Ideal choice of bike sold out. What to choose now?

[the_c00ler_king]

So, as my title question suggests my first choice of a new bike is completely sold out in my size (gutted). The bike in question is the Specialized Sirrus, stocked by Edinburgh Bicycle Co-operative at £293.61: http://www.edinburghbicycle.com/ebw...QRY=C105&f_SortOrderID=1&f_bct=c003155c002910

Essentially I am looking for a rigid hybrid bike, with a more road orientated set-up. I.e. narrow tires and either straight or dropped handle bars. The other requirement is a frame with fixings for rear panniers and mud-guards. I have a hard-tail mountain bike for my "extreme" moments, so this bike is to be used on tow paths and roads.

My budget is £300 or so for the bike, and I am based in Aberdeen so my options for bike shops are quite restricted. I would rather by from a shop than the net so that I can guarantee the frame size is suitable.

So, my question is whether anyone can offer an alternative bike. I have provided a couple of links below for some bikes which I am looking at as an alternative. Does anyone have an opinion on the below, or suggestions for others?

1. http://www.edinburghbicycle.com/ebw...QRY=C105&f_SortOrderID=1&f_bct=c003155c002910

2. http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/...uctId_272619_langId_-1_categoryId_165534#dtab


Thanks for your help in advance.

Bill.

 

[andym]

Ridgeback bikes are well worth checking out.

 

[MajorMantra]

Given that you say this:

Essentially I am looking for a rigid hybrid bike, with a more road orientated set-up. I.e. narrow tires and either straight or dropped handle bars. The other requirement is a frame with fixings for rear panniers and mud-guards.

...are you sure you want a hybrid? It sounds like a light tourer might suit you better.

Matthew

 

[the_c00ler_king]

Major,

I would love a light weight tourer but unfortunately my budget won't stretch that far. In an ideal world I wouldn't have to pay off student debts, or pay my rent and then I could spend all my hard earned cash on a Dawes - my dream bike...

Bill.

 

[ACS]

EBC own range ae worth considering. Given the restricted budget how about this Revolution Streetfinder '09

 

[John Ponting]

google the bike and make a few phone calls ?

Rutland Cycles had them in a couple of weeks ago when I was in the shop - and at the same price.


OR as above - the Edinburgh range look good and get favourable reviews.


I'm like you and would prefer to buy from a shop rather than the web but yoiu've already picked a bike, have you actually seen one and tried it for size? If yes, then order online with no problems.