hybrid bikes

[Kevin ADDERLEY]

if you had 400 to spend on a hybrid what would you get - my bigget requirement would be to ensure i can get mudguards , a pannier and when i do hit those pot holes / cycle paths that I dont go feel to much on it - i would like to go quite far so would carbon be good?

 

[sidevalve]

From an old git who used to ride towpaths before they were as well kept as they are now and before we had the option of suspension,unless you count your bum [and there are a lot of us out there], I suggest you go to either a GOOD lbs or a branch of Evans or the like and try some bikes out. Don't rule out Halfords either. If the hybrid you like DOESN'T have eyelets/braze on fittings for guards / rack[and many already have them fitted as standard] etc sorry but it's a fairly pathetic attempt at a hybrid and should be treated as such and fogotten.
To show the point about suspension often take my Dawes which is a road [not race] bike on bridleways/tracks [not many canals up here] with no problems at all, just keep the speed down and LOOK where your going.
Just remember every gram of weight has to be pushed by your legs and hills don't get flatter 'cos the forks have springs in them.

 

[Lone Rider]

I have a hybrid bike with suspension that can be locked. I really notice the difference when I go off-road - the suspension makes for easier, faster and safer riding. Don't worry about the extra weight, having a bike with suspension will give you more options for riding in different places. I love my bike as it is, and wouldn't change it for another without suspension. My riding is probably 50:50 road/trail.

 

[MrJamie]

Hi

I ride a Giant Roam hybrid, love it, love the front suspension too. With the preload up locking it out doesnt seem to make any difference to my average speed on mostly flat rides, it just adds a bit of weight up hills - extra training . I tend to ride with it unlocked almost all the time because its that much smoother and more pleasant, even on crappy road surfaces and potholes but definitely on some bad parts of towpaths and trails.

It also has mounts for full guards on the suspension forks and rear panniers (not sure on front from memory)

 

[sabian92]

You really don't need carbon for pootling along canals. A decent hybrid will suit you fine with no suspension.

Carbon is a waste of money unless your racing (or have a lot of money to burn). I know some people commute on carbon bikes but you don't really NEED it to get to work.

 

[Biglad82]

I road 100s and 100s of miles of tow paths and river tracks on my old Apollo cafe2. I forget what it cost now but nowhere near your budget (my point being) right bike for the right job doesn't need to be some über expensive all singing all dancing bike.

 

[david k]

i would like to do canal riding and that -

dont think suspnesion is needed really, i have a subway 2 at 350 and think its ideal for that type of thing

 

[Peteaud]

I have a Trek7500 with front Sus and its fantastic. Rough tracks are easy and no problems with my wrists.My local path has some massive spaced cattle grids that on my road bike mean i have to slow right down, where as i just go over them on the hybrid without thinking.

Yes there is a weight penalty, but you gain some comfort and a do it all bike.