hybrid or ridgeback MX2

[cobster]

Hi all,

I am actually cobsters other half and just "borrowing her account"

She ended up buying the ridgeback mx2 which is a lovely bike- so nice that i want to offload my Barracuda zombie and go for something similar.

The problem with the zombie is that as its got a m/b layout I am hunched over the bars.
this causes me to have to raise my neck up to see where I am going!
add in the fact that the bike is too big for me and the whole thing is uncomfortable.

I really like the ridgeback ( and so want to keep the megarange) but wonder if i would be better off with a hybrid? if so any reccomendations about which hybrid to look at. again the price range is £250 ish

Thanks all

 

[another_dave_b]

Raleigh Pioneer Metro LX, or perhaps a Dawes Kalahari? (I'm not sure what the RRP is for the Dawes, the online price varies £210-270).

I would suggest the Ridgeback Speed as you seem so impressed by your partner's MX2, but I think you'd want to either change the saddle, or add a suspension seatpost.

 

[cobster]

Thanks for the speedy reply.

Those all look very sedate- can they cope with a bit of offroading as well as cycle paths?

thanks

 

[another_dave_b]

Thanks for the speedy reply.

Those all look very sedate- can they cope with a bit of offroading as well as cycle paths?

thanks

I would think tow paths, rather than bridal paths.

If you want front suspension you could perhaps consider a Claud Butler Legend, or a Raleigh Pioneer Metro GTX, but they're not mountain bikes.

 

[Radius]

I've got an MX2, got it second hand for £120. IMO it really *is* a hybrid, yes it has front suspension, but even so it's a pretty ideal commuting bike, although quite heavy...

 

[cobster]

Heavy
blimey i thought it was light compared to my barracuda

 

[Radius]

Heavy
blimey i thought it was light compared to my barracuda

Try picking up a decent road bike with 2 fingers, and then realise you can!

 

[Trent Tourist]

I say Hybrid, after a 20 year absence from cycling I got a Felt QX70 last April - no regrets, great bike for road, cycle paths & worse, even though the engine's 60 years old.

 

[cobster]

Thanks all

I have seen sosme really good prices for both the MX3 and the MX4
In fact if I buy last years models they are cheaper than the MX2
So I was thinking now of the MX3 or MX4

The thing I liked about the MX2 was that it has a megarange gear.
The MX3 and 4 dont have this.
the gear ratios are as follows

MX2
Freewheel Shimano 14-34 7sp
Chainset Shimano FC-M191 48/38/28
MX3
Chainset Shimano FC-M191 48/38/28
Freewheel Shimano Cassette 11-32 8sp
MX4
Freewheel Shimano Cassette 11-32 8sp
Freewheel Shimano Cassette 11-30 8sp
Obviously the MX4 is a better specced bike but I dont think I will be stretching the bikes capabillities so i am more concerned with the gear ratios (especially getting up hills)

Thanks again in advance
Andy

 

[Arch]

I would think tow paths, rather than bridal paths.

You shouldn't be cycling up the aisle of a church anyway!

(Bridle)

Sorry, as you were....

 

[cobster]

sorry guys
am now even more cofused
seen this
http://www.irvinecycles.co.uk/acatalog/Combi.html
on thesite doing the cheap mx3/4

any thoughts on whatr the best of the 3 are

mainly family trails etc.
alsois there any merrit in changing the tyre to less knobbly (off road) for a more road based tyre.

many thanks

 

[tonyr]

Did you make a choice? I'm in the same situation. Can't decide whether to buy the MX2 or MX3

cheers

tony

 

[mudgloriousmud]

I regularly do 500ft aggressive descents on the MX2 on rough bridle paths. And I am 50. Using my legs as the suspension - the legs struggle but the bike has coped pretty well - I give it a good hammering and I have no plans to get a bike with front fork suspension. But I do have a very plush gel saddle by Madison - I think this is providing some hidden rear suspension and damping. Brilliant alternative to more expensive and heavier bikes.