mountain or hybrid, need advice

vii_voo

Hi,

I'm looking to buy a bike this weekend. I want an all rounder. I can suffer from lower back soreness, so I'm leaning more towards a hybrid due to it more upright position rather than mountain. However a recent review indicates the Hardrock Pro Disc 09 is lighter and has a more upright sitting position. I may also commute in the bike in future, upto 15 miles.

This is my shortlist. Any opinions to help me decide would be appreciated.

CrossTrail Expert: http://www.evanscycles.com/products/spe ... e-ec016911

Hardrock Pro: http://www.evanscycles.com/products/spe ... e-ec016014

GF Marlin: http://www.evanscycles.com/products/gar ... e-ec017167

GF Mamba: http://www.evanscycles.com/products/gar ... e-ec017171

GF Hookooehoo: http://www.evanscycles.com/products/gar ... e-ec017172

Looking at the Gary Fisher bikes, am I correct in thinking one sits less upright in these than say the 09 Hardrock.

Thanks.

ShaunL

If you are going to commute then it has to be a hybrid or a roadie for a 15 mile stretch. I started riding to work on an MTB with slicks, then a hybrid, then a cyclocross and now a full on road bike.

It took 50 minutes on the MTB and now i do it in 25 on the road bike.

You can get adjustable clamps for the handle bars that will give you a more upright riding position and i found the hoods on the cyclocross gave a very comfortable riding position.

Focus Cross bikes have a lovely geometry IMHO. i would recommend their build quality as well.

Robmanic1

ShaunL wrote:

It took 50 minutes on the MTB and now i do it in 25 on the road bike.

Were you riding a mail-order £50 full-clunker? There really isn't that much difference in speed, especially if you equip your mtb with slicks.

STEFANOS4784

Also you should start time trialling if you don't already, 15 miles in 25 mins is very respectible

:roll:

ShaunL

Not wanting to hijack the mans thread but just to clarify. I only cycle 10 miles each way to work.

The MTB was quite old but no junker, i was 15 stone back then I am now 12st 5, thanks to cycling every day.

As a commutine bike i would go for a hybrid or cyclocross bike. if the roads are any good go for a road bike once/if you feel like you need something faster.

rally200

Do you really want disk brakes for road use?

vii_voo

I thought disc brakes better in wet and less likely to get clogged up off road?

roger_merriman

disks are heaver, but don't have problems with water or gunk, thin tires still slip on wet roads though,

and they save your rims.

passout

Look at cross bikes like tge Specialised tricross or Planet X uncle Johns.