Hybrid under 300

[Hypermind]

Hi I'm looking for a new bike, looking to cycle to work and back. I'm fairly certain I want a hybrid but I don't know much about bikes in general.

Looking at this bike as it seems to be well reviewed and is a decent price. Can anyone advise on a bike within a similar price bracket. Not looking to spend much more if I can help it.

http://www.tredz.co.uk/.Saracen-Urban-ESC-2015-Hybrid-Sports-Bike_72876.htm

Thanks
Chris

 

[Hypermind]

Just seen on another post a suggestion for the carrera subway. How does the above compare to that?

 

[Garry A]

If you could stretch to £350 the Voodoo Marasa is a good bike
http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/...a&categoryId=165534&langId=-1&catalogId=10151
Out of the two you mentioned I'd say the subway is better.

 

[Bobby Mhor]

If you could stretch to £350 the Voodoo Marasa is a good bike
http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/...a&categoryId=165534&langId=-1&catalogId=10151
Out of the two you mentioned I'd say the subway is better.

I've a Marasa..
It's 30 month old, 6000 plus miles on the clock...
I've replaced the stock wheels as being 19 st, I shouldn't done some silly things on it..
I now can go almost anywhere..except true MB stuff..
Excellent on tarmac as it is on trails, green tracks..

oh, occasionally it goes down to £290...
keep an eye on their deals...

 

[howard2107]

Hi I'm looking for a new bike, looking to cycle to work and back. I'm fairly certain I want a hybrid but I don't know much about bikes in general.

Looking at this bike as it seems to be well reviewed and is a decent price. Can anyone advise on a bike within a similar price bracket. Not looking to spend much more if I can help it.

http://www.tredz.co.uk/.Saracen-Urban-ESC-2015-Hybrid-Sports-Bike_72876.htm

Thanks
Chris

My son (28 year old) has one, says it fantastic, he paid £280 new from halfords

 

[Hypermind]

My son (28 year old) has one, says it fantastic, he paid £280 new from halfords

Hi which bike is it your son says is great? Thanks

 

[Hypermind]

Also, I'm really not sure if I should get a road bike instead. The Triban 500SE is on sale and has very good reviews:

http://www.decathlon.co.uk/triban-500-se-road-bike-black-id_8306187.html

 

[Elswick Cotterpin]

The Subway, Voodoo and Triban 500 all get good reviews and give good service, it's all going to come down to what you intend to use the bike for; if the majority of your commute is on road the Triban fits the bill, faster, lighter, (probably) etc, hybrids are good for on and off road, although not too much heavy-duty rough stuff.

Riding position should be considered too, if you're not familiar with riding dropped handlebars they can take a little getting used to; it's not difficult, I'm just saying, the hybrids give a more upright riding position, may be more suitable for commuting needs, riding in traffic and so on, especially if you haven't ridden very much.

And you should definitely find a local store to have a look at the bikes and try-for-size.

Welcome, by the way. PS, I just noticed you can get a flat bar BTwin....

 

[cyberknight]

It depends on what riding your going to be doing .
The subway is built like a tank , i use mine for winter commuting and around the gravel paths with the kids although it could handle for off piste action
The voodoo is a flat bar road bike so good for all year commuting + gravel stuff i would guess
The btwin is a road bike, commuter/ road bike but i woulnt try riding very far off road .

 

[marihino]

I've got a flat-bar BTwin and recommend it wholeheartedly. It's a fit5, older model, with spec and geometry equivalent to the current Triban 540 (carbon fork, Sora groupset etc).

I also have friends quite happy with their Carrera road bikes.

 

[howard2107]

Hi which bike is it your son says is great? Thanks

Carrera Subway.

 

[Hypermind]

Thank you all for your advice. I've just bought the carrera subway. Opted for the free build by halfords, just hope the person who builds it does a good job. I've heard it's advisable to get the bike built at an independent but I don't have the money so will wait and see. Thanks again. One of the friendliest forums I've come across in a long time!
Chris

 

[Drago]

Subway is a good choice, almost universally praised as an extremely useable budget tarmac terrorist.

There's nothing quite as horrible as a budget model Sarscen (even ISIS won't ride them) so I think you've dodged a bullet there.

 

[Hypermind]

Good to hear I made the right choice. Just been in to Halfords after ordering the 18" model online this morning and they suggested I get the 20" frame so I changed the order.

One thing i've read is to get better tyres. They didn't have any in store so suggested I looked online as they don't stock many different 27.5" tyres other than mountain bike ones. So i'm concerned that I've bought a bike that I don't have much choice with tyres. I basically want better tyres to reduce the chance of punctures. Any advice on a better tyre that's suitable for the road?

 

[vickster]

Marathon plus? Not the quickest tyre, but very puncture resistant so a popular choice for commuters

http://nextdaytyres.co.uk/details.aspx/SCHWALBE-MARATHON-MTB-650B/401

Quite a bitch to get on though