to have the cheapest Shimano derailleurs of the three. In the end, the most important thing will be which one feels best - so I'd advise getting a test ride of all three and find which one you prefer. Check for lugs/braze ons to see how easy it would be to fit a rack/mudguards, etc, in case you want them for carrying stuff rather than just riding.

Cheers

 

[pb63]

So it's disc brakes vs suspension vs cheaper gears...

I will try to get a test ride on these bikes but I know the Kona isn't stocked near me (esp as it's 2008 so out of stock) so will be difficult to get a test ride.

I'm hoping it shouldn't be too bad getting back into cycling as I'm a long distance swimmer so hopefully the foundations for fitness will be there...although appreciate different muscle groups and cardio etc...looking forward to it though!

 

[ComedyPilot]

Hello, welcome on board, enjoy the ride.

 

[pb63]

Thanks Comedy Pilot - which one of the 3 above would you go for/why?

 

[HLaB]

Welcome; like other have said I'd go for the Kona with fixed forks, the suspension forks on the other bikes at that price will weigh a fair bit.

 

[g00se]

Hi,

Another one for the Kona. You said you might have troubles testing one where you are - whereabouts is that?

I've got the 2009 Dew Plus model. The derailleurs on the 2009 model are a higher spec (Deore). The 2010s are coming out soon so there may be some 2009 models going cheap soon. An upgrade of the rear derailleur won't be too much - a Deore is about £20 so you could go with the lesser kit for now and upgrade it later - maybe as part of a service or if it starts giving you gip. Replacing cheap front forks is more expensive.

 

[pb63]

Hi thanks for the advice.
I’m based in Bedford so the nearest stockist of Kona’s I know of is Evans in Milton Keynes and they’ve sold out.
I’m pretty much set on the Kona now so can anyone recommend the best place to either get a 2008 model or better still the 2009 model? When do you think they are likely to bring out the 2010 model of the Dew Plus and therefore reduce the 2009 model?

 

[g00se]

Hi. Not sure whe the new ones are coming out maybe a month or two, maybe nearer the end of the year. I was toying with waiting for them to come out but folks said they may be more expensive this year due to the exchange rate. Try the kona uk website. They have lists of shops - you might be able to try out another kona dew model if the plus is not in stock. Thats what I did - I found a basic kona few in my size locally and ordered the plus.

 

[pb63]

sounds like a plan - I will be keeping a watch out, not in any mad rush as I have a trusty stead I am using at the moment but a nice shiny Kona would be good sooner or later. Will keep my eyes peeled on the web and in the meantime see if I can try one out.

 

[pb63]

Just seen this:

http://www.tredz.co.uk/.Giant-Escape-R2-2009-Hybrid-Sports-Bike_20164.htm

This is such a tough decision! Thoughts?