New or second hand bike?

[Heddle the Pedal]

I'm looking for a hybrid but feel totally bamboozled by the mags and sellers. Everything I read seems to contradict the last thing I read! So I need a wide-ish range of gears to cope with long, steepish hills near home; ability to cycle on road but also on goodish tracks at weekend; a pannier space; reasonably light (my current Claud Butler hybrid is too heavy). I prefer drop handles but not essential. I am told important thing is to get the right frame - components can then be changed as required. So should I be going for a second hand bike which can be made up to my spec? Or a new bike, perhaps end of season range being sold off.

 

[Cycleops]

It seems from you list of requirements just about any hybrid with a triple chainset would fit the bill. Nearly all hybrids have fittings for a rear carriers, and sometimes a front one too. All come with straight bars, but there are similarly spec'd bikes with drop bars. You don't give a budget so difficult to narrow things down. Have a look at the Ridgeback range, they have a good selection and I'm sure you'd find one to suit.
http://www.ridgeback.co.uk
If you are thinking of buying second hand and changing it to suit forget it, it will probably end up costing you more than buying new.

 

[Heddle the Pedal]

It seems from you list of requirements just about any hybrid with a triple chainset would fit the bill. Nearly all hybrids have fittings for a rear carriers, and sometimes a front one too. All come with straight bars, but there are similarly spec'd bikes with drop bars. You don't give a budget so difficult to narrow things down. Have a look at the Ridgeback range, they have a good selection and I'm sure you'd find one to suit.
http://www.ridgeback.co.uk
If you are thinking of buying second hand and changing it to suit forget it, it will probably end up costing you more than buying new.

Thanks. Really helpful. re price: c. £450. Would you recommend Trek, Scott, or Saracen? Or, in the end, do you think there isn't much to choose between them?

 

[helston90]

What's your budget? Something like a second hand Specialized Tricross ensuring it has a triple chain ring sounds like your sort of machine.

 

[Heddle the Pedal]

around £450

 

[Cycleops]

Thanks. Really helpful. re price: c. £450. Would you recommend Trek, Scott, or Saracen? Or, in the end, do you think there isn't much to choose between them?

The brand really doesn't matter too much, you should look for the best value package. Giant are the largest manufacturer and make for many other well know brands as well. You will likely find a bargain in the form of last years or even the model year before.
How about this: http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/...8_1405330522_37ebe462a3e425310e7a60bebd603483
Somebody else posted this as a choice on a similar thread. You might not have heard of the make but they are a well respected manufactuers of cycle frame tubing. Probably make by a Far East producer who then stick the Vitus name on it. Looks like good value.

 

[biggs682]

around £450

at £450 there is a good selection of new machines like the Tricross stated

 

[Heddle the Pedal]

The brand really doesn't matter too much, you should look for the best value package. Giant are the largest manufacturer and make for many other well know brands as well. You will likely find a bargain in the form of last years or even the model year before.
How about this: http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/...8_1405330522_37ebe462a3e425310e7a60bebd603483
Somebody else posted this as a choice on a similar thread. You might not have heard of the make but they are a well respected manufactuers of cycle frame tubing. Probably make by a Far East producer who then stick the Vitus name on it. Looks like good value.

Thanks for this.

 

[Heddle the Pedal]

at £450 there is a good selection of new machines like the Tricross stated

THanks.

 

[biggs682]

THanks.

or a good used machine would always get my vote though

 

[Heddle the Pedal]

or a good used machine would always get my vote though

It seems from you list of requirements just about any hybrid with a triple chainset would fit the bill. Nearly all hybrids have fittings for a rear carriers, and sometimes a front one too. All come with straight bars, but there are similarly spec'd bikes with drop bars. You don't give a budget so difficult to narrow things down. Have a look at the Ridgeback range, they have a good selection and I'm sure you'd find one to suit.
http://www.ridgeback.co.uk
If you are thinking of buying second hand and changing it to suit forget it, it will probably end up costing you more than buying new.

Very grateful for all the replies. If I buy a new bike, should I be aiming for a particular gear and brake set? I presume the better the componentry, the better the bike. Also the more expensive! So within my price rage (£450) what's a good buy?

 

[Cycleops]

I shouldn't get too hung up on the group set hierarchy. At your price point you will be looking at Claris or Tiagra mostly (Shimano), both will do a good job for you. Manufactuers spend on different areas, so some models might have smooth frame welds and a lower component spec or better group set and birds poo welds. You takes your choice and pays your money!

That's why the Vitus bike I posted looks good value. The finish is good and it has the Tiagra components. But obviously only if the frame size suits you.