Wood for the trees...which bike???

[Jethrox]

Hi

Am hoping someone can help me a little...am taking advantage of my company's cycle to work scheme. I have a commute of around 10 miles which is both on the road and also towpaths - probably 70% road....

I am guessing the best type of bike for me would be a hybrid, but there seems to be so much choice, my budget is up to £500 - would anyone have any good recommendations or also models/makes to avoid!

I basically have this month to settle on a model and would really appreciate some pointers before I make a terrible mistake!

Thanks....

 

[eldudino]

A little bit more expensive is the Specialized Tricross a friend has one and is very impressed with it as a great do-anything-go-anywhere machine. This Raleigh is also at a bargain price. Any cyclocross bike would be quick on towpaths and rapid enough on the road plus they usually come with rack and mudguard mounts.

 

[BrumJim]

Go for a hybrid if speed isn't too much of a concern. Hub gears require little maintenance and not the same fiddling as dérailleurs.
Me, I have a speed problem - I have to chase the man in front, so got a road bike for the same sort of work.

 

[vickster]

I have just got one of these

http://www.pearsoncycles.co.uk/product/4527/SPECIALIZED_CROSSTRAIL_SPORT_2010

Rugged enough for off road but also seems to cope well on roads. Not the lightest, depends whether you want speed or better stability around towpaths and potholes!

I got it for £500 through cycle to work with new grips, lights, a bell and a bottle cage through local friendly retailer with Halfords vouchers.

I also have a much lighter Trek 7.3 hybrid with skinnier tyres, but wanted something for slippery days too. The Trek is a good, light bike and I would buy it again

http://www.sunsetmtb.co.uk/shop/index.php?product_id=1274&category_id=80 (2010 Men's version)

I liked the Marin Larkspur too, just too similar to the Trek really but worth a look as more knobbly tyres (bit cheaper so you could get more kit if needed from your budget)

http://www.rutlandcycling.com/11027...ogle&utm_medium=froogle&utm_campaign=pid11027

I looked at all the options and kept coming back to the Specialized as meeting my needs.

Where do you live and whose vouchers do you have?

 

[smoke]

Id reccomend a kona smoke got mine of ebay for 200 quid brand new it,ll do everything you want, worth checking out.