What Hybrid?

[SSmatty]

My Mrs has become a fairly keen cyclist over the last 18 months or so.
She has soldiered on with a 10 year old GT Aggressor 1, which to be fair is a decent bike, but it is also quite heavy duty.
Thinking about the type of riding she does we are thinking of buying a hybrid. One of the semi off road types with 700c wheels, not a flat barred road bike.
We like a bargain so looking for something second hand.
The question is, what should we look for?
I think Giant and Carrera offer good bang for your buck, but what models / spec should we look out for?

Advic, if you please.

 

[vickster]

The Carrera Subways are always well regarded, heavy though

Anything with 32-35mm tyres should fit the bill. Take her round a few local shops

 

[Brandane]

One of the semi off road types with 700c wheels, not a flat barred road bike.

Does she like drop bars? If so, what about a cyclocross bike like a Specialized Tricross, Genesis Croix de Fer, or similar from any of the big names? They have wider tyres so quite capable of light off roading, bigger clearance will also take full mudguards, and some have eyelets for fitting racks if you fancy a bit of touring. Great all rounders.

 

[vickster]

Or women specific design, you have the Giant invite models. Although second hand may be difficult and they are around £800 (I assume your budget is less than that)

On the more rugged rigid fork hybrid side, I've always liked the Trek 7.x range, been around for a number of years so there should be some good options second hand

 

[shouldbeinbed]

Have a look at Decathlon or Edinburgh Bikes. You may find you can get a new bike with much the same spec and performance as a second hand brand name for similar money if you look at BTwin or EBC's own brand 'Revolution' bikes.

 

[SSmatty]

Some interesting options here.
I think drops are a Nono.
Flat or riser methinks.

 

[Mike!]

It doesn't matter what advice anyone here (or even yourself) give, she will go with the one she likes the look / colour of