Can't pick a bike

tbl

Hi all,

I've been looking for a new bike for a few weeks, and keep giving up due to the vast array of options.

I *think* I want/need a hybrid, but open to options.

I've been looking at the Specialized Crosstrail range, as this will allow me to do my 12 mile round trip daily commute, and also allow me to hit some trails/canal paths at the weekend without much hassle.

I'm also wanting to make life easy for myself, so definitely don't want a full MTB like I have at the moment.
It's simply too heavy and the tires are no good for the road, end up shattered just getting to work!

The other main reason for going for a hybrid is that I Can occasionally take some shortcuts across dirt paths which would probably be too much for narrow slicks.

I have an open budget, but I would baulk at spending more than £500 all in.

Help appreciated.

alfablue

A common response to this sort of query is a cyclocross bike (like the Specialized Tricross). This combines commuting versatility (mudguard fitting, maybe rack carrying) with speed (road bike position, relatively light) and mild off road ability (larger tyres, sturdy). They also make acceptable tourers, apparently. Might be over budget though.

AndyManc

Loads to choose from .... perhaps something like this ?

http://www.evanscycles.com/products/cannondale/adventure-4-2008-hybrid-bike-ec000102



.

doog442

alfablue wrote:

A common response to this sort of query is a cyclocross bike (like the Specialized Tricross). This combines commuting versatility (mudguard fitting, maybe rack carrying) with speed (road bike position, relatively light) and mild off road ability (larger tyres, sturdy). They also make acceptable tourers, apparently. Might be over budget though.

agree....also takes road tyres but budget wise may well have to trawl ebay to get one

Nifkin

I ride the Crosstrail Expert version, and it's a wicked all-rounder. Can take quite a bit of off-road punishment, and is great as a commuter, even though it weighs around 29lbs, due to the lovely balanced feel it has. To quote an observation about the Crosstrail range made on another forum, these bikes get scant reviews and little credit. I think people have not given them a chance. I reckon the Sport or Elite versions of the Crosstrail will fit your budget and do you fine!

Niff :twisted:

batch78

Have you looked at the Specialized Sirrus or Boardman hybrids?

I would'nt bother with front suspension for your needs or pricing, adds weight and probably unnecessary.

Kieran_Burns

alfablue wrote:

A common response to this sort of query is a cyclocross bike (like the Specialized Tricross). This combines commuting versatility (mudguard fitting, maybe rack carrying) with speed (road bike position, relatively light) and mild off road ability (larger tyres, sturdy). They also make acceptable tourers, apparently. Might be over budget though.

+1 - that IS my bike.

Can't fault it - although i finally managed to find it's speed limit: 35mph when tearing down a 1/2 mile 1in10. :shock:

Wide range of gears and you can hop from road to trail without slowing

Nifkin

batch78 wrote:

I would'nt bother with front suspension for your needs or pricing, adds weight and probably unnecessary.

Fair point, but the OP mentioned that he would want to do a bit of trail/canal path shiznit in addition to commuting; my commute takes in a downhill section from top to bot of Hampstead Heath; I've done that on a Marin Muirwoods, and it wasn't anywhere near as comfortable with that rigid fork than it is with the (relatively lightweight) shock forks on the Crosstrail (which can be locked out for flat/uphill sections). I also have no problem scalping plenty of Lance Armstrongs on the road (yes really!!!) ;-). Sure, if I was made of money, I'd probably have a Tarmac and a Stump Jumper for each occasion, and not everyone has the room or the inclination for a collection of bikes, so I've found that as a one-bike-do-all option (which is what the OP seems to be after), the Crosstrail is da bizniz.

soy_sauce

How about a Hardtail MTB with slicks instead of a Hybrid?

The Rookie

Ditto, running a hardtail with lightweight suspension forks (lockout for when advantageous, although I run high preload on my commute anyway), a rack for my lunchbox (with a homemade solid deck to act as a mudguard, also have a downtube crud catcher and fork blank - homemade again) and carry my workstuff on my back, currently on a semislicks at about 60psi, could loose a bit of weight with some better components but not to bad at about 29lb - homebuilt from just a frame, cost about £75 all in!

Simon

Nifkin

Ha ha, oh yeah! I totally forgot where I was; this is the anything-as-long-as-it-can't-be-classed-as-a-dirty-hybrid forum, innit?!

scooper

Picked up my Crosstrail sport today and i am really pleased

agv457

Ive had my Specialized Crosstrail Elite for 3 weeks now and its great. I take it on 15-40 mile round commute trips no problem. It does have a nice balanced feel to it as a previous poster mentioned. And its pretty fast in my opinion. I recommended it.

I was previously using a Rockhopper with semi-slicks and this is a much easier, faster & more enjoyable commute.