Newbie Hybrid advice please

[davidja]

Help please on what to buy, I last rode a bike nearly forty years ago, it was a Raleigh Chopper (very comfortable). Im now looking for a bike to help with fitness and fun. A have a knackered back and am not incredible fit (prob above average for my age) and also dont want to kill myself on the road.Im threrefore looking for a bike to ride on towpaths, Bridlepaths and a little bit of road. Im looking for maximum comfort and ease of cycling. I dont want to buy something that is such hard work it never comes out of the garage.​

The two shops ive visited (both seem very good and helpful) recommended similar style hybrid bikes both have suspension with lockout on the front front wheel (not sure what technical name is).​

I really like the: BMC Crosstreamer XS01​

http://www.evanscycles.com/products/bmc/crosstreamer-xs01-alivio-deore-2012-hybrid-bike-ec031093#features​

But cant find any reviews on it.​

Also the Whyte Caledonian​

http://www.evanscycles.com/products/whyte/caledonian-2012-hybrid-bike-ec030090?query=whyte​

Can anyone advise if I am going the right way and if there is anything else I should consider.​

Thanks​

​

David​

 

[defy-one]

Personally i would get a hybrid that has 700 wheels, like a road bike, and no suspension. It will be fine across trails and paths. Suspension adds weight, and i have regreted having front sus on my mountain bike.
Look at bikes such as the Specialized Sirrus range


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[Peteaud]

If you want to do bridlepaths and some odd rougher stuff then front sus is ok. If its just road stuff as said lose the front sus.

I have a Trek 7500 Hybrid with 700 wheels and front sus with lockout and i love it, ended up down a well rutted path last week and was so glad of the suspension, although most of the time its locked out.

I can highly rec the Trek 7500

http://www.evanscycles.com/products/trek/7500-e-2012-hybrid-bike-ec030290?query=trek 7500

Of the2 you list, i prefer the BMC

 

[Old Plodder]

Help please on what to buy, I last rode a bike nearly forty years ago, it was a Raleigh Chopper (very comfortable). Im now looking for a bike to help with fitness and fun. A have a knackered back and am not incredible fit (prob above average for my age) and also dont want to kill myself on the road.Im threrefore looking for a bike to ride on towpaths, Bridlepaths and a little bit of road. Im looking for maximum comfort and ease of cycling. I dont want to buy something that is such hard work it never comes out of the garage.​

[...]​

Can anyone advise if I am going the right way and if there is anything else I should consider.​

Thanks​

​

David​

In your situation, I would spend around £600, no suspension needed, tyres about 35/40mm wide (700c).

Stick with well known brands like Trek, Specialized, etc. Good value for your money.

If you find yourself improving to the point where you're thinking of a second bike, this one will serve you well as a backup for winter use, etc.

 

[wait4me]

I got onto cycling June 2010 after about 30 years of going as far as the local shop at most. As I had a nasty on a racing bike when I was in my teens (they were called racing bikes then). I am very unsure about getting a road bike ( I get stick off my son for still calling them racers) so I opted for a Giant Escape 1.5. for just over £400. All I have added are bar ends to give my wrists a rest, and a small seat bag for emergencies (and rain). We all have the bikes we have to suit our tastes and pocket so as long as the manufacturer is reputable I'm sure you'll be fine