Upgrade from ancient MTB to Hybrid - Help!

[dave_79]

Hi folks, I have a Raleigh Gritstone MTB which I am guessing I got around 1995 for my 16th birthday. I turn 35 this year so 19 years use out of this big old beast is pretty good going. Apart from the fact I'm oddly sentimental about the bike, I have a nagging feeling that I'm missing out by not upgrading to something new which will be lighter and easier to ride and with better components, etc.

That said, I recently had new gear shifters put on along with some Schwalbe City Jets as I mainly use it for road and light trail / canal towpath type stuff. Given that I don't ride a huge amount (though I want this to change!) and am somewhat of a fairweather cyclist, is it worth me upgrading? Will I notice a significant change from a mid 90s MTB to a new hybrid bike?

What hybrids are good for under £600? Cube, Specialized and Trek seem to be popular but I've only just started looking into it all. One consideration is I may be doing Coast to Coast (tarmac) this year or next year, though I don't really want an out and out road bike (I'm a biggish bloke and don't like the riding position of racers) as beyond that I'll mainly be using it for what I mentioned earlier.

I can use the cycle to work scheme too which would help.

Thanks
Dave

 

[fossyant]

You will notice on Tarmac etc. still keep the MTB for mucky stuff though.

 

[vickster]

A specialized Sirrus, giant rapid and ridgeback velocity are pretty good road going fast flatbars. Check whether it can take mudguards and panniers if planning longer rides. Carbon forks and bar ends add comfort, the latter easy to retrofit, fork better to buy with

Good deals usually available on outgoing models from 2013 if you look around, with c2w, you may on,y be able to get 2014 bikes at full rrp, so the savings may not be as great or you'll get a less good bike

Best is to go and test ride the options. Depending on where you ate, find a decent sized bike shop that offers a range of brands

 

[Big Nick]

Don't forget Boardman if looking at hybrid bikes. I have the Hybrid Comp and it's very road orientated and I really like it (crashes well too!!).

Only issue is Halfords as its pot luck whether you get a decent bike mechanic to set it up as there's a number of horror stories of bikes that have been damn right dangerous. I got mine boxed and got a bike mechanic I know and trust to help me set it up. If you don't know anyone who could set it up, your lbs should do it for £30-40

 

[Cycleops]

You will find nearly all hybrids can take guards and rack. There are so many choices out there it's almost down to which colour you prefer! Try some out. Don't bother with suspension forks though, not worth the extra weight. Another one to consider is the Kona Honky Tonk, stupid name but good bike.

 

[John the Canuck]

tredz just sent me their 2014 catalog with a lock i ordered
BTW the 'ON-GUARD' lock is on sale at £24 ...BUT weighs a ton

anyway the Specialized Sirrus Elite and the Giant Escape both look the biz at £650
but perhaps a Scott at £450 would leave some cash for rack, panniers kit etc

john

 

[Trembler49]

I am a huge fan of hybrids. I still have a Cannondale M700 with slicks which works fine. I also have a Cotic Roadrat, but hard to get for your £600. I also have an One One Inbred rigid which I use as my main road bike now, but again, hard to get for your budget.

I would recommend a Cannondale Bad Boy 6, which you should be able to get for close to £600!

Good luck.

 

[dave_79]

Thanks for the tips, folks. Had another look and really liking the Specialized Sirrus at £400, looks pretty good without screaming "Steal me!", its got the rack mounts too which is a bonus. For what I want it for it's not worth splashing out any more than that price really. What's the difference between the bog standard version and the Sport, ie I can get a 2013 Sport for the same price of £400.

 

[Cycleops]

You nine speed instead of ten on the Sport, plus a slightly better spec, little difference really. Go for the cheaper one which allows for some accessories.

I notice you can get the 2014 Sport for £416 at Evans. http://www.evanscycles.com/products/specialized/sirrus-sport-2014-hybrid-bike-ec053142#features
Make sure you get the correct size for you.

 

[dave_79]

Ordered myself the latest Sirrus (base model) via cycle to work scheme!