Urban Hybrid or Cx

[norliss]

Further to my previous post I was originally looking specifically at urban rigid hybrids. However, after reading around a bit (and given my intention to keep my Marin Muirwoods as a commuter/beater) I'm now wondering if I should consider a Cyclocross i.e.

Whyte Dorset
Genesis Vapour
Giant Revolt 1/ AnyRoad 1
Orbea Avant H30D

Naturally, there's no substitute for test rides (I fully intend to) but I'd be grateful to for any comments/opinions on any of the above and/or how they might compare (from a riding/usage point of view) to the kinds of fast urban hybrids I've been drawn to i.e. the Orbea Carpe, Whyte Stirling et al.

Thanks all

 

[2pies]

TBH, there's not much difference. They'll likely have very similar frames and components. What I would say is that because CX bikes have drop handlebars, they have a variety of riding positions which, in turn, opens the door to a wider variety of riding styles. With brakes on the top of the bar, you can ride in an upright position (like a hybrid) for better visibility in heavy traffic, on the hoods for longer rides and in the drops for more speed.

Its a decision I mulled over when I got back into cycling 3 years ago. I wasn't confident enough to go for a full-on road bike, but thought an urban hybrid would limit my options, which is why I went for a CX style bike. I'm not familiar with any of those bikes though.

 

[KneesUp]

I was considering a Giant Revolt as it seems pretty adaptable - it will take up to a 50mm tyre, for example, as well as rear racks - but it is reasonably light and, I presume, tough. The problems for me were a) it's aluminium, and I don't really like aluminium and b) it's £700 and I don't have £700 at the moment. If neither of those are a consideration for you, I'd take a good look at it. All the models have an identical frame, it's just the components that change.

The Peugeot in my image has proved a bit uncomfortable on badly maintained urban roads - the quality of road surface has definitely declined since I last rode regularly, and the increased discomfort is nothing to do with me being older. Certainly not that. (Actually the last road bike I owned has a beautiful frame and rubber hoods rather that the bare metal of the Peugeot, so perhaps it was just more comfortable) Anyway - where was I - yes, I see people commuting on lovely road bikes quite often, but I just cannot imagine that they are comfortable at all, and the bikes just aren't versatile. You could do pretty much anything with a Revolt (perhaps with two sets of wheels - discs make it easy to change - 35mm slicks for town, 50mm knobblies for the weekend) I don't know much about the others you've listed, but the Orbea is definitely a road bike so it will be fast, not that comfortable and not that versatile. I've ridden 25mm tyres along hard packed cycle paths and canal tow paths, so it can be done, but it's not exactly stress free and relaxing! Of course if you will be doing that on your other bike that's fine, but with something a bit tougher you could do a road ride with a bit of off-road thrown in.

Not sure if any of that is any use. I am going down the route of making my own not-a-road-bike-but-not-an-off-road-drop-bar-bike out of an old hybrid frame, but that's largely because of the lack of £700

 

[norliss]

Thanks for your replies, guys. I'm pretty sure I am going to go CX now

It's funny because when you first start looking at what's out there, it seems like there's a bewildering amount of choice, but then specific personal criteria, price/dealer options tend to narrow things down considerably!

In any case, I've since ruled out the Orbea & Whyte on the grounds that they're more road bikes. I've also had to rule out the Genesis Vapour for gearing reasons which is a shame as I liked the look of it (and their bikes in general).

However I've since added:

Marin Lombard
Saracen Hack 2

to the list. Can anyone offer any opinions/experience of either of these two?

 

[sazzaa]

I'd recommend taking the Genesis out for a test ride before you rule it out.

 

[vickster]

Boardman CX, has SRAM Apex

 

[Cantcatchmyoldman]

Highly recommend the Giant Revolt 2. I'm from Canada its the best thing I can find in its class for the price. Disc brakes for those bad weather days, its light, its fast, it also has huge advantages when the pathways are less than favorable. And being from Calgary (1.1 million people) I think I saw a flat clear path once for about 20 feet but that was a long time ago As for the Anyroad it looks good on paper but it seems everyone hates it. My bike shop won't even carry one you have to special order it just cause its ugly, really really ugly apparently, I don't know its just what I have heard. Back to the revolt apparently it isn't a cyclocross bike Giant classifies it as an endurance but I would argue that as well. It is its own animal different from all the rest and I'm thinking it might be right up your alley. Best 1000$ cdn I've ever spent.