Hybrid bicycle/Mountain Bike required for commuting and off road

[chris1012]

Hi guys,

I do not know much about bicycles however I need a bicycle in a budget of £300-£500 to commute to work 3 days week 15miles and occasional off road biking.

A friend who knows far more about bikes than I do has suggested to go for a hardpan (front suspension bike).
For me the main requirements are -
1. Weight, the lighter the better
2. Comfort (need a good seat)
3. Reputable in terms of quality/longevity (it will be kept in an out door bike shed)


The few I have had a look at are the following -

1. Evans Cycles - GT Avalanche Sport 2015 Mountain Bike
2. Trek 8.2 DS
3. Boardman Hybrid Comp Bike

I am not sure if there are any other better bikes in my price rangea, but any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

Many Thanks

 

[vickster]

The suspension is at odds with the weight, particularly on a bike at the lower price range and it may not appreciate being kept outdoors
How rough is is the off roading you're planning? If the main use is roads, I'd look beyond suspension or at least make sure it has a good lockout

 

[Cavalol]

I agree with Vickster.

If it's being stored in a bike shed, is it enclosed or open one side? Cheaper/budget bikes tend to rust like there's no tomorrow if left outside, though in fairness to Treks in my experience they seem to fair very well.

 

[Cyclist33]

Hi guys,

I do not know much about bicycles however I need a bicycle in a budget of £300-£500 to commute to work 3 days week 15miles and occasional off road biking.

A friend who knows far more about bikes than I do has suggested to go for a hardpan (front suspension bike).
For me the main requirements are -
1. Weight, the lighter the better
2. Comfort (need a good seat)
3. Reputable in terms of quality/longevity (it will be kept in an out door bike shed)


The few I have had a look at are the following -

1. Evans Cycles - GT Avalanche Sport 2015 Mountain Bike
2. Trek 8.2 DS
3. Boardman Hybrid Comp Bike

I am not sure if there are any other better bikes in my price rangea, but any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

Many Thanks

Weight. Overrated. A good strong bike for commuting at your stated budget, the lightness won't really matter. It's more important it can carry bags and mudguards and ting. Suspension is okay, I wouldn't bother personally but some would, weight wise even the lightest carbon fork on a hybrid is about 750 grams, front suspension about 2 kg so you might be adding a kilo or a half, it isn't really that much and in any case it seems that heavier = faster downhill so that's a win.

Comfort. There's so much more to comfort than "a good seat", which are a) completely subjective as no two people have the same "configuration" in the backside department, b) can be changed at will, and c) come in all kinds of different types/paddings/cut-outs etc that to define comfort by "a good saddle" is not something you should listen to any advice on except your own body's.

Reputable. I don't understand this as at your budget any bike will last a long time if you look after it properly.

This is the one I would get for commuting http://www.rutlandcycling.com/28499...currency=GBP&gclid=CP2IprXLpccCFQYOwwodQo0Fvw