which hybrid to chose...faults with any?

baydreamer

Have taken my current bike in for quote to repair which comes to more than I originally paid! So have a shortlist of new hybrids I'm considering(mainly for commuting to & from work,other than offroad). Does anyone have any faults to point out with these? ie;prone to punctures,pedals/spokes breaking,uncomfortable,etc...
Considering...
Specialized Crosstrail Disc Comp and Pro(cant see much of a difference there?)
Specialized Sirrus Comp
Giant Seek 1 2012
Giant Roam XR 1
There is obviously a price difference to consider, and wandering about any advantages/disadvantages over each?
Regards...

apreading

The Sirrus has shockingly low value components for the money - alas I think this is the case with all recent Spesh bikes. The Sirrus does have a very good frame though, but I dont think it will take tyres as wide as the others here and mudguards wont be so easy.

I think these are all very upright bikes and not the raciest or lightest. I am guessing that this is a choice you have made. As a result they will be more relaxed and comfortable and probably take wider tyres, giving a smoother ride over bad roads.

For a commuter make sure you look for mudguard fixings and pannier rack fixings.

Joffff

I've got a 2009 Crosstrail and have fitted a Topeak pannier rack and SKS mudguards so I'd say it's pretty well suited for the commute. I didn't try any other models out at the time as sad as it sounds, I'd wanted a Specialized (any) for years and this was my first bike after several years of car driving.

I've had to replace the pedals twice after the bearings went, but then I've only ever fitted cheapo items (sub-£15) so to be expected. Tyres have been fine, I did replace the Crossroads tyres with some Armadillo items and do ride across all sorts of surfaces (inc. gravelled "cycle" paths). Next purchase will probably be a Brooks saddle.

BigLights

i've been commuting on a Sirrus Elite for 2 years now and it's the first hybrid i've really, really liked. I'm on 700/23s so it's nice and quick, and has taken a fair degree of punishment (every day, rain or shine, it's used and left outside). I've previously had 2 Treks and a Marin Muirwoods 29er. The Treks were fine but a bit brittle and the Marin was a disaster.

MichaelW

I would go with disc brakes for everyday riding. Make sure the disc position is compatible with a rack, ie chainstay mounted like the Giant Roam or you have to use an extra wide disc rack.
I would also ditch suspension as heavier, more maintenance and not much advantage.
There are plenty of models outside of the major brands, eg Cube, Merida, and several small companies making very practical everyday bikes: On One, Charge.

Getting quality tyres on a new bike is quite rare and if you are supplied with Kenda or whatever, upgrade to Schwalbe at the time of buying.

Rothsay

I have a Merida Crossway. It is fast and comfortable. Front suspension is fine if it can be locked out for tarmac. I have been touring on it as well. Takes a good load. Not a brand that immediately springs to mind but Merida is one of the largest bike frame manufacurers in the world and has a big stake in Specialised. Better known for mountain bikes I think.

Michael is right on the tyres. I am buying Schwalbe shortly as I am doing a tour in a few weeks. My bike came with Kendas and they have had several puctures.

The Rookie

Carrera Gryphon shouldn't be overlooked, great value although limited on tyre width and you have to use a disc specific rack.....I run one (well a gryphon frame I've built a bike up from!)

Simon