Hi, I'm new to the forum and would appreciate views on the bikes in this short-list. I have a short (5-mile) commute, longer leisure rides at weekends, looking to do more cycling on holidays. Budget about £400-£600.
Trek 7.5 FX
Nice ride, worries are the narrow wheels on rough cycle paths, durability of carbon forks and the low spoke count (any views on this?)
Trek SOHO 1.0
2-3kg heavier than the others I looked at, but doesn't feel it. Not sure about disk brakes at this price.
Cube SL Road Comp
Again rides nicely - not sure about Cube as it's a new make to me. Paint job says 'nick me' more than grey does.
Ridgeback Flight X3
I've not ridden this yet. I've heard moans about Ridgeback and their frames - views?
Ridgeback Rapide Supernova
Nice ride - again is Ridgeback OK?
Specialised Sirrus Comp
Had Specialised before and liked them - however heard bad things about these carbon forks (vibration) - views?
Finally - any overall views on best compromise tyre width for bad British roads and stone cycle paths. I've ridden old wide mountain bike tyres for so long that the hybrid narrow, or even narrower road hybrids seem 'skittish', less secure, less strong. Or are they fine, once you get used to it? (I do like the speed/ease of peddaling of smoother, narrower tyres).
Thanks in advance.
Trek 7.5 FX
Nice ride, worries are the narrow wheels on rough cycle paths, durability of carbon forks and the low spoke count (any views on this?)
Trek SOHO 1.0
2-3kg heavier than the others I looked at, but doesn't feel it. Not sure about disk brakes at this price.
Cube SL Road Comp
Again rides nicely - not sure about Cube as it's a new make to me. Paint job says 'nick me' more than grey does.
Ridgeback Flight X3
I've not ridden this yet. I've heard moans about Ridgeback and their frames - views?
Ridgeback Rapide Supernova
Nice ride - again is Ridgeback OK?
Specialised Sirrus Comp
Had Specialised before and liked them - however heard bad things about these carbon forks (vibration) - views?
Finally - any overall views on best compromise tyre width for bad British roads and stone cycle paths. I've ridden old wide mountain bike tyres for so long that the hybrid narrow, or even narrower road hybrids seem 'skittish', less secure, less strong. Or are they fine, once you get used to it? (I do like the speed/ease of peddaling of smoother, narrower tyres).
Thanks in advance.