Advice for Getting a Hybrid
Discussion
I'm looking for some advice on getting a hybrid. I've had "mountain" bikes in the past but have never been anywhere near a mountain. I also currently have a BMX but that is obviously used for going to skateparks only. I want the bike for mostly urban pleasure riding (not commuting or chasing times currently) with the occasional gravel track alongside a canal type of riding.
Would this be the best thing to go for? My budget is around £500 so I'd be looking at entry level completes, Halfords tend to have a lot of Boardman/Carrera stuff although I understand they own Boardman or have a large stake in it. Chain reaction do a few different brands but I've never heard of them. Would appreciate some recommendations on what to go for.
Would this be the best thing to go for? My budget is around £500 so I'd be looking at entry level completes, Halfords tend to have a lot of Boardman/Carrera stuff although I understand they own Boardman or have a large stake in it. Chain reaction do a few different brands but I've never heard of them. Would appreciate some recommendations on what to go for.
Some people will look down at anything from Halfords, but I've owned a Subway 1 which got nicked, an very early Carrera Gryphon (at 11.5kg its lighter than many new hybrids been sold today), and currently commuting on a Boardman 8.9e hyb.
Compared to a proper road bike with newsish carbon frame all these bikes feel slow, but they aren't designed to chase Strava segments.
Decathlon also do decent entry level bikes, but the main advantage of Halfords is there is usually multiple shops in one city, so if the bike ever needed work on its easy to take it somethere. Again some people look down at Halford bike hut workshops, but personally I've always found staff to be helpful, prices cheap.
Compared to a proper road bike with newsish carbon frame all these bikes feel slow, but they aren't designed to chase Strava segments.
Decathlon also do decent entry level bikes, but the main advantage of Halfords is there is usually multiple shops in one city, so if the bike ever needed work on its easy to take it somethere. Again some people look down at Halford bike hut workshops, but personally I've always found staff to be helpful, prices cheap.
Edited by gangzoom on Wednesday 22 April 15:24
As per the other thread, I bought a Boardman 8.8 hybrid last week.
I had it delivered boxed, just needed the front wheel and handlebars sorted, and off you go.
After 20 years of MTBs with suspension this is a bit like riding a razor blade, but I’ll get used to it. Loving it so far.
The 8.6 Is £500 and is broadly the same except for aluminium forks and a bit more weight. It’s also available in red, the colour I’d have preferred mine to be.
I had it delivered boxed, just needed the front wheel and handlebars sorted, and off you go.
After 20 years of MTBs with suspension this is a bit like riding a razor blade, but I’ll get used to it. Loving it so far.
The 8.6 Is £500 and is broadly the same except for aluminium forks and a bit more weight. It’s also available in red, the colour I’d have preferred mine to be.
Edited by dino_jr on Wednesday 22 April 15:44
Budget Creep possible ?
I bought one of these after the rave reviews via Cycle2Work
https://www.cyclingweekly.com/reviews/hybrid-bikes...
Riverside 920
I bought one of these after the rave reviews via Cycle2Work
https://www.cyclingweekly.com/reviews/hybrid-bikes...
Riverside 920
There are a broad range of hybrids - with some closer to an MTB than others so I think it depends how many towpaths/gravel trails you are thinking of doing
I have a GT Transeo 3 which is probably closer to the MTB side of the hybrid range - with a lockable front fork and mechanical discs
Does the job for me on the sort of riding that I do but I do frequent bridleways and towpaths as well as the roads
I have a GT Transeo 3 which is probably closer to the MTB side of the hybrid range - with a lockable front fork and mechanical discs
Does the job for me on the sort of riding that I do but I do frequent bridleways and towpaths as well as the roads
SamR380 said:
The Calibre Stitch seems to get good reviews from owners and has all the features I'd look for in a commuter: flat bars, a solid fork, hydraulic discs and good tyre clearance. It doesn't have built in pannier mounts but there are adapter kits available.
Thanks for this, looks decent and quite cheap. gangzoom said:
Some people will look down at anything from Halfords, but I've owned a Subway 1 which got nicked, an very early Carrera Gryphon (at 11.5kg its lighter than many new hybrids been sold today), and currently commuting on a Boardman 8.9e hyb.
Compared to a proper road bike with newsish carbon frame all these bikes feel slow, but they aren't designed to chase Strava segments.
Decathlon also do decent entry level bikes, but the main advantage of Halfords is there is usually multiple shops in one city, so if the bike ever needed work on its easy to take it somethere. Again some people look down at Halford bike hut workshops, but personally I've always found staff to be helpful, prices cheap.
I have never ridden a road bike so I doubt they will feel slow to me, compared to my single speed BMX anyway! I don't really look down on a bike from Halfords personally, not too fussed about what other people think. If it's less desirable that's good from a theft point of view. The thing I like about Halfords is I can go and collect it, take it home and build it then go out for a ride and not have to wait for delivery.Compared to a proper road bike with newsish carbon frame all these bikes feel slow, but they aren't designed to chase Strava segments.
