Newbie - hybrid or cyclocross

[fras08]

Hi all,

I'm looking for some advice. I'm planning to get a bike through the cycle to work scheme so my purchase options are limited to Evans or Halfords (which a quick scroll through discussions on here seems to be a no-no). Alternatively, I might just go it alone and get one away from the scheme.

I visited Evans and they pointed me towards a cyclocross (this one, to be precise: http://www.evanscycles.com/products/fuji/feather-cx-13-2014-cyclocross-bike-ec055437) but I want to be sure that wasn't just salesman spiel. I had initially been considering a road bike but that might be going too far, too soon and I have to admit that I am put off by the clip-in pedals.

I'm 6"5 so I don't particularly want to be folded in two to get a comfortable riding position.

Any advice would be appreciated!

Cheers

 

[L14M]

What sort of riding is it for?

Liam

 

[vickster]

Boardman bikes get great reviews, don't discount on the basis of halfords. There are quote a few independent retailers that take halfords c2w vouchers depending on where you live

 

[vickster]

Evans have a great test ride policy so try for yourself

 

[fras08]

Thanks for the replies.

It would be used for leisure rides with the wife and/or a form of exercise when out on my own as a supplement to gym work.

I just visited a local shop and they suggested a hybrid would be better suited to my needs (http://www.ridgeback.co.uk/bike/x1#details or http://www.trekbikes.com/uk/en/bikes/town/recreation/fx/7_2_fx_disc/#) They didn't have either in my size to try out though and the Ridgeback is out of stock til July/Aug...

 

[John the Monkey]

The hybrids are both fitted with triple chain rings - that'll give you lower gears than are available on the cyclocross bike you linked to (you can get road bikes/cyclocross bikes/tourers with triples too though). If you've reasonable fitness, or aren't tackling crazy hills, you may not need those low gears though.

As Vickster says, don't write off Halfords - but ime, it may be worth budgeting a little (either payment to an LBS, or beer for a friend who knows bikes) to get someone knowledgable to check over the build.

The Cyclocross bike looks like the more versatile of the three to me (but then I don't like riding long distances on flat bars). Drop bars don't necessarily mean a head down, racy riding position - their main advantage is different grip positions for your hands (and the ability to ride out of the wind, in the drops on windy days).

 

[vickster]

Join British Cycling, 10% off at Halfords and other indispensable benefits

 

[fras08]

Thanks for the advice, John the Monkey and Vickster. I took a look at Halfords' Boardman bikes (online) - great looking bikes but they don't appear to do any above 54cm, which will be too small for me I think. I'll try contacting them to check that is the case.

 

[fras08]

By the way, the LBS said they could do the Trek 7.2 disc for £425. Seems a fairly reasonable price.

 

[vickster]

Thanks for the advice, John the Monkey and Vickster. I took a look at Halfords' Boardman bikes (online) - great looking bikes but they don't appear to do any above 54cm, which will be too small for me I think. I'll try contacting them to check that is the case.

Boardman bikes have funny sizing. A L will be a decent size (look on the Boardman site for details I think)

 

[vickster]

By the way, the LBS said they could do the Trek 7.2 disc for £425. Seems a fairly reasonable price.

Yep, Trek make good bikes, good warranty and LBS service can be invaluable

 

[david k]

My local halfords have been brilliant, don't be put off

 

[John the Monkey]

By the way, the LBS said they could do the Trek 7.2 disc for £425. Seems a fairly reasonable price.

£50 under RRP, according to the website. Again, not my cup of tea, but a couple of people at work ride the non disc version, and they seem happy to recommend them.

 

[fras08]

I called Halfords to ask about the sizing on the Boardman bikes as there's nothing above 54 on their website and I couldn't find any info on the Boardman website. They can order a 57.5 frame in to store for me to check out, with no obligation to buy.

Any thoughts on these over the other options above?
http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/..._productId_992052_langId_-1_categoryId_165534 (tyres less versatile?)

http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/..._productId_875983_langId_-1_categoryId_165534 (anyone with experience with the suspension?)

 

[fras08]

And yet another option...

http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/...uctId_992074_langId_-1_categoryId_165710#tab3

Can you tell I'm not good with decisions?