Hybrid Bike

Ellie82

Hi

I wondered if I could have some advice on Hybrid bikes. I currently have a mountain bike but at the moment seem to be only using it for road use, so i've decided to get myself a hybrid bike to make things easier. There seems to be so many available its difficult to make a choice. Would love a road bike but not certain Id get on with the handlebars in that position

Can anyone give me any pointers or bikes that would be suitable, good makes etc. my budget is no more than £400.

Thanks for your time

Ellie

Ellie82

Also, are Felt bikes any good?

FyPunK

Dont know what the general opinion would be here but I have the Ridgeback Velocity for my commuting, 12 months of the year and I have been really pleased with it. I have slightly modified it, new pedals and saddle. Riding position can be adjusted in many different ways.

DonDaddyD

OK,

Last year I rode a Giant M2, which is one of the hybrid's I'm going to recommend. After long rides I would get hand cramp. I then went to road bike and found that the handle bars gave more options to position my hands and therefore is more comfortable. My suggestion to you is not to be put off by the handlebar's of a road bike. Most people "ride the hoods" anyway, which is like using bullhorns on a flatbar.

Bike's I would recommend:

Hybrid: Mountain bike frame, rigid fork and slick tyres designed for urban commuting.
Ridgeback Storm

Giant M2 - See above

Trek 7.3

Flatbar road bike: Road bike with a flat bar frame.
Specialized Sirrus

Giant FCR4

Road bike
Specialized Allez

Giant Defy 4

(Hybrid's look nice and are incredibly agile, but from my own personal experience I prefer the speed road bikes give)

itboffin

Ellie82 wrote:

Hi

I wondered if I could have some advice on Hybrid bikes. I currently have a mountain bike but at the moment seem to be only using it for road use, so i've decided to get myself a hybrid bike to make things easier. There seems to be so many available its difficult to make a choice. Would love a road bike but not certain Id get on with the handlebars in that position

Can anyone give me any pointers or bikes that would be suitable, good makes etc. my budget is no more than £400.

Thanks for your time

Ellie

Have you considered buying a used one? I would, they're a lot out there to choose from.

Hybrids are a gateway drug/bike

roger_merriman

if your not using your MTB off road why not just put some slicks on it? be a lot cheaper and the differences between it and hybrid are likely to be not much.

The Chingford Skinhead

FyPunK wrote:

Dont know what the general opinion would be here but I have the Ridgeback Velocity for my commuting, 12 months of the year and I have been really pleased with it. I have slightly modified it, new pedals and saddle. Riding position can be adjusted in many different ways.

i've got an older rb velocity 2002-03 and it has been great. LBS said when i had it serviced recently that dealers tell rb every year not to touch it as it is perfectly suited to its job and budget as it is - that's a pretty good recommendation in mt book

Ellie82

roger merriman wrote:

if your not using your MTB off road why not just put some slicks on it? be a lot cheaper and the differences between it and hybrid are likely to be not much.

Did think of that but to be honest i've had nothing but trouble with the gears, keep having to have them adjusted. only had it a year and wanted to keep that for off road (although it is only a few times a year now)

Ellie82

DonDaddyD wrote:

OK,

Last year I rode a Giant M2, which is one of the hybrid's I'm going to recommend. After long rides I would get hand cramp. I then went to road bike and found that the handle bars gave more options to position my hands and therefore is more comfortable. My suggestion to you is not to be put off by the handlebar's of a road bike. Most people "ride the hoods" anyway, which is like using bullhorns on a flatbar.

Bike's I would recommend:

Hybrid: Mountain bike frame, rigid fork and slick tyres designed for urban commuting.
Ridgeback Storm

Giant M2 - See above

Trek 7.3

Flatbar road bike: Road bike with a flat bar frame.
Specialized Sirrus

Giant FCR4

Road bike
Specialized Allez

Giant Defy 4

(Hybrid's look nice and are incredibly agile, but from my own personal experience I prefer the speed road bikes give)

Thanks DonDaddy thats given me something to look at

got me to 2 minds now about a road bike . Guess i'll have to weigh up pros and cons for both

prawny

Keep an open mind and have a go on both. That said you'll getter a better spec'd hybrid for your money, road brake lever/shifters are not cheap! I went roadie because I kept my mountain bike, I think I would only have a hybrid if it was my only bike or if I could have a load of bikes.

robmanic1

Ellie82 wrote:

got me to 2 minds now about a road bike . Guess i'll have to weigh up pros and cons for both

Ellie, there are no "CONS" to a road bike, you'd soon get used to the bars and, as mentioned, folk mostly ride on the hoods anyway which gives you a more upright riding position. Best bet is to try and arrange a test ride if you can.

DonDaddyD

Ellie82 wrote:

DonDaddyD wrote:

OK,

Last year I rode a Giant M2, which is one of the hybrid's I'm going to recommend. After long rides I would get hand cramp. I then went to road bike and found that the handle bars gave more options to position my hands and therefore is more comfortable. My suggestion to you is not to be put off by the handlebar's of a road bike. Most people "ride the hoods" anyway, which is like using bullhorns on a flatbar.