Decathlon also do decent entry level bikes, but the main advantage of Halfords is there is usually multiple shops in one city, so if the bike ever needed work on its easy to take it somethere. Again some people look down at Halford bike hut workshops, but personally I've always found staff to be helpful, prices cheap.
Edited by gangzoom on Wednesday 22 April 15:24
dino_jr said:
As per the other thread, I bought a Boardman 8.8 hybrid last week.
I had it delivered boxed, just needed the front wheel and handlebars sorted, and off you go.
After 20 years of MTBs with suspension this is a bit like riding a razor blade, but I’ll get used to it. Loving it so far.
The 8.6 Is £500 and is broadly the same except for aluminium forks and a bit more weight. It’s also available in red, the colour I’d have preferred mine to be.
That looks nice, not really that interested in carbon forks personally. Would rather have metallic for the extra durability, really not fussed about the extra weight. I had it delivered boxed, just needed the front wheel and handlebars sorted, and off you go.
After 20 years of MTBs with suspension this is a bit like riding a razor blade, but I’ll get used to it. Loving it so far.
The 8.6 Is £500 and is broadly the same except for aluminium forks and a bit more weight. It’s also available in red, the colour I’d have preferred mine to be.
Edited by dino_jr on Wednesday 22 April 15:44
PushedDover said:
Budget Creep possible ?
I bought one of these after the rave reviews via Cycle2Work
https://www.cyclingweekly.com/reviews/hybrid-bikes...
Riverside 920
I would rather stick to £500 or less, but thanks.I bought one of these after the rave reviews via Cycle2Work
https://www.cyclingweekly.com/reviews/hybrid-bikes...
Riverside 920
Pieman68 said:
There are a broad range of hybrids - with some closer to an MTB than others so I think it depends how many towpaths/gravel trails you are thinking of doing
I have a GT Transeo 3 which is probably closer to the MTB side of the hybrid range - with a lockable front fork and mechanical discs
Does the job for me on the sort of riding that I do but I do frequent bridleways and towpaths as well as the roads
Lockable forks is something I do want, so will make sure what I get has them, budget allowing.I have a GT Transeo 3 which is probably closer to the MTB side of the hybrid range - with a lockable front fork and mechanical discs
Does the job for me on the sort of riding that I do but I do frequent bridleways and towpaths as well as the roads
I've recently got a Boardman MTX8.8 from Halfords.
Like the bike above but with a front air fork which you can lock out.
The only thing I don't like about it is the compact double chainset, I'd much rather it was a triple.
https://www.boardmanbikes.com/gb_en/products/2171-...
Like the bike above but with a front air fork which you can lock out.
The only thing I don't like about it is the compact double chainset, I'd much rather it was a triple.
https://www.boardmanbikes.com/gb_en/products/2171-...
see the Decathlon bike I have...
I have been riding a Halfords Carerra Crossfire 2 for about 2 years. Its a great hybrid as it does everything you ask for it within the budget you are looking at.
It is no show off bike but it doesn't leave me feeling wanting in the use case I have for it - pootle riding with mixed road, gravel and rutty tracks. Its gearing has a great spread and uses cable brakes which aren't cool but require much less attention and cost to maintain.
Hybrids are a compromise between two types but the bike doesnt feel like a compromise, it does the job well.
My partner recently bought the Electric version, again great but for the money the only benefit is when it comes to hills it makes it easier and out of the budget.
I dont think you would be disappointed with what I have but just buy the right size whichever bike you get.
Oh and buy a gel seat or a removable gel cover
It is no show off bike but it doesn't leave me feeling wanting in the use case I have for it - pootle riding with mixed road, gravel and rutty tracks. Its gearing has a great spread and uses cable brakes which aren't cool but require much less attention and cost to maintain.
Hybrids are a compromise between two types but the bike doesnt feel like a compromise, it does the job well.
My partner recently bought the Electric version, again great but for the money the only benefit is when it comes to hills it makes it easier and out of the budget.
I dont think you would be disappointed with what I have but just buy the right size whichever bike you get.
Oh and buy a gel seat or a removable gel cover
Have you got or can you get access to Cycle to Work? You could spend the £500 and it cost you a lot less because of the tax and NI saving, or up the budget for free, which would give you a lighter bike most likely with a better quality (lighter, more durable) set of brakes and gears.
Al U said:
I want the bike for mostly urban pleasure riding (not commuting or chasing times currently) with the occasional gravel track alongside a canal type of riding.
Would this be the best thing to go for? My budget is around £500 so I'd be looking at entry level completes, .
For what you want it for, just get something cheap from Halfords, Decathlon or one of the other retailers, so you can have money left over for locks.Would this be the best thing to go for? My budget is around £500 so I'd be looking at entry level completes, .
Then get good locks..
If you do end up using it loads, then upgrade the parts on it as they wear out.
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