Seeking advice on Carrera Subway Limited Edition 2013

[moonjiver]

Hi folks, I have spent a year (or more!) looking at different hybrid bikes - it's been quite confusing. I want to upgrade from an old thin Claud Butler with drops to the new technology and something more comfortable for potholed roads .. Not wanting to spend a lot to begin with either .. maybe upgrade again later. Well, I've just tried a sleek red Subway Limited Edition at Halfords in Bexhill - yes, I KNOW about their reputation on assembly, servicing etc. but all I can say is that I found the bike itself supremely comfortable and beautiful to ride and steer. I was whizzing around the shop as if I'd been riding the bike for years .. The reviews of the Subway have always been mainly good - good value at that price and so on. Would anyone care to encourage me .. or maybe tell me to spend more and get better quality?! I'm reckoning to do the usual urban stuff but also some shortish runs along the south coast and a few tracks and paths across the marshes too. I should add that I've had some difficulty because I'm 6ft with long arms - found a number of hybrids to be quite close to MTB's, a bit chunky and heavy with shortish frames that made me feel cramped. Any advice appreciated.

 

[vickster]

If its comfortable and suits your needs, job done...start saving for n+1

 

[ianrauk]

Subway bikes are excellent bikes for the money. Well made and bomb proof to boot.
I have one which is now 7 years old and is still going very strong.

 

[cyberknight]

Subway bikes are excellent bikes for the money. Well made and bomb proof to boot.
I have one which is now 7 years old and is still going very strong.

+1
I had one when i first started cycling again what 5 years ago ? and sold it when i went to road bikes and i missed it so much i am picking up the subway with disc brakes later on C2W.If you still feel cramped on a large frame maybe you need to fit a longer stem and look at your saddle setback ?
http://www.bikeradar.com/gear/article/technique-perfect-mountain-bike-fit-29498/
http://www.jimlangley.net/crank/bikefit.html

 

[mirrorman]

I've the 2012 model & at 6"3 find the riding position comftable enough for about 35 mile rides.The only thing I've changed we're the tyres to less knobbly & thinner.After over2,500 miles would highly recommend especially for the price.

 

[Cycleops]

Will probably serve you well enough but maybe not as satisfying as a Specialized Sirrus starting at twice the price, which is probably the most popular hybrid. Nobody ever regretted buying quality.

 

[vickster]

I had two Sirrus, I found them pretty dull to ride!

 

[moonjiver]

Thanks for all the comments. Yes, the tyres are a bit knobbly, may change those later (might make a difference to speed?). Otherwise, I thought the whole bike was very well thought-out - nice grippy handle bar grips, space in the centre to rest your hands on a straight stretch of road, good components for the money .. And I seemed to be able to stretch quite well forward onto the bars without in any way being cramped. The Specialized Sirrus was one of those recommended to me and, if I find I'm happy with this style of bike, who knows, I might upgrade again and splash out later .. Thanks to all.

 

[cyberknight]

Thanks for all the comments. Yes, the tyres are a bit knobbly, may change those later (might make a difference to speed?). Otherwise, I thought the whole bike was very well thought-out - nice grippy handle bar grips, space in the centre to rest your hands on a straight stretch of road, good components for the money .. And I seemed to be able to stretch quite well forward onto the bars without in any way being cramped. The Specialized Sirrus was one of those recommended to me and, if I find I'm happy with this style of bike, who knows, I might upgrade again and splash out later .. Thanks to all.

Slicker tyres will make a lot of difference, i used to run schwable city jets before hand and i will be on the look out for something similar again .
would paste a link but my browser is playing silly beggars atm

 

[Cycleops]

I had two Sirrus, I found them pretty dull to ride!

Dull enough to buy two!

 

[vickster]

Yep, first one got stolen, needed a bike in a hurry, good deal locally on the higher model which I hoped would be more engaging to ride - also an insurance claim so like for like (value wise) - it wasn't, sold within 6 months and replaced by a roadbike

I now also have a Whyte Cambridge which was the bike I wanted to replace the stolen Sirrus, but funds didn't permit at the time - much more interesting

 

[moonjiver]

Well, thanks for all the tips. I've looked at Treks, which I felt looked a bit ordinary and the riding position is more upright than I am comfortable with; also the Sirrus; also the Carrera Crossfire. But I'm finding it hard to justify going up on price for the sake of better specification when the Subways seem very good and the ride is really nice. But I also tried a couple of Boardmans and I was quite impressed - nice bikes and again very comfortable. So, I'll be sorting it very shortly and it may well be good old Halfords! I went into two well-known cycle shops in Tonbridge thinking they'd have a good range of makes and give me better advice. Not at all. The bikes I was after were very limited and the staff awful, seemed quite irritated that I was interrupting them from sorting out their papers or greasing something at the back! In Halfords by contrast two nice young guys gave me a lot of time and were very knowledgeable about the technology. I'll just make damn sure the thing is assembled properly or maybe get the lbs to check it for me after a week or two!

 

[vickster]

Join British Cycling - get 10% off everything at Halfords (as long as pay in store) and other benefits such as 3rd party insurance