Thinking of picking up a cheap Hybrid bike...

[Deleted member 20519]

I get a bus to school every morning and it takes me around an hour to get there. I know that I could get there quicker if I cycled. It's around 7 miles, which might not seem like a lot to the members here who do 50 and then laugh about it, but I'm trying to get back in too cycling so it'll get easier.

I'm thinking about buying a cheap, second hand hybrid bike so I can cycle every day. I tried cycling there on my heavy mountain bike and it took me ages and it wasn't fun at all. Will you feel a difference converting from a mountain bike to a hybrid bike, such as weight, speed etc?

The commute isn't that long, around seven miles and I'd be leaving fairly early in the morning (7:20?) so it would be quite quiet. It's around 2 miles downhill, 3 uphill and then 2 flat. I'm not a good uphill rider so I'd need to do something there. Suggestions would be good too.

Thanks,
James.

 

[DCLane]

Why don't you try non-knobbly tyres?

I've fitted Schwalbe's Land Cruiser tyres and it's made a difference to my MTB. Their City Jet are even quicker.

 

[Deleted member 20519]

Why don't you try non-knobbly tyres?

I've fitted Schwalbe's Land Cruiser tyres and it's made a difference to my MTB. Their City Jet are even quicker.

My mountain bike got trashed, I threw it away. I was considering buying another one but I think a hybrid would benefit me more.

 

[Hawk]

Someone with a decent suggestion with regards to "what bike" will be along shortly no doubt. There is indeed a big difference between a MB and a hybrid so it sounds like it'll benefit you. Besides, if it's a bit more fun to cycle you'll find yourself doing more and becoming much quicker. The first few weeks are definitely hardest and slowest. Feel free to alternate cycle-bus days or similar.

Make sure you budget for a decent lock; if you are definitely always commuting to the same place it would make sense to leave a lock there. As long as you remember it for that time you decide to do a big bike ride in the other direction...

Where are you commuting from/to, out of interest?

 

[Deleted member 20519]

Someone with a decent suggestion with regards to "what bike" will be along shortly no doubt. There is indeed a big difference between a MB and a hybrid so it sounds like it'll benefit you. Besides, if it's a bit more fun to cycle you'll find yourself doing more and becoming much quicker. The first few weeks are definitely hardest and slowest. Feel free to alternate cycle-bus days or similar.

Make sure you budget for a decent lock; if you are definitely always commuting to the same place it would make sense to leave a lock there. As long as you remember it for that time you decide to do a big bike ride in the other direction...

Where are you commuting from/to, out of interest?

I'll be cycling to school in the morning. My house is in Paisley and my school's in Linwood.

 

[sabian92]

Make sure there's somewhere decent to lock it up where it's in sight. You know what scally kids are schools are like - wreck something nice because they can't have it.

 

[thefollen]

What's your budget? I have a Giant CRS 3 Hybrid that's been amazing for two years now. Think they're discontinued but I'm sure there's an equivalent they do. Cost £325 and have only needed new brake pads the whole time. The puncture-resistant tyres have been invaluable, survived a couple of minor spills, v comfortable and robust- been all over the place on it. Although the road bike is my main one these days, the hybrid's still brilliant as my 'runaround'.

 

[thefollen]

This is more-or-less the same one as mine:

http://www.tredz.co.uk/.Giant-Escape-3-2011-5-Hybrid-Sports-Bike_45463.htm

 

[Cal44]

I recently went from an Mtb to hybrid. Mtb had semi slicks on at about 65psi. So rolled well but the new hybrid is much better. The difference is very noticeable on the thinner higher psi tyres. Much easier to get up to speed due to gearing and easy on the uphills too which will get much easier very quickly.

Only thing I would say about second hand is be careful and do your homework so you don't get ripped off! I found the local bike shop very helpful in understanding exactly what type of bike to buy for my needs. Might b worth a look for you too.

 

[Hawk]

Yeah, going to a local bike shop for advice (they' should be happy to help with advice if not too busy, after all you'll be coming to them for parts in future probably).... Billy Bisland next to Glasgow Green is outstanding. Didn't care so much for the service in Dooley's but might be worth a visit if it's nearer to you