Which hybrid should I choose?

[gearshifter]

I've tried a couple of road bikes and am just not happy in that position so have decided on a flat bar road bike for my commuting and weekend rides.
I have a question. Which is best, the Sirrus Elite or the Trek 7.4 FX Disc? They both have carbon forks and seem similarly equipped with the mounting points for mudguards and rack which I need.If you have any alternatives to these two bikes I would be very happy to hear from you. I have a cycle scheme certificate for £500 and have seen both these bikes available in my budget. I want to spend it as wisely as I can.
Many thanks in advance, Martin aka Marty

 

[w00hoo_kent]

I've had a Sirrus Elite Disk for a couple of years and been very happy with it. I've found the gearing good and the spec was decent enough. I've had no real issues with it. In it's time I've worn out the tyres (and changed to Durano +) upgraded ther rear mech to 105 and then followed that with the rest of the drive train as it's needed replacing, I changed the sets when I bought it because I had one I knew worked well for me. I've done around 4500 miles on it, mostly commute, and a fair number of leisure rides, it still coped very well with the dirt and gravel on the river path last night riding support for my wife's Guides.

Can't comment on the Trek though. Have you ridden both?

 

[Cycleops]

If they are similarly equipped and priced then go for the colour you prefer. There are no "bad" bikes out there.

 

[Over The Hill]

Have you looked at the Dawes touring range? Kick off at £599 and I would really call a tourer a hybrid bike as it will cover road, tracks, commutes and touring laden. They come all set up with mudguards and rack and ready to go.
I have a second hand super galaxy and mrs oth has an entry level dawes tourer which you may see not called a galaxy as they have only recently called the whole range galaxy. They just seem to have decent quality parts and I find them very comfortable. Yes all rather old school but fine for that- the flash ones get nicked.

 

[gearshifter]

I've had a Sirrus Elite Disk for a couple of years and been very happy with it. I've found the gearing good and the spec was decent enough. I've had no real issues with it. In it's time I've worn out the tyres (and changed to Durano +) upgraded ther rear mech to 105 and then followed that with the rest of the drive train as it's needed replacing, I changed the sets when I bought it because I had one I knew worked well for me. I've done around 4500 miles on it, mostly commute, and a fair number of leisure rides, it still coped very well with the dirt and gravel on the river path last night riding support for my wife's Guides.

Can't comment on the Trek though. Have you ridden both?

Thanks for the feedback. Now I can show how much of a novice I am as I didn't even know you could get test rides from a bike shop these days. It makes sense though. That will be next move. Cheers

 

[gearshifter]

Plenty of good advice thanks chaps. When I make my decision I'll let you know but I appreciate you taking the time to help.

 

[gearshifter]

Have you looked at the Dawes touring range? Kick off at £599 and I would really call a tourer a hybrid bike as it will cover road, tracks, commutes and touring laden. They come all set up with mudguards and rack and ready to go.
I have a second hand super galaxy and mrs oth has an entry level dawes tourer which you may see not called a galaxy as they have only recently called the whole range galaxy. They just seem to have decent quality parts and I find them very comfortable. Yes all rather old school but fine for that- the flash ones get nicked.

Thank you for pointing me at Dawes. I have tried the Discovery 401 and it seems ideal. I have researched their quality and reliability via reviews and they seem to be a level above the Sirrus and the Trek so I think that will be my choice but going for further test rides next week. Thanks for the info though.

 

[Cycleops]

Let us know how you get on.

 

[gearshifter]

Let us know how you get on.

I had several failed attempts to purchase a bike using the ride/cycle to work schemes as my employer couldn't be bothered doing the paperwork so I used cyclesurgery and their 0% finance scheme and bought a Giant Rapid 3 about 4 weeks ago. I've added a rack, panniers and lights of course. Changed the seat (twice) and swapped the bar ends and now I have a bike that I can do my 15 mile round trip commute on and enjoy 30 mile rides at weekends and without any discomfort. Just wanted to say thanks to all for the advice I was given and feel by doing lots of research I ended up with the right bike for me. I did have to get gears set up by my local shop and am very happy with the end result.