Which hybrid will be MUCH better than what I've got ?

[Dave7]

I realise this is an open ended question (but I couldn't think of a better way of asking) . This is an extension to my previous 2 questions.
I've just retired (65 and reasonably fit ) and got back into cycling. I am going to buy myself a present. What I have now is a 12 year old Mercury (they have long since disappeared) and the spec is........

• 7005 ally frame
• Shimano Nexave groupset (24 gears) and the same for brakes.
• front suspension (no idea how good it is in comparrison but probably 'old hat')

HOW MUCH £s.
Just retired-this will probably be my last serious bike so I'm prepared to 'push the boat out' and enjoy it....... maybe £1000(ish) ?
I want good spec, light weight, nice looking. It's for road, canal paths & Penine Way type riding. I want to feel it is 'noticably' better than my present bike.
I know choice is very personal but I would appreciate all suggestions.
Thanks

 

[Mike!]

I love my Specialized Sirrus Comp, comfy fast, light and tough, plenty of models to choose from too up to and beyond your budget

 

[wiggydiggy]

This Felt QX90 was as good as a grand, until it went on sale at £665

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/felt-qx90d-2011/

 

[ACS]

I would have no hesitation in buying another Specialized Sirrus, as others have said light, fast and robust.

Had one for commuting on before upgrading to a Tricross Sport in 2009. Initially I was dissappointed with the Tricross because it felt slower than my Sirrus.

 

[Maz]

Another vote for the Sirrus. I have the Elite model. Fast, light, strong. Workhorse meets Racehorse.

 

[Part time cyclist]

I have just got back into cycling after many years out and have got myself a specialized sirrus IMHO the best bike i have ever ridden................... i bought the base model due to budget and have modded as and when the finances allowed excellent base...awesome bike

 

[HLaB]

If you are wanting a fast light bike a flat bar road bike is superb, I own a sirrus also and would agree with the several posts above. I also like the look of the Giant Escape RX or the thinner tyred giant rapid; I think Marin and Ridgeback do similar bikes find which one is most comfortable to you. I do note however, you say canal paths, the bikes will cope with that but won't be the most comfortable.

 

[al-fresco]

Have a look at the Surly Cross Check if there's a dealer near you. Notionally a cyclo-cross bike but with provision for front and rear carriers. Double butted steel frame just like we used to love. Cyclo-cross 700x32 tyres as standard but you can drop down to to 700x23c on the same rims if you're so inclined. I won't claim that it's a bargain at £1,000 but Surly's do feel a bit special.

 

[The Jogger]

I would seriously look at this for an excellent all rounder...........
http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/..._productId_777731_langId_-1_categoryId_165710

 

[Pauln]

Yes, the Boardman hybrids are excellent, love mine.

 

[dellzeqq]

if you buy a Boardman then have a proper bike shop look it over after. Budget for £70 to £100

 

[Ozzeh]

If you're considering a cyclo-cross bike, have you thought about a Cotic X? Steel, optional carbon fork, optional disk brakes...

http://cotic.co.uk/product/x

I'd quite like one

 

[Jezston]

Must it be flat bars hybrid? Would you consider a cyclocross bike (a la Jogger's post) to give you more hand positions for longer journeys and more room to push it hard should you want?

 

[wiggydiggy]

Must it be flat bars hybrid? Would you consider a cyclocross bike (a la Jogger's post) to give you more hand positions for longer journeys and more room to push it hard should you want?

I was looking at Cyclo-Cross's instead of the eventual Spec'd Crosstrail Sport Disc I've picked but I couldnt for the life of me find one that had a front fork?

Is it something that doesnt work, drop bars and 'forks I mean?

 

[Jezston]

I ... what?

I take it you mean front suspension fork? I'd argue unless you are doing serious offroad MTB type riding you are better off without.