hybrid bike

[andy69]

Hi, I'm new to the site and intend to learn a lot from it. I'm 25 and currently looking for a hybrid bike. The last time I had a bike was 10 years ago. I want it for keeping fit and the odd commute. The most off road I'll do is on grassy fields and through our local woods. I haven't got much of a budget but from the research I've done I know I need to spend over 200 and thats still a basic bottom range bike. I don't know anything about bikes at all so I have been looking over the internet for a good 4 hours. Can anybody please recommend a hybrid bike between 200 and 250? I know this question has been asked on many forums but they are all out dated questions and the links provided are non existent. Thanks for your help and any advice is welcome.

 

[vickster]

Carrera Subway from Halfords fits the bill for you I'd say

http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/..._productId_912123_langId_-1_categoryId_165534

Will leave you £50 for a helmet, some gloves and padded shorts

You don't need suspension for that type of riding (and at that budget, it'll be poor quality and heavy) but may appreciate fatter tyres

Otherwise, you might get a better bike if you buy used but you need to have confidence to do so, or know exactly what you want

 

[andy69]

Thanks very much.
Just noticed another one from Halfords for a bit over budget. It looks like the same bike, carrera subway but its 279 and te spec looks different.

Is there any difference between them? Which one is better? what else do I need? A bottle carrier? Lights, Shorts, helmet, gloves? Puncture repair kit and bag?

Sorry for all the questions but don't want to any money.

I tried to put the link up for you but didn't work

 

[vickster]

I think that one has disc brakes. On phone so can't look now. Yes bottle cage and bottle. Lights if riding in low light, dark. A good d lock if leaving it anywhere.

There are loads of online places with deals on kit. Evans are good for stuff and will match prices of other retailers.I would try on helmets and buy in store though

 

[andy69]

Is it better to have disc brakes? I will purchase one of them today but not sure which yet

 

[vickster]

They are better in wet but need more maintenance and add weight. Lift the 2 bikes and see how they compare. Neither will be light as solid entry level models. Make sure you get the right size.

 

[andy69]

Thanks v.much for your help. I'll go down and have a look. Both same rrp price so maybe they are as good as each other in different ways.

 

[vickster]

Here's the spec of the cheaper one (randomly chose the large, hence frame size) - quite heavy but not unexpected for a £200 bike

• Approximate Weight (KG): 14.2
• Chainset: Shimano
• Exact Frame Size: 20"
• Forks: Hi-tensile steel
• Frame: 7005 Aluminium
• Frame Material: Alloy
• Front Brake: Tektro Alloy V-Brake
• Front Mech: Shimano
• Gear Shifters: Shimano Altus
• Gender: Mens
• Handle Bars: Steel 660mm riser bar
• Headset: Semi Integrated
• Hubs: Alloy with QR
• Number of Gears: 21
• Pedals: Alloy
• Rear Brake: Tektro Alloy V-Brake
• Rear Mech: Shimano
• Rims: Doubewall Alloy
• Saddle: Velo foam, Carrera branded
• Stem: Alloy 7-deg rise, 75/90mm
• Tyres: CST - hybrid tyres
• Wheel size: 26"
• Frame Colour: Red
• Suspension: Rigid

Here's the other. Interestingly this is lighter, more gears. I'd choose this one, unfortunately it's black though They have 26" wheels which is MTB size, most flatbar hybrids have 700c

• Chainset: Suntour CW-XCT V2
• Exact Frame Size: 20"
• Forks: Straight blade steel fork
• Frame: Lightweight 6061 aluminium
• Frame Colour: Deep Satin Black
• Frame Material: Alloy
• Front Brake: Tektro IO Mechanical disc brake
• Front Mech: Shimano FD-M191
• Gear Shifters: Shimano ST-EF51-7 EZ Fire trigger shifters
• Gender: Mens
• Handle Bars: Alloy oversize flat bars (31.8mm)
• Headset: Semi integrated
• Hubs: Alloy with QR
• Number of Gears: 24
• Pedals: Wellgo Alloy pedals
• Rear Brake: Tektro IO Mechanical disc brake
• Rear Mech: Shimano RD-M310
• Rims: Double wall alloy rims
• Saddle: Carrera
• Stem: Alloy
• Suspension: Rigid
• Tyre size: 1.95"
• Tyres: Kenda tyres
• Approximate Weight (KG): 13.4
• Geometry: City
• Cassette: 11-32T
• Quick Release Front Wheel: Yes
• Quick Release Rear Wheel: Yes
• Seatpost: Carrera 350mm x 27.2mm black alloy
• Wheel size: 26"

I can't think of much else for £200. Other than the bargainous Decathlon one http://www.decathlon.co.uk/riverside-1-men-trekking-bike-black-id_8202744.html Looks to be pretty similar to the red from Halfords, just £80 less

 

[andy69]

Thanks, I'm going for the more expensive one.