Please help me choose a bike!

tom.hutton

Hi

I'm looking for a bike to commute to work - its only about 7 miles; but I'd like a decent bike to be able to ride on the odd weekend too.

I'm think of a flat bar racer or a hybrid rather than an racer - no real reason, other than from what I hear, I'll be able to stick a more effective set of mud guards on a hybrid.

I've looked at a few;
Specalized Sirrus Elite
Giant FCR 2, 3 or 4
BH Volan Sport R200

Anyone got any thoughts or recommendations?

Cheers

Tom

biondino

You can put mudguards on a lot of racers, so be prepared for an onslaught of roadies!

tedlarue

I've got a Sirrus and now want a road bike. Take heed young man and save yourself some cash!

Aguila

An audax bike is what you need!

these are essentially road bikes but nearly always are supplied with mudguards. they also have mounts for panier racks if you were to decide on those. This is my personal favourite and what I'm scheming to replace my current dawes audax bike with. They are v comfortable and sturdy but still light enough to be quick.

http://www.condorcycles.com/fratello.html

I think one would suit you very well. most people on here (myself included) will tell you that hybrids are rubbish, a poor compromise that does neither task well (road + trail in theory). If a bit of off road is needed how about a cyclocross bike:

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/p/cycle/7/Focus ... 360037602/

DonDaddyD

The Sirrus is the same frame as the Allez.

The 2008 FCR is the same frame as the '08 SCR. The '09 FCR is the same frame as the Giant Defy (replaced the SCR)

They can all be fitted with mud guards or race blades.

The flat bar racers are mostly the same bike as the racer with the exception that it has a flat bar, different brakes and front mech.

Personally, from experience, drop bars offer more hand positions (allowing you to rotate your shoulders and reposition your back) therefore making the bike more comfortable over longer distances - and, for me, more manoeuvrable at higer speeds.

Food for thought.

But the Sirrus, generally looks like a well made, well thoughtout bike.