Is this Hybrid good for the commute?

newburb_1968

Hi all,
I am stuck and looking for some one who might have a one?


I am looking to buy a bike and I want it for the following:
1> To commute to work 2-3 days a week. (I have got a road bike allready, that is feeling the impact of the poor quality london roads and wheather).
2> I also want too use the bike for off road use, which is rough grassy terrain but not hilly or jumping etc. ( A bit old for that).
3> To cycle with the kids (Who have MTB) and not to look quite like a commuter, when with the children.

So ???? I though a MTB (Specilized Hardrock 2009), which is around £300 or come across these two bikes and thought maybe????? these would be ideal.

Scott Sportstar 2009 < Which is a hybrid but a more of a trials set-up>
http://www.evanscycles.com/products/sco ... e-ec016318
or
Specialized Crosstrail Sport 2009 Hybrid Bike
Which is also described as "Combining Fast-Rolling 700C Wheels with an efficient aluminum mountain bike chassis and Body Geometry components, the Crosstrail is a true hybrid - built to inspire a blend of off-road exploits and smooth-rolling fun, for whatever mood you're in."
http://www.evanscycles.com/products/spe ... e-ec016914

Now these seem ideal (I have not seen these) however has anyone use them, what are they like, are they similar to a MTB or still a commuter bike.
What do you think and views would be more than useful in making my mind up and arranging to view these?
Has anyone got these already are they any good?
Thanks
Barry

roger_merriman

both are rather mtb's with higher gearing and road wheels, for two and three they'd be fine, as they are fairly cheap, i'd not be sure they would be much more robust than a roadie for 1 infact since some of the money has been spread on to disks and suspention forks a same price roadie might well be more reliable clattering over potholes, and road grime.

AndyOgy

I'm a big fan of the Hardrock for the money. I tried to buy one last year but ended up giving into temptation and spending a bit more to get the Rockhopper.
From what I've heard, the Hardrock is a perfectly capable bike for light off road use and the frame is tough as old boots. I have heard a few negative things about the fork clunking ocasionally when it tops out but you'd have to be pushing hard for that to happen.
The tyres that come with the Hardrock are suprisingly fast on tarmac and they'll be pretty good off road too, now that things are starting to dry out a bit.
I also think that Sram componentry offers better shifting at this price range but opinions are divided on that one.
I wouldn't worry too much about disc brakes. I still reckon that a decent set of V-brakes will always out perform a cheap set of mechanical disc brakes. Much easier to maintain as well.
The hybrids may well feel a bit quicker in town but the Hardrock will have a much more solid and stable feel to it. I'm not saying that the Hardrock is the ideal bike for commuting in London, it certainly wont be the quickest. But it won't be slow, it will be fun to ride and it's not like everyone can have a whole garage full of different types of bike for different types of riding.

Jus13

Newburb,

Also new to commuting and was looking for a similar bike to yourself (for much the same reasons !!). I ended up going for a Scott Sportster P3 but an 08 model (no disc brakes). I love it, very fast on the roads, can cope fine with moderate off-road and looks pretty good too.

Sadly can't help with your other choice, but I'm pretty pleased with the Scott so far.

Jus