Hybrid bike - will I regret buying one or do you love your hybrid?

[phil-b]

I would like an all rounder bike for mostly tarmac pathways and some tracks and this all points to a hybrid

but I have seen so many comments that say I will regret getting a hybrid as its not a great road bike and it is no good as a mountain bike

will I regret buying one or do you love your hybrid

 

[NorthernDave]

I bought a hybrid (Boardman MX Sport) and it's great - it can go pretty much anywhere I want to.
Mind you, within 6 months I'd also bought a road bike...which is now my number 1 bike.

 

[13 rider]

I have a 13 hybrid (see avatar) and love it . It's now my commuter bike as I also bought a road bike after 9 months .Pattern emerging ? Unless you are going to do serious off road a hybrid will be fine.

 

[vickster]

Get one with lockout fork, or a rigid fork if not on really rough surfaces

 

[grumpyoldwoman]

I've got a Boardman MX Sport (women's) as an upgrade to my Raleigh Vixen mountain bike.
All I can say is that I wish I'd done it sooner! How much is psycological I don't know,but it feels,rides and handles better than my old bike.Much prefer it,for me it's much much better. Others may disagree but compared to what I had before,well.....

 

[phil-b]

Get one with lockout fork, or a rigid fork if not on really rough surfaces

Yes I was planning on front suspension with lockout

 

[vickster]

Yes I was planning on front suspension with lockout

Should work for all surfaces, as long as you are not looking for out and out on road speed. As above cx offers you the drop bar alternative

All a bit depends on budget as to which actual bike might be best

 

[phil-b]

budget is £500 maybe 600 at a push

 

[vickster]

budget is £500 maybe 600 at a push

I'd stick with the flat bar, look for deals.

This might offer you an on budget cx option if the sizes work (6'+)

http://www.paulscycles.co.uk/m7b0s23p5169/CANNONDALE-CAADX-SORA-2013

Or @biggs682 had a Boardman in the classifieds, dunno if he'll courier

https://www.cyclechat.net/threads/boardman-cx-2014.195335/

 

[NorthernDave]

Halfords have got some cracking deals on last years Boardman hybrids (for some reason you might need to search for hybrid and MX separately on their website...), if you can find the right model / size local to you.
Other than that the new Boardman range is also just out and there are a couple that fit your budget.

 

[phil-b]

https://www.scotbycycles.co.uk/bike...p3730/s12835?gclid=CMTA4N6v3MoCFcMSwwodQsMHnw

this one looks good value? but no suspension and v brakes. it is hard to know what to go for there are a lot of similar bikes with subtle differences in components

 

[vickster]

https://www.scotbycycles.co.uk/bike...p3730/s12835?gclid=CMTA4N6v3MoCFcMSwwodQsMHnw

this one looks good value? but no suspension and v brakes. it is hard to know what to go for there are a lot of similar bikes with subtle differences in components

Not really good for anything rougher than a park path. Certainly not grass etc

Specialized are often expensive for the spec and, the Sirrus, having had two, is frankly dull and soulless (I'll get flamed but that's my experience, having had at least 12 bikes over the last 5 years)

Given your needs, if you like specialized, look at the Crosstrail (had one of those too which I barely rode either before selling on)

 

[NorthernDave]

If you can find a bike you like, that fits you and your budget permits it, I'd recommend disc brakes.
Some people prefer hydraulic disc brakes, but I've no complaints regarding the stopping power of the mechanical Avid BB5's on my Boardman.
Much like front suspension it's a personal preference. You probably don't need it for the type of cycling you've suggested, but if you want it it's your call.

This is the same model as my hybrid - it's the end of season sale and at this price it's a steal, if it's the right bike for you and you can find one near you .
http://www.halfords.com/cycling/bikes/hybrid-bikes/boardman-mx-sport-bike-2014

 

[phil-b]

the other option might be a 29er mtb with some road type tyres added that can be swapped out if I felt like tackling rougher trails.

 

[vickster]

What's the bike in your avatar, looks like an MTB? If so, why do you need a 29er?