Bike's I would recommend:

Hybrid: Mountain bike frame, rigid fork and slick tyres designed for urban commuting.
Ridgeback Storm

Giant M2 - See above

Trek 7.3

Flatbar road bike: Road bike with a flat bar frame.
Specialized Sirrus

Giant FCR4

Road bike
Specialized Allez

Giant Defy 4

(Hybrid's look nice and are incredibly agile, but from my own personal experience I prefer the speed road bikes give)

Thanks DonDaddy thats given me something to look at

got me to 2 minds now about a road bike . Guess i'll have to weigh up pros and cons for both

If you like speed and going very far, very fast on a bike then there is nothing like a road bike. It's taken me easily 20years to come to that conclusion, after getting my road bike I've never looked back. If you do go roadie the only con (because you have a mountain bike to go off road) is the initial cost. I'd probably add £150 onto your £400 budget to ensure that Sora groupset is on the bike (no minimum). That said if you can't you can't and there is no shame in that. Also shop around I believe Be One bikes and Decathlon offer good value for money bikes at this price range.

Hybrid; if you stick with a hybrid apart from the Giant M2, which I recommend highly - I still own it - all the others I've only ever encountered on the commute and they look solid and hold up against good speed.

I don't rate Flat bar road bikes at all. The 700c wheels and narrow, stiff road frame means the bike isn't agile enough for the handle bars and you get a wierd rigidly upright ride/riding position.

My only fear for you is that if you go from mountain to hybrid, it may not be enough of a move away from what you have and you may find it a waste of money.

Ellie82

Ok thanks everyone, its nice and helpful here

I'm gonna take your advice and have a test ride on both,

Moomin23

I was in exactly the same position as yourself and after over modifying my MTB, I opted for a hybrid and started off with a MARIN Lucas Valley from their ALP range. Brilliant bike and never let me down.

The one thing I would say about this is after about three months enjoying the extra speed and stability I was left wishing I'd bought an out and out road bike. I was a bit worried about riding drops and the skinny tyres, especially since I came of a droppy and broke my collarbone during a Triathlon.

My advice, is save your money and get a road bike, you can ride the bars flat until you get used to the drops and you won't have blown all your money when you're looking to upgrade to a full roadie in a couple of months!! I highly recommend the MARIN and still have a Mill Valley which I've converted to a roadie (apart from Vee brakes) and it does me great for a winter bike. Check them out at www.marin.com

Ellie82

Don't mind saving up for a bit longer if it meant getting a decent(ish) road bike.

Think you might be right about not much of a change from my mountain bike, might be disappointed if its not faster/lightweight, plus, i have always got the other bike if the route is off road :idea:

Ellie82

Moomin23 wrote:

I was in exactly the same position as yourself and after over modifying my MTB, I opted for a hybrid and started off with a MARIN Lucas Valley from their ALP range. Brilliant bike and never let me down.

The one thing I would say about this is after about three months enjoying the extra speed and stability I was left wishing I'd bought an out and out road bike. I was a bit worried about riding drops and the skinny tyres, especially since I came of a droppy and broke my collarbone during a Triathlon.

My advice, is save your money and get a road bike, you can ride the bars flat until you get used to the drops and you won't have blown all your money when you're looking to upgrade to a full roadie in a couple of months!! I highly recommend the MARIN and still have a Mill Valley which I've converted to a roadie (apart from Vee brakes) and it does me great for a winter bike. Check them out at www.marin.com

Thanks think you might have made my mind up

prawny

Ellie82 wrote:

Don't mind saving up for a bit longer if it meant getting a decent(ish) road bike.

Think you might be right about not much of a change from my mountain bike, might be disappointed if its not faster/lightweight, plus, i have always got the other bike if the route is off road :idea:

That's the spirit! Word of warning again(!) after getting used to the weight of my road bike my MTB feels really heavy so now I'm having to put it on a diet or fork out for a new one! :roll:

Ellie82

prawny wrote:

Ellie82 wrote:

Don't mind saving up for a bit longer if it meant getting a decent(ish) road bike.

Think you might be right about not much of a change from my mountain bike, might be disappointed if its not faster/lightweight, plus, i have always got the other bike if the route is off road :idea:

That's the spirit! Word of warning again(!) after getting used to the weight of my road bike my MTB feels really heavy so now I'm having to put it on a diet or fork out for a new one! :roll:

Oh right, didnt think of that

A big money pit this cycling lark

il_principe

Moomin23 wrote:

My advice, is save your money and get a road bike, you can ride the bars flat until you get used to the drops and you won't have blown all your money when you're looking to upgrade to a full roadie in a couple of months!! I highly recommend the MARIN and still have a Mill Valley which I've converted to a roadie (apart from Vee brakes) and it does me great for a winter bike. Check them out at www.marin.com

+1million.

