New bike advice

[Ihatehills]

Hi
I'm currently riding a cheapy hybrid that is starting to fall
apart so am looking to upgrade I've got maybe £500 (£650 max ) to spend but don't have much idea where to start
I'm currently riding about 20 to 25 miles most days mostly on roads but some on paths and trails with varying degrees of roughness so I'm thinking that another hybrid is the way to go.
I'm heading down to the lbs at the weekend but have no idea how this will work in that I don't know if you will be able to test ride or not.
I've looked online at Evans and the like and am thinking something like a specialized sirrus or a Cannondale quick but don't really know how far up the range its necessary to go e.g quick 4 or quick 5,
Any suggestions appreciated and just any general pointers towards what to look for
Thanks

 

[fossyant]

One with two wheels would be a start.

 

[fossyant]

Handle bars are a bonus.

 

[fossyant]

Single speeds are for girls

 

[fossyant]

Fixed gear are for men

 

[fossyant]

Serious replies will follow

 

[Cyclist33]

Hi
I'm currently riding a cheapy hybrid that is starting to fall
apart so am looking to upgrade I've got maybe £500 (£650 max ) to spend but don't have much idea where to start
I'm currently riding about 20 to 25 miles most days mostly on roads but some on paths and trails with varying degrees of roughness so I'm thinking that another hybrid is the way to go.
I'm heading down to the lbs at the weekend but have no idea how this will work in that I don't know if you will be able to test ride or not.
I've looked online at Evans and the like and am thinking something like a specialized sirrus or a Cannondale quick but don't really know how far up the range its necessary to go e.g quick 4 or quick 5,
Any suggestions appreciated and just any general pointers towards what to look for
Thanks

You'll read a wealth of absolutely meaningless advice on here from people who aren't qualified to give it. My only advice would be to set your own budget, don't be tempted to overshoot the upper limit of it, ride a few bikes on test and pick something you like riding and like looking at.

 

[mythste]

You'll read a wealth of absolutely meaningless advice on here from people who aren't qualified to give it. My only advice would be to set your own budget, don't be tempted to overshoot the upper limit of it, ride a few bikes on test and pick something you like riding and like looking at.

Tosh.

Peoples opinions can be useful. Pinch of salt here and there admittedly. The only problem you'll have is when you think you know it all, and realise you don't!

 

[mythste]

20-25 miles a day is pretty good going. Might be worth phoning your LBS in advance to see what their stance is RE test rides.

 

[vickster]

I'm not sure I'd go for a sirrus or quick for rough trails, although you can change the tyres which may slow you on the road. A 32 or 35mm option good as well as clearance for mudguards

Going higher up the range usually gets you a carbon fork, helpful for reducing road or trail buzz

Go ride some bikes and go from there :-)

ultimately only you are qualified to choose a bike for you. A shortlist from others can help. Personally I'll never buy another specialized or a cannondale but ymmv

 

[Cyclist33]

Tosh.

Peoples opinions can be useful. Pinch of salt here and there admittedly. The only problem you'll have is when you think you know it all, and realise you don't!

I think they are quite useless myself. You will get some people favouring A and criticising B, and others vice versa, and there is no way of saying which is more valid than the other.

You will certainly get advice recommending or strongly suggesting courses of action that the advisor has no reliable experience of or justification for giving, as well.

That's just my opinion though.

 

[Crandoggler]

Always liked the look of the Sirrus

 

[Cyclist33]

Always liked the look of the Sirrus

QED!

 

[Crandoggler]

I also used to own the specialized cross trail sport. It was also very very good and had lockout suspension for when using the bike on the road.

 

[vickster]

I had one of those, hated it on the roads...replaced with a sirrus which I hated more...got stolen. Stupidly replaced with another as LBS sells specialized ...never again specialized for me sold that within 6 months and got the bike I wanted in the first place as a basically new bargain came up on eBay

Moral go test ride bikes, buy the one you enjoy riding and makes you smile, not a bike that is available but as dull as dull can be even if highly specced and on sale!! And whatever you do make sure it's the right size!!