Which commuting hybrid for approx £600-700?

karmacycle
karmacycle Posts: 14
edited March 2010 in Commuting chat
My Sirrus Specialised is gradually dying and needs everything replaced. I'm looking to upgrade via the Cyclescheme, which basically reduces the price of a bike by a half. I was very intersested in the Chris Boardman hybrid, which by all accounts gives you a lot of bike for your money. But I've just discovered Halford's is the sole supplier, and my work Cyclescheme doesn't include Halford's in its list of partners. Sigh.

So - here goes - any ideas on an alternative? I cycle in London up to 100 miles a week. I use the canals quite a bit and they can be a bit rough. I sometimes have to carry a small child to school. I want something with minimal maintenance (!). I like to be able to go fast and I cycle in all weathers.

Any ideas out there? I'd really value any tips.

Comments

  • symo
    symo Posts: 1,743
    Kona Dew range if it has to be a hybrid
    +++++++++++++++++++++
    we are the proud, the few, Descendents.

    Panama - finally putting a nail in the economic theory of the trickle down effect.
  • karmacycle
    karmacycle Posts: 14
    I suppose I was thinking hybrid because I've always had a hybrid - could a road bike cope with towpaths etc, do you think?
  • will3
    will3 Posts: 2,173
    karmacycle wrote:
    I suppose I was thinking hybrid because I've always had a hybrid - could a road bike cope with towpaths etc, do you think?

    Probably, but you might be more comfortable on a tourer or CX (both of which will be able to take larger tyres)
  • karmacycle
    karmacycle Posts: 14
    Cool - sounds like a have quite a bit more research to do - and the deadline for this cyclescheme is in about 6 days ...
  • gbsahne001
    gbsahne001 Posts: 1,974
    CX.... Jake the Snake is in your range if your on C2W scheme.
    Winter Hack
    Everyday Commuter
  • the_hundredth_idiot
    the_hundredth_idiot Posts: 813
    I quite like the Charge Tap. I came very close to buying one before I was persuaded that a road bike with drops was a better option.

    Hub gears are a very good, low maintenance option for commuting.

    The Mixer has the better Alfine hub, but is correspondingly more expensive.
    Never be tempted to race against a Barclays Cycle Hire bike. If you do, there are only two outcomes. Of these, by far the better is that you now have the scalp of a Boris Bike.
  • artaxerxes
    artaxerxes Posts: 612
    I have the Ridgeback Horizon which falls within your budget. It makes a great commuting/light tourer, comes with mudguards and you can fit pannier racks. I've ridden on canal paths with this bike with no problems.
  • UndercoverElephant
    UndercoverElephant Posts: 5,796
    The Hundredth Idiot wrote:
    I quite like the Charge Tap. I came very close to buying one before I was persuaded that a road bike with drops was a better option.

    Hub gears are a very good, low maintenance option for commuting.

    The Mixer has the better Alfine hub, but is correspondingly more expensive.

    I scalp a lad on a Charge Mixer silly most mornings. I know it doesn't count as a scalp, but it really matters to him :twisted:
    Sun - Rain - Snow
  • lardboy
    lardboy Posts: 343
    Definitely CX if you're looking at towpaths.

    Just seen that you want to carry a small child as well. What seat do you use for him/her/it?
    Bike/Train commuter: Brompton S2L - "Machete"
    12mile each way commuter: '11 Boardman CX with guards and rack
    For fun: '11 Wilier La Triestina
    SS: '07 Kona Smoke with yellow bits

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