I've said it a million times on here, if you want a bike for road use and have an MTB for MTB'ing, then get a roadbike. Hybrids are compromise bikes and you don't neet to compromise.

Have a look at:

The Focus range on Wiggle. Wiggle offer interest free credit as well which helps with the budget - downside is you cannot test ride.

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/p/cycle/7/Focus_Variado_2008/5360032370/

Also:

Specialized Allez/Dolce
Giant Defy

Loads of choice out there.

itboffin

jashburnham wrote:

Moomin23 wrote:

My advice, is save your money and get a road bike, you can ride the bars flat until you get used to the drops and you won't have blown all your money when you're looking to upgrade to a full roadie in a couple of months!! I highly recommend the MARIN and still have a Mill Valley which I've converted to a roadie (apart from Vee brakes) and it does me great for a winter bike. Check them out at www.marin.com

+1million.

I've said it a million times on here, if you want a bike for road use and have an MTB for MTB'ing, then get a roadbike. Hybrids are compromise bikes and you don't neet to compromise.

Have a look at:

The Focus range on Wiggle. Wiggle offer interest free credit as well which helps with the budget - downside is you cannot test ride.

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/p/cycle/7/Focus_Variado_2008/5360032370/

Also:

Specialized Allez/Dolce
Giant Defy

Loads of choice out there.

I agree, btw what sort of bike does your GF ride?

wantaway

Ellie,

I was after a new bike and was determned to buy a hybrid. I eventually went for a road bike and I am so pleased with it. If you can get a test ride on one you will soon be able to see if it is for you. I did not think I'd have got quite the buzz I did out of a 'boring' road bike...on a boring road.

il_principe

itboffin wrote:

I agree, btw what sort of bike does your GF ride?

Don't get me started, although budget was a huge issue with her, and there's nothing decent to be had for £390 in road terms.

Ellie82

I want one now Made a note of all your recommendations.

Has anyone got any experience with Cannondale bikes? Heard somewhere you pay for the name or are they generally goodens?

robmanic1

Ellie82 wrote:

I want one now Made a note of all your recommendations.

Has anyone got any experience with Cannondale bikes? Heard somewhere you pay for the name or are they generally goodens?

The 'dales seem to be poorly specced in relation to brands like Giant, so I guess you are paying for the name to an extent. They are, however very good frames, which is the most important component anyway, and you can always spend the next few years (and all your income) on upgrading the various components (I am biased, see sig).

I guess it all depends on if you a label snob or not.

itboffin

What like some kind of elitist

robmanic1

itboffin wrote:

What like some kind of elitist

See, I deliberately used a different phrase to avoid the backlash!

il_principe

'Dales are overpriced.

Best VFM @ your price range is the Focus or Cube range. I own a Focus - they're German and very well made.

biondino

If you test ride a road bike and a hybrid on the same day the hybrid will feel like pedalling a tank. I went to the bike shop with the expectation of buying a sensible, steel tourer; the assistant suggested I try a low end roadie and BAM. That was that. The sheer acceleration and speed and agility it offered made other considerations (mudguards, racks, as unbreakable as Top Gear's pickup truck) completely irrelevant.

Ellie82

Look nice though :P

http://www.evanscycles.com/products/can ... e-ec016641

itboffin

If your in the London area why not pop along to the Morpeth this Friday i'm sure they'll be a few of the regulars hanging around who knows there might even been a couple of hybrid riders too.

If I brave the weather and epic journey in I will be running the 'cross bikes are cool' stand sponsored by AA (not the breakdown recovery co.)

:roll:

N0bodyOfTheGoat

My better half has just received her Saracen Zena 2:-

Frame: Ladies specific profiled aluminium mtb sports geometry with dropped top tube for clearance, suspension adjusted
Fork: Suntour XCR-D-LO 100mm travel cross country fork with lockout
Cranks: Shimano FC-M442 44/32/22T 175mm crank
Bottom Bracket: Sealed Cartridge
Pedals: BMX style resin platform
Front Derailleur: Shimano Deore
Rear Derailleur: Shimano Deore 9 speed
Shifters: Shimano Deore 9 speed rapid fire pods
Cassette: Shimano HG50 11-32T 9 speed
Chain: Shimano HG53
Hubs: CenterPoint alloy disc specific hubs a with QR and cassette rear
Rims: WTB SX24 alloy double wall rims
Tyres: Continental Speed King 26x2.10 tyres
Brakes: Shimano Alivio hydraulic disc brakes with 160mm rotor
Brake Levers: Shimano Alivio hydraulic
Handlebar: Alloy riser satin black
Headset: Aheadset with seals
Stem: Saracen "Blade" alloy 4 bolt ahead
Grips: Double density Kraton Grips for Comfort
Saddle: WTB Deva Comp
Seat Post: Saracen "Blade" alloy micro adjust black finish
Sizes: 18"
Colour: Midnight Black

Not bad for 300 squids new? Rutland ebay store is worth a peek