Hybrid, Tricross or Road bike?!!

McClatch

Hi all,

First up, sorry if Im posting in the wrong place, i'm a forum virgin...be gentle with me!!

I'm hoping for some answers or inspiration on a new bike. I currently have a mountain bike but want to change. I like towpaths with a bit of road thrown in (nothing huge) and also cycle to work, about 8 miles. I was thinking of a hybrid along the lines of the Giant Rapid 2 or 4, mainly because it looks good and has the bull bars (is that what they're called?) at the front, and I like the idea of being able to change my grip and positioning. Im not a huge fan of the straight bars and when I mentioned this at my local shop the guy pointed me in the direction of the Specialised Tricross because its a jack of all trades and has the drop bars. Unfortunately they didnt have any in stock and so I couldnt see it in the flesh so to speak - they look pretty ugly on the web!

So basically can anyone enlighten me?
Budget of about 500 -800, 10 miles on the road per day 2 -3 miles per week, with a 30mile run at weekends on towpaths, tracls, road etc.

Cheers in advance!!!!

Monty Dog

Tricross is a cyclocross bike, so there are plenty of others brands and models to choose from.

McClatch

Ok cheers. The guy on the shop said that Cyclocross bikes have a more elevated seat position and would more uncomfortable to ride than a tricross,is that true?

pablojag

Hi, have owned a tricross for couple of years now and its not an uncomfortable ride...the opposite in fact!
Comfort is down to how you set it up (bar/saddle height, choice of saddle, etc).
Chose it as my winter/(occasional) commuting bike for its versatility, mine has mudguards & rack permanently on (so not the lightest but it gets you fitter).
If I were buying now I'd definitely look at the models with disc brakes. Everyone seems to have a cross bike in their range so you should be spoilt for choice, but the Cannondale always makes me sigh when I see it.

Just Cannondales

Cyclocross bike are brilliant. I have 2 of them one for racing on and one for genral use.

I hardley use my MTB now as the cross bike will do most stuff apart from maybe a trail centre type ride.

Some good examples to think about

http://www.evanscycles.com/products/can ... e-ec031483

http://www.evanscycles.com/products/kon ... e-ec034494

http://www.evanscycles.com/products/can ... e-ec031484

McClatch

Cheers for the advice guys.

Seems like a tricross/cyclocross could be the way to go. Really appreciate the links as well. Decision time!!

Thanks.