Which bike to go for....

johnson1985

Hi, I'm stuck between buying one of three bikes. I want a hybrid bike, mainly for road use, and maybe infrequently, for a country path (nothing "off road" though).

These are the bikes. Sorry if it's a tricky question and there's a lot to look at, but I really don't know!

http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stor ... yId_165534

http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stor ... 65534#dtab

http://www.ridgeback.co.uk/bike/motion

Any help would be greatly appreciated!

steve

phillipjohnson

They would all be up to the task, but the Carerra Subway looks the best option and the best specced (and remarkably the cheapest). Carrera's are a good spec for the price anyway and that one is really reduced.

Most people on here will tell you that the setup from Halfords can be hit and miss at different stores but you do get a free 6 week checkup so if there are any issues like the gear indexing slightly out or the brakes need adjusting you can always get it sorted at the chekup.

johnson1985

Thanks very much for the reply. Could you tell me why you think the subway is better? My problem is that I don't like the look of the subway as much as the other two, and so I wouldn't mind sacrificing some of its better qualities for a better looking bike!

phillipjohnson

The spec is just better... those disc brakes for a start... the gears and everything will be better.

Look at the saddles on the three bikes... the saddle on the other two looks quite bulkier and all foam.... the saddle on the subway looks much racier. (I'm not saying you should only buy a bike because of the saddle but its a good indication what the rest of the spec will be like).

The Rookie

If disc brakes are what you need, the subway is best value, but for the usage you describe the Gryphon is best, its faster on road than the Subway.

In terms of components the Gryphon is best specced, X4 is broadly the equivalent of Shimano Acera, the other 2 don't even get close on that.

Not sure why PJ says 'the gears will be better' when the spec is there to be checked (OK on the subway its in 'specification' and the Gryphon it's in 'description') and they aren't.

The Gryphon is also more upgradeable as it has an 8/9 speed capable wheel, the Subway does not and nor does the ridgeback. Get the Gryphon.

Simon

johnson1985

Yep think I'm gonna go for the gryphon. I guess I don't need disk brakes, the gears seem better and its more attractive. Cheers for the help!

I'll probably get halfords to build it for me....any tips on checking its been built correctly?

whitestar1

You are right to go for the Gripon. If you need a mountain bike then you should consider the Subway. If its only commuting then you dont need the addionial weight of an hybrid. Be careful of the Halford store you goto. It is hit and miss - been a customer myself I know.