Advice on hybrids please – appreciate this has been asked before but I can’t see any recent posts from members with a similar budget. I have recently sold my road bike due to being of an age where the seating position had become uncomfortable and also sold my trusty old Diamondback MTB, also for age reasons – just not going on to rough terrain anymore.
I wish to replace both with a hybrid and have narrowed my choice down to three or possibly four. My budget is around £350 and I want front suspension (I know a lot of you out there will question whether this is needed, but I do intend to still go off-road onto woodland path type surfaces). I would appreciate comments from anyone with experience of my chosen few or indeed other suggestions. I also have a preference for the handlebar stem to be adjustable. In no particular order they are:
Giant Roam 3 (2011). Can’t find anyone selling for less than £394
Claud Butler Explorer 400 (2011), RRP £370, which I have found at £315 (or possibly the better 500, which I can get at £340)
Mongoose Crossway 350 (2011). RRP of £359, but seen it at £305 for the V break version.
The other possible is Land Rover Commute 4.9 RRP of £420, but generally selling at £374.
All have 24 spd Shimano Acera, so nothing to choose from there. The Mongoose & Land Rover both have the lock-out on the forks (as has the Land Rover) and also has the advantage of being the cheapest. In terms of looks, I am leaning towards the Giant or the CB though. I have yet to try and blag a test ride on any but have at least sat on all but the Mongoose. I am dubious about the Land Rover, as (1) the tyres are far too slick for a hybrid, although obviously replaceable and (2) I had simply no idea they made bikes until I started looking. Is the name just a gimmick? Incidentally I have rejected Trek and Scott, plus a few others.
I have looked where possible for last year models, but they are becoming short of stock and/or don’t have the same spec.
I wish to replace both with a hybrid and have narrowed my choice down to three or possibly four. My budget is around £350 and I want front suspension (I know a lot of you out there will question whether this is needed, but I do intend to still go off-road onto woodland path type surfaces). I would appreciate comments from anyone with experience of my chosen few or indeed other suggestions. I also have a preference for the handlebar stem to be adjustable. In no particular order they are:
Giant Roam 3 (2011). Can’t find anyone selling for less than £394
Claud Butler Explorer 400 (2011), RRP £370, which I have found at £315 (or possibly the better 500, which I can get at £340)
Mongoose Crossway 350 (2011). RRP of £359, but seen it at £305 for the V break version.
The other possible is Land Rover Commute 4.9 RRP of £420, but generally selling at £374.
All have 24 spd Shimano Acera, so nothing to choose from there. The Mongoose & Land Rover both have the lock-out on the forks (as has the Land Rover) and also has the advantage of being the cheapest. In terms of looks, I am leaning towards the Giant or the CB though. I have yet to try and blag a test ride on any but have at least sat on all but the Mongoose. I am dubious about the Land Rover, as (1) the tyres are far too slick for a hybrid, although obviously replaceable and (2) I had simply no idea they made bikes until I started looking. Is the name just a gimmick? Incidentally I have rejected Trek and Scott, plus a few others.
I have looked where possible for last year models, but they are becoming short of stock and/or don’t have the same spec.
