Which one?

phillyh

Help, I can't make my mind up what bike to get! I'm after a hybrid with 700c wheels and have looked at Specialized crosstrails, Scott Sportsters, Claud Butler Urbans, Trek FX and Giant CRS ranges.
I'm expecting replies of "It's just personal preference, try them all and pick one." but has anyone got any particularly good or bad things to say about any of them? Or dare I say it...any other suggestions?
Budget around the £500 mark.
Thanks

supersonic

I agree, it is personal preference, but I also agree on cutting down the shortlist with more suitable bikes and better parts.

I am a big fan of the Giant range, and the more sporty FCR. Hybrids can cover quite a range - which side of that range do you want?

phillyh

Thanks for the comments.

I've only really seen the FCR, online, I'd mainly be using a bike on the road but want something that could take a few light trails in its stride. Is the FCR basically a flat bar road bike - narrow rims etc?

supersonic

Yes, the FCR is that side of the fence. So if you plan to take a few trails in it would pay to look at their knobbly tyred friends. Most are noarrow rimmed and narrow tyred though.

GT ZUM night fit the bill.

RhysD

where are you based? I am in Cardiff and am selling a Sirrus. i'll put an ad up now on the FS forum

*edit* posted here: http://www.bikeradar.com/forum/viewtopic.php?p=15191579

littleandy0410

Have you considered the Boardman Hybrid? Their mountain bike range get great reviews everywhere, as do the road bikes. (I may be slightly biased as I have one!) The hybrids look just as well specced for the money, especially the 08 models in the sale.

http://tinyurl.com/b9ne8r

ratty2k

You want to have a look at CX bikes, most have enough room for a biggish tyre (mine will fit a 40mm) and they are on stantdard 700C road wheels, will 9designed to) take light trails in their stride. Also, have a look at On-One and the Kaffenback of theirs- steel frame, flat bar roady that will take a 32mm tyre.

phillyh

Thanks guys, I'm going to be using the gov cycle scheme so I'm afraid that rules out private sales... nice Sirrus though!

I also read somewhere that Boardmans are only available at Halfords and I don't think they're in the scheme. Shame as they seem to be good bikes.

Guess I'll have to bite the bullet and make a decision!

littleandy0410

Don't know whereabouts in the UK you are, but the Boardmans are also available in Cycle Republic in Norwich and York. I believe they're still part of the Halfords group, but may be part of your scheme? Worth a look.

RhysD

if you want to take it on "a few light trails" then TBH the Sirrus is probably too roadie for that. flies on the tarmac tho!

Giant CRS range looked good to me when I was looking.

phillyh

I'm in Cambs also so Norwich not too far away, I'll look into the cycle republic thing but I may be steering towards the Giant.