New Bike Choices

[antrock101]

Hello,

I'm starting to get more into my cycling and will be moving from my broken old bike to a new hybrid. I'm looking for something around 17/18 inches around the £250/£300 range, I need to get locks ect.

Mongoose Crossway 150 2012
http://www.evanscycles.com/products/mon ... e-ec030515

Python Quantum 8100
http://www.pythonbikes.com/Urban_QUANTUM8100.html (£279 local bike shop)
The guy in there was telling me these are the best value for money because they use good parts but there not well known. Not sure I trust him lol

Claud Butler Urban 100 2013
http://www.evanscycles.com/products/cla ... e-ec048988

Ridgeback Motion 2013
http://www.evanscycles.com/products/rid ... e-ec043394
Ridgeback Rapide (I think this is the same as the speed)
http://www.evanscycles.com/products...=mkwid__pcrid_19994699576_kword__match__plid_
Bt’win 3 Riverside
http://www.btwin.com/en/hybrid-bikes/3908-riverside-3-men-s.html


I will mainly be on the roads but I will occasionally do tracks by the river, I'm a small guy so weight is really an issue for me as is riding position due to back problems.
You can see my current rides on a very old broken mountain bike here to get an idea of my routes. The woods are more downhill trails with a bit of loose dirt or gravel
http://www.strava.com/athletes/2416017
Went to a decathlon store today to have a look at the fit 3 which I love
http://www.decathlon.co.uk/fit-3-ro...l#anchor_ComponentProductTechnicalInformation
The staff are terrible and wouldn't help much. The tire are very thin and would be not great for what I need, bumpy roads and perhaps down on river paths. The other problem is the seat was about half an inch too high too, could I change the tires cheaply? Which I was told to cut the seat post: S.
I’ve also been recommended Python bikes but know nothing about them and there’s little online so I think my local was trying to con me


If anyone could help or at least narrow it down with their experience in this price range that would be great.

 

[vickster]

I'd look for a second hand Specialized Sirrus - light and quick, but fine on tracks

Never heard of Python and as I can't bear snakes, I don't want to

 

[antrock101]

that bike looks perfect however i'd prefer a new bike so I can be fitted properly for it plus I have no idea what would be a second hand dud

 

[vickster]

I would certainly avoid any budget bike with suspension forks - so that'll be the Mongoose and Python off the list (I think mongoose eat cobra rather than python, too many serpentine references here for my liking )

Go to Evans and test ride the others Also look at the Carrera Subway at Halfords

http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/..._productId_912123_langId_-1_categoryId_165534

This is also a good looking bike http://www.evanscycles.com/products/ridgeback/comet-2013-hybrid-bike-ec043400

 

[antrock101]

Ah yes the carrera was nice but seemed really small and the handle bars put my back in a weird position. I liked the evans choice but in store they were terrible and wanted £50 per bike to order them in too test which seems steep

 

[vickster]

Where are you? Perhaps try a different Evans if there is one? Or other local bike retailers

 

[DCLane]

I had a Python Impact 9000 DD until very recently - cost little but OK. I'd agree that the components were good but the frame weighed a ton. It took lots of abuse however and never broke.

Of those, the Ridgeback will be fairly easy to maintain, but also heavy.

For me, the Carrera Subway - when they're on offer.

 

[antrock101]

I'm in High Wycombe.
http://www.evanscycles.com/products...&utm_medium=Awin&utm_campaign=Affiliate-Brand

that's looks good too me as well. BTW all the parts mean nothing to me if there a comprehensive list of parts I can look at and find out what they do and which are best?

 

[vickster]

All lower cost bikes will have a steel (cromoly) fork or they'll have cheap, heavy suspension

Gearing varies, you'll be wanting Shimano - although these bikes will have the bottom of the range and probably 14-16 gears. It's hilly around Wycombe, so more gears with a triple chain ring might be beneficial. These bikes will also have entry level brakes, wheels, tyres. If riding on roads, you'll want as narrow, smooth tyres as possible - max 32mm really

List out the bits you want explained and I am sure someone way more knowledgeable than me will come along too help

Best thing - go to London to the big Evans near Oxford Street or Waterloo with a CC (to pay the penny deposit) and have some test rides - they'll have the widest choices...or to your LBS and do the same

 

[antrock101]

London sounds like a great idea tbh although not sure your allowed to bring them back on the train I will need to read up on it
The gearing confuses me for instance if i was to replace a part later on how would I know what fits there doesnt seem to be a guide on this the other problem example I understand the terms but it confuses me with the type e.g
Cassette:
Shimano HG20 12-32T 7speed

 

[vickster]

Shouldn't have an issue on the weekend. I meant test ride in London as they have most choice, then you can have them deliver to your local store

 

[antrock101]

that would make more sense

 

[vickster]

The gearing above based on my limited understanding is its a double chainring with 14 gears total. There's loads of explanation of gear ratios on the web