Hybrid Bike

[ollyno1uk]

Hi Guys

I have been riding to work on a mountain bike and I am looking at getting something better and faster.

I have a budget of up to £550 and there seems to be so many options I am really confused at what to look for.

My main requirements are to be able to cyle quickly and comfortably to work but occasionally I do go on a bike ride which does include a little off road gravel type cycle track.

So ideally I would like to use it for this though it is not 100% essential.

Anyone's help or advise would be really appreciated.

Olly

 

[vickster]

Something like a Giant Rapid or Specialized Sirrus, you may just need to slow down on the tracks are they are basically flat bar road bikes. Boardman do some good hybrids too and you get decent bang for your buck

As ever, go sit on some, have some test rides - somewhere like an Evans is a good place to start. Halfords don't do testrides. Decathlon bikes are well regarded and good vfm too

Look to one that can take a pannier rack to reduce rucksack sweaty back (also safer if carrying a laptop)

 

[HLaB]

Another good option imo if comfort is more of a priority is the so called sporty hybrids like the Ridgeback Velocity although its not as racy as the sirrus or rapid.

 

[ollyno1uk]

Thanks for the fast response.

I had looked at the Specialized Sirrus but from what I gathered it seemed to not be at all suited for off road situations. However, I do think 99% will be on road.

Cheers

 

[ollyno1uk]

What do you guys thinks about either the Boardman MX Sport 2014 or the Specialized Crosstail Sport Disc 2014?

 

[helston90]

Any road bike can handle the sort of off road you're talking about- it may be slower than when you're on your MTB but so long as your careful with it it'll be fine. You'll only run into problems when things get muddy/ on a gradient and you need the grip. I have ridden my Rapid with 25c tyres along various gravel trails and been fine- just a bit slower and more careful and remembering not to launch yourself off that raised tree root like you used to.

 

[vickster]

Trek 7.x models are bit more rugged than the Sirrus

I am not sure I'd bother with Disc brakes at that price point. Personally, I like a carbon fork over discs but not everyone agrees - you won't get both probably for £550 (unless you buy used or can push the budget a bit - I have a Whyte Cambridge, will do everything you need but has a £900 RRP, you can get older models for £600-700)

 

[ollyno1uk]

Hi thanks.

I would consider upping the budget if it was worth doing. I am just conscious of spending more than is necessary as there seems no upper limit to the amount of money you could spend!

Thanks for all the input!

 

[keyop_75]

I have one of these. It has slightly thicker tires than you would normally find on a hybrid. But that gives me much more confidence on gravel and bridlepaths etc. It still gives me a fair turn of speed on tarmac/roads. It was £550.

http://www.cube.eu/uk/bikes/tour/hyde/hyde-men/

 

[Cyclist33]

Cannondale Quick. You could have the CX version for suspension and a bit more plushness and pootlability all round. Or the straight Quick which meets your stated brief but as mine demonstrates, is also "Quick" on the road!

 

[Kies]

Thanks for the fast response.

I had looked at the Specialized Sirrus but from what I gathered it seemed to not be at all suited for off road situations. However, I do think 99% will be on road.

Cheers

i change the tyres and ride off road in the winter. come the summer - 23c road tyres

 

[Chris Norton]

I have the trek fx 7.2 with disc brakes (I like disc brakes) and it'll do everything you want. Disc brakes are nice in case you buckle the wheel but so far no chance of that. Put on 25mm tyres rather than the standards and you can hum along with the club rides.

 

[Ceejay]

Giant Escape 1 ??????

 

[Ceejay]

or -

http://www.decathlon.co.uk/fit-5-road-bike-grey-id_8239798.html

or

http://www.trekbikes.com/uk/en/bike...res?url=uk/en/bikes/town/recreation/fx/7_3_fx

or

http://www.evanscycles.com/products/dawes/discovery-sport-4-2014-hybrid-bike-ec060117

or

http://www.evanscycles.com/products/ridgeback/flight-00-2014-hybrid-bike-ec059652

 

[ollyno1uk]

I have been continuing my research. I have decided that I am going to up my budget.

I like the look of the Whyte Stirling bike but my only concern with this is that I may not be able to use it going on my off road cycle ride which consists of gravel type tracks.

Now with an upper budget of £1000 is there other bikes I could consider that will do for my commute to work but allow me to do my other cycle route.

Thanks a lot