Looking for a new bike around £5-600

[ny152]

Hi Folks
Getting into cycling over the last 4 months and I've been commuting to and from work (only a couple of miles each way) and been mixing it with some longer weekend runs (50-80 miles). After ordering a single speed Subway Zero for the commute, I've decided to take advantage of the cycle to work scheme and get something meatier for the weekends .

The emphasis is on comfort so my minimum requirement is;
Front suspension with lockout.
Suspension seat post.
Upright seating position (looking at an adjustable riser bar)
Only want disc brakes if they are hydraulic, otherwise not bothered.
Like a larger frame (I'm 6ft but like my bikes big)

Toying between an MTB or hybrid (currently have a Mongoose 250) but after riding a Kona MTB with knobbly tyres today think a hybrid is my favoured choice. I've been to a couple of shops and had the Mongoose 850 Disc recommended (£600) and also the Marin San Rafael (£500).

Does anybody have any opinions on either, or could they recommend something from Trek, Claude Butler, Ridgeback?

Thanks folks .

 

[Wigsie]

Check out the Trek FX range, I think the 7.4/7.5FX should be in your price range, if you must have front suspension then the 7400/7500 are basically the same, they just have the front suss.

The Specialized Globes and Sirrus ranges also have great reports. The best thing is to try as many out as possible. Go visit some LBS's and try a few out, which ever feels best for you is the right one regrdless of the name written down the side.

Good luck and keep us posted on your progress.

 

[ACS]

If 'North of the Border' is close to Edinburgh drop into the Edinburgh Bike Coop for a look around and chat. Lots of bikes, gear etc.

PS Its walk able from Haymarket in about 15 mins

 

[ny152]

If 'North of the Border' is close to Edinburgh drop into the Edinburgh Bike Coop for a look around and chat. Lots of bikes, gear etc.

PS Its walk able from Haymarket in about 15 mins

Might be heading up that way in a week or two (I'm in Glasgow) and have heard good things about EBC, so might just give them a look.

Also noticed the Trek Navigaor 3.0 which seems to tick most of the boxes that I'm looking for. Anybody have one they would like to comment on?

 

[Cubist]

Cube Curve?
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=30597

 

[ny152]

Cube Curve?
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=30597

Funnily enough, saw that in an lbs today, but wasn't that keen. Prefer more the 'sit up and beg' (is that the correc term?) position.

 

[ACS]

Funnily enough, saw that in an lbs today, but wasn't that keen. Prefer more the 'sit up and beg' (is that the correc term?) position.

I thought that and bought a Sirrus sport (second hand) but soon realised that a road bike would have been the preferable option so on the C2W scheme I acquired a Tricross Sport. Use the Sirrus for commuting (10 mile each way), mudguards, rack, panniers etc and the Tricross for just about everything else.

Please don’t disregard the road bike option you may regret it in a years time.

 

[ny152]

Ended up going for the Trek Navigator 3.0 - picked it up today. Little bit disappointed with the LBS that they hadn't adjusted one of my gear triggers correctly and the computer wasn't configured, but apart from that quite happy with the bike and should be a comfy commuter.

Decided that I also wanted something else a bit 'special' for weekends etc. Took a couple of road bikes and single speeds for a ride and have ended up going for a Trek District which instantly brought a smile to my face. The belt drive should mean it doesn't need much maintenance either!