Is a Hybrid Bike good for riding on roads ect?

Milz

Hi guys,

I currently own a BMX bike but i am going to buy a Hybrid bike to commute to college. I just wanted to if i could ride my hybrid bike to college ( which is an estimated 40 minute ride ) and if i could put road bike tyres on my hybrid bike.

Heres a preview of the bikes that i want to buy;

http://www.evanscycles.com/products/pashley/sonnet-pure-womens-hybrid-bike-ec000912?query=bikes

OR

http://www.evanscycles.com/products/pashley/roadster-sovereign-26-inch-wheel-hybrid-bike-ec018735

Can you tell me Which ones better? Thanks guys

stuaff

Those bikes aren't really hybrids (someone at Evans Cycles has funny ideas)- a hybrid is generally taken to mean 'mountain bike for road use'...as to which is better, pass. Try before you buy. Bear in mind these the Pashley traditional models are heavy- the Sovereign weighs about 47lb (21 kg)!! I hope you won't be going up any hills on one... Both will both have Schwalbe Marathon Plus tyres on- these are road tyres, no nobbly bits. Very tough & long lasting.
I'd seriously think about going for something a lot lighter- get a hybrid or a tourer and you could still carry as much (in panniers) without all the weight of the Pashleys.

Stuey01

Those will be heavy and hard work and very slow. I'd suggest a proper hybrid or a mountain bike with skinny tyres on.

Milz

thank you do you no where i could get a good hybrid? :?

NGale

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/p/cycle/7/Focus_Black_Falls_2009/5360037606/

that's a start.

Your two choices there are frankly far too heavy for a serious commute.

Stuey01

Evans have a huge selection on their website. I'd post some links for you but am posting this from my phone and it is major faff, sorry.

night_porter

I work at Oxford University and see every different bike being used by students every day. I have to agree with the other posters that the 2 Pashleys are simply too heavy for a daily ride of over an hour.

If you are happy to spend up to the £500 mark then you must go to a specialist lbs (local bike shop) for personal advice and help in choosing what is right for your circumstances.

A good hybrid is perfect for city commuting especially in university towns where lots of people are cycling around. You will have a good heads up view which is important to be able spot other carefree students talking on mobiles and thinking about their next lecture. Although not the sort of riding that most people on here would do because you will need a basket (please forgive me for saying this on Bikeradar) to put your books in while you cycle between lectures/coffee shops/pubs/etc. But like I said go to a lbs (where you are studying and they will understand perfectly what you will need.

Buying online is only really useful for people who know exactly what they want and what size they need!

Finally do not forget to get lock and lights, you will need them both - a lot!

ride_whenever

I agree with the pashleys being too heavy, we sold them at to be honest they felt lifeless and were pretty hard work to ride.

I'd look at a flat bar road bike, you are still pretty upright, but much faster and more pleasant for riding around on. Try to avoid front suspension as it is just energy sapping and brings a lot of extra weight with little extra control. The other thing to consider is something more road bike styled, the drops will get you into college much quicker and are most of the time an absolute pleasure to ride.

As for carrying books, baskets are no good, they tend to hold water and everything ends up soaked. Plus fitting lights is a pain. A good waterproof bag will hold more than enough, and protect anything you put in it much more, although for a 40min ride you'll be best off with a rack and panniers. It isn't a common choice around oxford, but much more sensible with a decent choice of pannier.

heftyrider

How about something this this?

http://www.evanscycles.com/products/spe ... e-ec019556

Milz

Hmm :? I kinda really like the way that the pashley bikes look is there any newer models that are less weighty ?

spasypaddy

http://www.evanscycles.com/products/tre ... e-ec016813

http://www.evanscycles.com/products/tre ... e-ec016804

http://www.evanscycles.com/products/pin ... e-ec018126

Milz

Thanks alot guys

Milz

Ive decided to get a trek bike they seem to be a lighter weight than pashleys , but still have the same kind of style :?

AndyManc

Milz wrote:

Ive decided to get a trek bike they seem to be a lighter weight than pashleys , but still have the same kind of style :?

Trek's are a good make and they have many fans, I'm sure you will be happy with your choice, let us know how you get on.

Don't forget all the extras, lights , waterproofs etc. (and a good lock)

.

supersonic

The term 'hybrid' covers a large range of bikes - from one end of the scale we have what are basically MTBs with thinner tyres and larger cranks, and at the other there are road bikes with flat bars. Some can be set up for comfort ie 'town and trail' bikes with relaxed angles, sprung seats stc.

rally200

OP if it's the retro look you're after the Bianchi Milano might suit http://www.winstanleysbikes.co.uk/product/16752/Bianchi_Milano_Parco_Womens_Bike_2009

though (perhaps to a lesser degree than the Pashley) you wouldn't want to go to far, or up too many hills.

the mens in celeste look better imo

Eau Rouge

Get a road bike, go for rides in the countryside too.

hipshaker

If you want an old school looking bike and don't mind the weight too much...

I love my africa bike (http://www.evanscycles.com/products/kon ... ery=africa). Sure it's a bit heavy at 20 kgs but very comfortable and surprisingly fast if you're not tackling hills. Cycle 35 min to and from work (easily overtake hybrids ).

seataltea

I bought one of these a couple of months ago for my wife who hasn't ridden since she was a child.

http://www.decathlon.co.uk/EN/b-twin-5-34963455/

It is a lovely bike, alloy frame and surprisingly light overall. It has just a touch of front suspension and a womans gel saddle, she loves it and she has ridden some gentle XC trails and roads since getting it.

It has somewhat of retro look about it whilst being bang up to date and has the usual long Decathlon warranties of 2 and 5yrs.

This model and the model with rear suspension (somewhat heavier) were all over when we visited France earlier in the year being used in just the circumstances you require.

You'll have a nice sum of money left over for some good kit as well.