Road Bike or Hybrid?

[Neil Gray]

Hi i have had my trusty old GT mountain bike for many years but have found i am now tending towards more road cycling and intend to do a few charity rides and sportives. Don't get me wrong i still love riding trails too but as i have not had a road bike before i was looking for some advice.

I am looking to spend a max of £500 pound to get a road bike or hybrid and was wondering if anybody had any preferences and is there and major differences or advantages of either.

thanks

 

[Tin Pot]

Get a Traban 3 from Decathlon for £299. Job done. You'll be smoother and faster immediately.

I take it you still have your MTB, so you can go off road with that.

 

[The Jogger]

Thwn spend another £300 on upgrades. .....

 

[RussellZero]

What about cyclocross bikes?

 

[vickster]

Wiggle have a Felt F95 with Sora & carbon fork for £400, 38% off

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/felt-f95-sora-wiggle-exclusive/

The new Triban 3 has no carbon fork

Given your wish to do long road rides, I'd get a road bike with dropped bars not a flat bar

Hard to find new CX for £500 and again they are not designed with Sportives in mind generally

 

[Neil Gray]

Hi tin pot i still have the trusty old GT and its not going anywhere. ha ha. I have been looking at the Triban 3 but would have to do mail order as dont have a decathlon store nearby.

 

[MikeW-71]

Road bike would seem to be more suited to what you want. £500 is not a bad budget.. let's see...

Triban 5
Giant Defy 5
Fuji Sportif
Felt
Just to throw a few ideas out. The Triban and the Felt are spectacular value right now.

 

[MarkF]

Hi Neil, I have the lot, an old GT MTB, a Triban 3 and a hybrid. I rarely use the MTB and the Triban is for fun, I've had it 2 years now and not spent a penny on any upgrades, it is unbelievable value for the small amount that they cost.

But I use the hybrid 70% of the time, this is because I live right next to the Leeds/Liverpool canal, even on a sunny day I'll often choose the hybrid (over the road bike) for a 50 miler just so that I have the option to ride on the trails and towpaths. I get bored on the MTB and Road bike, never on my hybrid.