Rigdeback Speed hybrid - any good?

[shimano]

Was wandering around a reputable bike shop this afternoon (as you do) and saw a Ridgeback Speed S at under £200. seemed to be a good value nice looking commuter that could cope with canal path/country path type riding too. Anyone any comments? should I go for it or keep looking?

 

[HLaB]

When I was looking at replacing my hack last year I was looking at the Speed, it had a good reviews but I opted for a velocity in the end I liked the feel of it better. Another similarly priced bike to consider is the Halfrauds Carrera Subway, its got good reviews even if the store has terrible ones.

 

[shimano]

the 'H' shop had two Carrera Subways side by side and they looked very similar, trouble was one was the Carrera 2 which cost 100 quid more - the (must be said, very helpful assistant) reckoned the cheaper one wouldn't take my weight... hmmm never a good selling ploy - I said I'd go on a diet and think about it.

 

[Phixion]

Dude, get a Specialized Sirrus!

It's a lightweight roadbike with flat bars, can take panniers and mudguard should you need.

I'm still making up my mind but I'm edging closer to the Specialized Sirrus Elite, it's a little more expensive than the basic Sirrus model.

http://www.specialized.com/bc/SBCBkModel.jsp?a=b&minisite=10028&spid=32215&language=US

If you can't stretch to £399 you could always go for the Specialized Globe:

http://www.specialized.com/bc/SBCBkModel.jsp?spid=33079

Price varies from £229 - £299 depending on where you get it from.

As you can tell, I'm a fan of Specialized, truth is they make the best quality bikes for the price (IMO anyway).

 

[punkypossum]

the 'H' shop had two Carrera Subways side by side and they looked very similar, trouble was one was the Carrera 2 which cost 100 quid more - the (must be said, very helpful assistant) reckoned the cheaper one wouldn't take my weight... hmmm never a good selling ploy - I said I'd go on a diet and think about it.

EH???? It's the same frame as far as I know!!! I don't know how heavy you are, but I know several rather large people riding a subway 1 without problems...

 

[shimano]

PP - the sales guy reckoned the carrera 1 had a lower spec rear hub and it might not be up to the job!
Phixion: I've looked long and hard at the Specialised ones and DO like them it's just that my wallet would complain - I'm 'in between careers' at the moment The Ridgeback I looked at already had a rear rack and mudguards fitted for the price.
thanks for taking the time to reply guys.

 

[Maz]

I'm still making up my mind but I'm edging closer to the Specialized Sirrus Elite, it's a little more expensive than the basic Sirrus model.

You won't be disappointed with the Elite. It is a tad more expensive than the base model, but it's well worth it.

 

[Phixion]

Yeah I'm unsure whether to go for the Sirrus Elite or Allez Sport.

Allez Sport is £100 more and has drops (unsure if i'll get on with them tho).

 

[Maz]

Yeah I'm unsure whether to go for the Sirrus Elite or Allez Sport.

Allez Sport is £100 more and has drops (unsure if i'll get on with them tho).

I had some reservations about drops. I've borrowed a few off friends and ridden them no problems. Maybe you could do the same, or at least test ride one from the shop.

 

[Scoosh]

I had some reservations about drops. I've borrowed a few off friends and ridden them no problems. Maybe you could do the same, or at least test ride one from the shop.

... and make it a long enough test to get over the 'settling in period'. Don't feel embarrassed about staying out for an hour

 

[shimano]

ok I know you've all been fretting and getting anxious so I'll put you out of your misery After trailing around umpteen bike shops went back and bought the first one I saw originally - the Ridgeback Speed. What helped sell it was the attitude of the shop staff who were all extremely helpful and friendly, oh and the price helped - saw it elsewhere at £90 more . Rode it home (maybe 4/5 miles) and was really pleased with it. If anyone wants to know of a really good lbs in Edinburgh just ask...

 

[shimano]

hey! - just noticed, I'm now a junior member - have a virtual pint on me to celebrate folks

 

[HLaB]

ok I know you've all been fretting and getting anxious so I'll put you out of your misery After trailing around umpteen bike shops went back and bought the first one I saw originally - the Ridgeback Speed. What helped sell it was the attitude of the shop staff who were all extremely helpful and friendly, oh and the price helped - saw it elsewhere at £90 more . Rode it home (maybe 4/5 miles) and was really pleased with it. If anyone wants to know of a really good lbs in Edinburgh just ask...

Many happy rides shimano