best £1k hybrid

bobmanbike

MarkP80 wrote:

have you considered the Specialized Sirrus? There are a range of different spec models of the Sirrus, right up to the Sirrus Expert at £1,000, with SRAM Apex gears (which I personally like), but the Elite and Comp models have good spec components for the money, and there are disc versions too if you prefer these brakes

thanks for that - had looked at them briefly in store, but didn't really do it for me. Also, I can't find anything with disc brakes that isn't an MTB? Have to say the carbon one is very nice though!

markhewitt1978 wrote:

And you should buy from an independent, chances are you'll get better service and local bike shops need all the trade they can get

yeah, agreed - have been browsing the LBS in London near the office and am dreading potentially buying from someone closer to home in Surrey. Feel like I'm cheating on them by even considering it!

markp80

bobmanbike wrote:

MarkP80 wrote:

have you considered the Specialized Sirrus?

thanks for that - had looked at them briefly in store, but didn't really do it for me.

- well, you've got to find one that you personally like, that's for sure. The other difficulty is that often the LBS will only stock one model of the Sirrus, when there are actually quite a few. So seeing the particular one you want (inc the colour scheme) is often difficult. Frame geometries are all the same for sizing though.

bobmanbike wrote:

Also, I can't find anything with disc brakes that isn't an MTB? Have to say the carbon one is very nice though!

Specialised definitely do a couple of versions with Tektro hydraulic discs, definitely fast road not MTB (although your first comment still apllies obviously!)
And yes, I also really like the carbon model, especially the one with Ultegra Di2. I bet it flies. Bit out of my price range at £4,800 though!

Comp disc -
http://www.edinburghbicycle.com/products/specialized-sirrus-comp-disc-13
Elite disc
http://www.edinburghbicycle.com/products/specialized-sirrus-elite-disc-13

Good luck with the hunting!

Cheers,
MarkP

goonz

+1 for the Sirrus, a mate just bought a second hand Elite, couldnt believe my eyes when I saw the beauty has internally routed cables!!!

bobmanbike

So, finally test-rode the Moda Immer - was seeing it as a bit of a shoot-out between that and the Whyte Stirling.

It was... okay. All very nice, brisk, efficient etc, but just not that exciting. On paper, I was expecting it to be pretty similar to the Whyte, but it just didn't feel that special.

So I think that's me about done then! Just need to shift my old Trek, then I can finally get cracking. Thanks for your thoughts, everyone.

joelsim

bobmanbike wrote:

wow, lots of people seem very keen on the Boardman - I gather that's about bang-for-your-buck, particularly around the components they use?

But it's certainly very comparable to my current favourite, the Whyte Stirling. Similar price and weight.

So just been comparing the specs - http://www.boardmanbikes.com/hybrid/hybrid_pro.html vs. http://www.whytebikes.com/2013/product. ... 7d1c9ac9db

Must admit not really too up on the differences here...

(Whyte vs. Boardman)
brakes: Avid Elixir 1 vs. Elixir 5 (not sure of the differences)
shifters: Avid Via GT vs. SRAM Double Tap (not sure if double-tap is an acquired taste?)
rear mech: SRAM Via Centro vs. SRAM Rival (does urban vs. road-based design affect shifting?)
front mech: SRAM Via Centro vs. Microshift (surely makes no odds?)
seat-post: standard (aluminium?) vs. carbon (will this add real comfort?)
crankset: 48/32 vs. 50/34 (higher speed and tougher climbs on the Boardman, or will I even notice?)
rims: Alex Black Dragon vs. Richey Pro Discs (again, any significant difference?)

I'm guessing that if you have to ask questions like this, you're probably not going to notice much difference in components! Really need to organise some test-rides.

I've got a Hybrid Pro and it is an excellent bike, keeps up with roadies happily. Basically a road bike with flat bars and a bit more comfort. I've also got a Bianchi single-speed. So, to answer your questions...

Brakes - utterly superb, they take about half the distance that my Bianchi rim brakes do to stop, perfect for a commute.

Gears - double tap is stunningly easy. In fact double tap as a name doesn't work for me. It's short press to change up, long press to change down.

Shifting - very smooth on the whole, not had a single problem in 2 years.

Seatpost - pretty comfortable ride anyway on the road, less so on gravel in the park.

Crankset - unless you're going to climb 10% gradients, I wouldn't worry. Typically use gears 3 to 7 on the bigger chain ring for commuting. On steep hills I will obviously use 1 and 2.

Rims - no problems in 2 years, still as true as you like even after many London potholes.

Halfords - there you go, you don't need to have any contact with them after you've bought the bike. I get a mobile guy to service mine and he waxed lyrical about it to be honest, great value, top kit for the money etc etc. I was surprised.

Don't rule one out just because Halfords are sh*te. In fact I would go further than that and say that it is a truly great bike for the money. I've done probably 7-8,000 miles on mine and there's not a squeak if you oil it once in a while and keep it clean, one service so far. The only change I made was to put some Conti Gator Hardshells on rather than the stock tyres it came with. Touch wood huh? Oh and SPDs because I was doing 12.5 miles each way and couldn't get on with the pedal cages.

joelsim

And Halfords often do £100 off. Just wait until they do, usually a bank holiday type deal.

shortcuts

After doing the research I purchased a Boardman Hybrid Pro and absolutely love the bike. At purchase I got them to change the tyres for Schwalbe Marathon Plus having read that the fitted ones were not good. Changed the pedals to SPD's and the grips for Ergon's. Job done and the bike is a dream.
I too have issues with Halfords and once the free 6 week check over had been done I now take it to my LBS. Had a 'comfort fit' carried out there where the stem was changed, seat height and position moved slightly. Cost £45.
What more can I say except that my vote for the best £1K Hybrid goes to the Boardman Hybrid Pro. A lot of bike for the money.

chrishumes

get 10% off (even sale prices) with british cycling membership....just got a boardman which had 14% off.......then another 10%.......bargain/

Stevo_666

Another vote for the Boardman Pro.

I've been commuting on mine for nearly 4 years now and I still really like it, great ride, absolutely bomb proof and superb brakes that have saved my bacon a few times. I have had it seviced twice, and only replaced the chain, cassette and brake pads once and that's about it (apart from tyres). Just put some decent tyres and pedals on, they're the only changes you need from standard. If you feel you have to have drop bars, then the CX version is very similar.

I didn't get a test ride either - just sat on one but decided to go for it. I'm 5'10 and the medium is about right for me so you should be OK on a small at your height.