Hi there

[g00se]

Looks reasonable. There are quite a few rigid fork hybrids in this price range. They are quite similar in componentary and materials so it's really down to trying them out. For example, look for trek 7.1, 7.2 and 7.3 fx & Pinnacles at Evans (own brand). Also the Edinburgh Bike coop hybrids and the Specialised Sirrus.

I tried the Specialized and the Trek and was going to go with the Trek until my brother suggested the Kona and I found one to try. It 'felt' much more manoeuvrable at slow speeds and responsive. The Trek was maybe a bit more stable - but I thought the Kona felt much more fun and I was a bit in-between sizes on the Trek too.

 

[pb63]

Thanks Goose, There's just such a great selection these days it makes it so much more difficult.

I've found a 2009 spec dew plus at £360 so think I'm just going to bite the bullet and go for it. Whatever you buy is always going to be superceded by the next model/come down in price, but I would like to get something sooner rather than later so accept that.

 

[g00se]

Cool - what frame size is it and how tall are you?

 

[pb63]

I'm 5 foot 7 inches so was going to go for either a 54 or 56 size frame - probably the 54 although have asked the supplier for their opinion before I order.

I read the following on the Evans website:
"The Dew models have a compact frame size that come up 5cm smaller than stated. E.g. 56cm frame = 51c"

How tall are you Goose and what framesize have you got/do you reccommend?

 

[HLaB]

We're all different as are bikes but I'm 5ft 9&1/4 a bike recommended a 56cm for me and I ride 2 54cms (the Sirrus is an equivalent 54cm what ever that means) and a 55cm. So 54 sounds about right for you.

 

[pb63]

Cool. In an ideal world I'd to test ride one, but there's none stocked near me.

Does 2cm make a lot of difference?

 

[g00se]

I'm 5'8 1/2" and the 54cm kona frame is perfect for me. There's a detailed kona sizing chart online somewhere and the tech forum on the main kona website has a lot of answers.

 

[HLaB]

IME if a bike is too big you're overstretching and your knee is too far behind the axle which can cause knee pain. If the bike is slightly too small (which I doubt in your case if you go for the 54) you can always put the seat post up a few cm.

 

[pb63]

Wow, cheers guys - this has been a really useful forum for me. Sounds like the 54 will be the one then.

I'll search for the Kona charts, and will hopefully be back when it arrives!

Thanks again!