Hybrid bikes - Talk to me!

[Rich_AR]

I'm looking to get an average hybrid bike, to ride to work, weekend rides etc and looking to spend upto 400 quid.

What brand/models are worth looking at? What things should be be looking for? Or am I best off buying a mountain bike (with lock-out forks) a fit road tires?

Thanks

[Mars]

You won't get a lot of support for these here - most people can't see the point of them but I definitely can and I am on my 2nd. I previously had a Specialized Crossroads, from ~1995, and now have a Whyte Portabello.

There seems to be two types of hybrids now, those with and those without a sus fork. Mine does NOT have one but I CAN see the point of them. The trade-off is weight. I often wish I had bought one, and have been casting around for a suitable fork to try on my bike. If I were in any way under pressure for time, I'd stick with a lightweight un-suspended bike. For comfort and cruising around the cycle paths with my kids, a sus fork would be a nice luxury.

I can't comment on specific models at your price point (I went a bit higher with my recent purchase) but you should list the spec you want "for certain" and the "nice to haves" then see who makes something with that spec in price point. Most of the major manufacturers make hybrids.

Once you have found a spec you like, go and sit on a few. It's important to get comfy on your bike if you're going to commute with it every day.

[hullbilly]

I originally bought a hybrid to commute on and it does the job perfectly. you can ride quickly enough on road but with a upright riding position.

I have since started cycling more and more and am now converting to a proper road bike, I will have a nice hybrid for sale in the next few weeks....

[clonmult]

hullbilly said:

I originally bought a hybrid to commute on and it does the job perfectly. you can ride quickly enough on road but with a upright riding position.

I have since started cycling more and more and am now converting to a proper road bike, I will have a nice hybrid for sale in the next few weeks....

I also picked up my hybrid for commuting, since then its just been relegated to my evening/weekend fun bike. Its worth doing some investigation on the bikes in the selected price range and try to get the best spec components you can.

It'll vary from bike to bike, but the obvious difference between a "proper" road bike and a hybrid is the bars - I'm considering doing some longer distance rides, and amongst the many upgrades, I'm considering some aero extension bars.

Damn glad I pushed for a better bike - the Trek FX 7.3 (Disc) has been absolutely perfect. Kept it well maintained and it hasn't missed a beat (unlike its owner).

Its also worth factoring in costs for some essential components :
- SPD (or equivalents) - made cycling through london massively easier, and also makes for a much more efficient pedalling motion, reckon up to £50 for pedals, a little more for shoes.
- lock - you absolutely need to have a decent lock (or two - protect your front wheel)
- lights
- small underseat bag (for tyre levers, miscellaneous kit)
- armoured tyres are essential for commuting
- slime innertubes

Prior to getting the armoured tyres (schwalbe marathons iirc) and slime tubes, I had nightmares with changing tubes every few weeks. Spend a few extra £££ on some decent tyres and tubes, and it'll save you one heck of a lot of pain in the long run.

[Rich_AR]

Some nice tips guys.

I actually don't live in the UK, so i'll be riding all year round in the heat and Singapore is pretty flat. I could do the occasional off-road bit, but nothing like a serious down hill.

Things I would like:

1) front suspension
2) disc brakes (more for the look, over function, hydraulic would be nice...)
3) light frame (and a decent colour)
4) 21 gears+

So, having a quick look on Evan Cycles, these are my preferences for a quick glance:-

http://www.evanscycles.com/products/gary-fisher/ut...

http://www.evanscycles.com/products/gt/transeo-20-...

http://www.evanscycles.com/products/scott/sportste...

http://www.evanscycles.com/products/scott/sportste...

http://www.evanscycles.com/products/trek/7300-2011...

[Mars]

You've raised your baseline price a bit which brings you into the ballpark of the bikes I considered.

Of your selection I like the Trek and the first Scott, but I'd urge you to consider this too, although you probably won't find a supplier outside of the UK:

http://www.whytebikes.com/2011/bike_page.php?ModNo...

[0227]

Recommend a Chris Boardman Hybrid Comp. I know they are from halfords and aftercare is not great but really good well built bike. Gearing is more like a road bike and disk brakes are great too. Approx £470 but worth every penny.

[Mars]

0227 said:

Recommend a Chris Boardman Hybrid Comp. I know they are from halfords and aftercare is not great but really good well built bike. Gearing is more like a road bike and disk brakes are great too. Approx £470 but worth every penny.

With hydraulic brakes, that's £600.

[jamescodriver]

I just bought a specialised sirrus sport, about £450, more a road bike hybrid than a mountain bike hybrid. Has MTb gears and is a breeze to ride, highly recommend it