Carrea Gryphon

richardjallen

My commuting bike has been nicked :x

Now I have to go through the expense of getting another :x :x :x

What do people think of the Carrea Gryphon?
http://tinyurl.com/35a5hu

Will it rust away? Do the gears shift well and are those Tektro disc breaks any good? Is it as heavy as a tractor?

Any other suggestions for a nice commuting bike that I can use for other things such as light touring/winter training rides as well. I'm not into off-roading and after having a MTB and road hybrid I would prefer the hybrid. Low maintenance is appealing.

alfablue

I think the Gryphon is an excellent bike, reasonably light, good riding position for a commuting, the frame won't rust. I can't comment on the discs (only experienced last years non-disc model) but I reckon they should be okay.

Tariq

I planned to buy a Gryphon last year but in the end I did not. The tyres are too thin for anything other than tarmac, even riding along canal tow-paths would be very uncomfortable. I also found it too heavy for at that price, it is not really a heavy bike but there are lighter bikes for around £300.

In the end I bought a Scott SUB 30, it has slightly wider tyres and is noticeable lighter and looks more robust amd modern. I have not regretted the decision one bit. Also Halfords have a reputation for being clueless about bikes, they have a huge marketing budget but their staff know little about bikes.

If you can afford it then then buy a Specialised Sirrus, they are amongst the best commuting bikes and are often to be found on Ebay.

richardjallen

I looked at a Scott Sub20 and was impressed. Nice ride altogether. I expect a sub30 would be very good but just a bit lighter on the wallet. But I think I'm looking for road bike hybrid rather than a MTB hybrid. I've always liked the Marin's and might go for a Fairfax if I can get one on special offer. I looked at a Scott S60 flatbar as well but the supplier has none left in my frame size.

colonel

I looked at the gryphon. ok bike, I could actually get a discount at the time to just under £300. anyway I liked the specialized sirrus better, although 100 more and the same weight. eventually I went mad and bought a sirrus pro as its super-light, but the build quality and comfort was much higher then the carerra in my view

cybug

I own one of these - my experiences so far (not including the rubbish service from Halfords) !
Bought 5 months ago. Really pleased to start with then the front wheel gave up at the joint after about 1000miles. Halfords not interested. Replaced with a Mavic wheel from a small family run bikeshop. Couple of weeks later lost 3 spokes in the rear wheel. Replaced with a Mavic 36 Spoke wheel. One thing bothered me about this bike. The rear wheel is only 32 spoke and with the added stress of the Disc brake I don't think it is tough enough for the standard road surfaces and my experience backs this up.
Having carried out the above I am happier now but would never buy another bike from Halfords. :?

Mikey Mouse

who nicked it?

kev2b3

like a lot of people i am not crazy about halfords but i must admit i do like some of the carrera bikes. i am lucky to own a principia racing bike, trek mountain bike and a carrera gryphon. i find the gryphon one hell of a good bike, its perfect for my commuting needs. i recently spoilt the bike by repacing the gears with shimano 105 and put on some mavic aksium wheels which i bought off ebay.