I need some help! I'm no bike expert.- hybrid or hardtail?

mellontwister
mellontwister Posts: 5
edited March 2008 in MTB buying advice
I need some help! I'm no bike expert.
I've got the biking bug and bought a basic £200 giant mountain bike to ride to work down the towpaths last year, now bored, I want to do a mixture of longer rides (30 -60 miles) but also try out some single tracks for more fun.

My budget is around 700 tops. I was thinking about a hybrid as it may be better on the longer journeys. I'd like something fast and light which my doesn't seem to be. I'd like a bike which I won't need to replace in a hurry:)

Is this bike spec any good? Would it stand up to some light single tracks?

Focus Chonos 2008
£749.99
http://www.wiggle.co.uk/ProductDetail.aspx?Cat=cycle&ProdID=5360032376&N=Focus%20Chonos%202008

Frame Double butted alloy light cross/trekking frame
Fork Suntour NCX-E-RL 60mm
Rear Derailleur SRAM X.9
Shift Levers SRAM X.9 Trigger
Transmission Front; 48/36/26, Rear;11-32
Brakes Magura Louise hydraulic
Brake Levers Magura Louise
Handlebars Concept Extreme MTB
Stem Concept Extreme Ahead
Front Hub DT Swiss 370 Disc
Rear Hub DT Swiss 370 Disc
Rims Alex DP 17, 622-17
Tyres Schwalbe Racing Ralph 35-622 foldable
Saddle Fizik Pave CX Sport
Seatpost Concept Extreme 2-bolts, Aluminium

Thanks for reading.

Comments

  • nicklouse
    nicklouse Posts: 50,675
    if your riding is more the touring with less MTB then that will be very nice and capable.
    could also be the basis for a few upgrades As it is basically a 29" MTB.
    "Do not follow where the path may lead, Go instead where there is no path, and Leave a Trail."
    Parktools :?:SheldonBrown
  • mellontwister
    mellontwister Posts: 5
    I stopped off into my local bike shop and they have advised me not to buy a focus bike. They've had a few come in with problems, and questioned the quality of the frames. So now I'm really lost! For what I want the bike for is the frame important (not sure the in's and out's of frames)
    Does anyone have any recommendation's. into bike makes and models etc... As I mentioned something light which can cope on the single track/long rides on road/tow paths/and a quick charge to and from work.

    I was thinking about a 29er as I guess they are quicker and easier to ride?
    I'm not sure what I'll be doing more.
    The shop mentioned the Cube bikes?
  • supersonic
    supersonic Posts: 82,708
    Which shop said that?! Only Wiggle import them. But they would say that wouldnt they?!
    GT ZASKAR CARBON TEAM

    VOODOO CANZO

    Come and see me at https://www.facebook.com/biketyke/
  • mellontwister
    mellontwister Posts: 5
    it was a local bike shop In Hertford.

    You're right you never know if they have ulterior motive when they aren't stockists.

    They seemed really nice guys so I wouldn't want to suggest otherwise, it's just left me scratching my head a little.
  • supersonic
    supersonic Posts: 82,708
    There are a few options around this price: here is one more MTB oriented, but with a ray riding position and big gears:

    http://www.evanscycles.com/product.jsp? ... gn=froogle

    Also superb Zaskar frame.
    GT ZASKAR CARBON TEAM

    VOODOO CANZO

    Come and see me at https://www.facebook.com/biketyke/
  • mellontwister
    mellontwister Posts: 5
    Thanks for the link Supersonic.

    I think I may be getting somewhere!

    I've just been reading some posts and a few people mention you're better off with a bike which specialises on the activity you're using it for. As I want a bit of everything it may be a case buying another bike later on. So for now a good hybird

    The link you sent the tires look pretty heavy, and I've currently got a giant boulder which I find sluggish and hard work when riding 30 miles or more so I guess I'd need something faster/lighter does that mean thinner tyres?

    What do you think about the Trek 7500
    http://www.trekbikes.com/uk/en/bikes/20 ... ies/7500e/

    would it be OK so some light single tracking

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