Looking for a new Hybrid Bike

[Phixion]

Hey guys, I recently sold my CUBE Peloton Road Bike and am looking into getting a Hybrid.

I'm sure this might seem a backwards step to many of you, but back problems as well as general ride discomfort has driven me in this direction.

I'm sure many of you would suggest a second hand bike but I am determined to get a correct fit from a nearby bike shop - so I'd prefer to buy new for peace of mind.

I am interested in using it for fitness and days out.

My budget is ~£500, so far I've looked at the usual suspects: Boardman Performance Hybrid Comp (£499), Jamis Coda Sport/Comp (£400-500) and the Kona Dew Deluxe (2012 Model @ Evans for £500).

Spec wise the Boardman and the Kona Dew Deluxe look better, the Boardman is kitted out with SRAM X5 and the Kona with Alivio/Deore and Shimano M445 Hydraulic Disc Brakes.

The reason I was looking at the Jamis Coda is because it's a Reynolds Steel frame, I have never ridden a Steel frame but from what I hear they are very nice to ride and they can last a lifetime. Any thoughts on this?

I know Trek/Giant/Scott/Specialized also make bikes in this area but they all seem to have poor components in comparison.

Must have: 700c wheels
Don't want: Suspension

Any thoughts and/or suggestions are greatly appreciated.

Cheers!

 

[vickster]

I got a whyte Cambridge for £450 on eBay, ridden once. It is an utterly fab bike IMO, compared to the specializeds and treks I've had in the past. A frame that is better on rubbish roads than my carbon road bike, SRAM apex gearing, hydraulic discs. 10kg...

A £900 bike new, so a no brainer. The whyte site has decent geometry specs etc, its a more mtb than road geometry

 

[Phixion]

Thank you, I will look into the Whyte bikes.

What do you think of Pinnacle?

http://www.evanscycles.com/products/pinnacle/lithium-4-2013-hybrid-bike-ec044198#features

 

[vickster]

Not that familiar but when I was looking at mtb before, they seemed a bit cheap, heavy and poorly finished with a horrid cheap saddle etc

I am not sure I would completely follow Evans sizing advice, as they seem to like to recommend the size they have in stock. However, they do offer no hassle test rides, so get out and ride a few

That one is black, bleurgh...and has a steel fork, I have arm issues so only go for carbon on the front for comfort, steel is heavy unless top end

Acera is quite a low end group set, although perfectly functional

 

[Pale Rider]

Aluminium frames, particularly budget ones, can be harsh.

I expect you would notice a useful improvement in comfort on the steel Jamis.

 

[Tight Git]

I have the Boardman and rate it highly, although according to some the abilities of the Halfords staff setting them up varies hugely, so be careful! Had mine nearly 2 years and not had anything go wrong with it although I didn't rate the original tyres so changed them.

 

[Phixion]

Whyte bikes seem a bit out of my budget, I've heard the Boardman bikes are more flat bar road bikes than hybrids.

What do you think of these?

Charge Grater (Dodgy gearing?): http://www.evanscycles.com/products/charge/grater-2013-hybrid-bike-ec042800
Charge Scourer: http://www.tredz.co.uk/.Charge-Scourer-2013-Hybrid-Sports-Bike_56570.htm
Kona Dew Plus: http://www.tredz.co.uk/.Kona-Dew-Plus-2013-Hybrid-Sports-Bike_56635.htm

 

[vickster]

Whyte will be out of budget if you buy new

Although this company have the 2011 Cambridge for a good reduction

http://www.discountcyclesdirect.co.uk/catalog/product.php?CI_ID=10718&Item='Whyte Cambridge 2011 Hybrid/Commuter Bike'

I wanted a carbon fork for comfort and hydraulic discs, hence the Whyte.

I did look quite closely at the Kona Dew Deluxe 2012, as Evans have for a good price - bang on your budget

http://www.evanscycles.com/products/kona/dew-deluxe-2012-hybrid-bike-ec034478

But I wanted the carbon fork so wasn't for me

Have you been to look at all the options? Really the only way to decide

 

[Phixion]

Haven't been yet but I want a good idea before I get into the bike shop, I'll probably go to Evans Cycles and Birmingham which is ~1 hour away.

What are your thoughts on the Charge Grater? Do you think the gears are good enough for a fitness bike?

 

[vickster]

Quite basic groupset, but I am sure it works - not sure why you think it's dodgy? Steel fork will add weight, might be quite a cheap alloy in the frame, rather than one of the numbered aluminiums. paying a bit of a premium for it being a 2013, certainly compared to the Kona

I reckon it'll be quite heavy, but that's a guess

You need to go ride them, especially if you are looking for a bike that will be compatible with a back issue

 

[Phixion]

I will ride them, but like I said I prefer to have a few in mind before getting to the shop.

To be honest I don't particularly like the atmosphere in many bike shops, I've not been to Evans but many I've been in just seem to want to rush you and get your money.

Apparently the Charge Grater is 23.2KG, the issue I have with the gears is it's only 8 speed, I'm wondering whether that gives a large enough range for up and downhill.

The Charge site says: LIGHTWEIGHT 6061 ALUMINIUM FRAME and Cro Mo fork.

I do like the simplicity of the bike, lots of good reviews on Evans and it's cheap.

 

[vickster]

23.3kg

 

[vickster]

Try to avoid weekends when you go bike shopping, go mid week, mid morning when they are quiet. Spend some time building a rapport with the salesman, explain your needs, your budget, your likes

An 8 speed triple with MTB type gearing should be ample - I use about 6 gears on my bikes of the 20

 

[vickster]

I apologise, didn't look at the spec

 

[Phixion]

I'm very interested in the Kona Dew Deluxe you linked: http://www.evanscycles.com/products/kona/dew-deluxe-2012-hybrid-bike-ec034478

Very nice specs for the price as the original RRP was £750.

Plus it's only £100 more than the Charge Grater and specs are far better.