What Hybrid.

kevinscott

Have been more a fan of DH mountain biking, but kinda interested in using it for traveling to/from shops in local town and maybe to the gym. So with limited budget as ever, a cheap and cheerful hybrid could be a happy medium. Probably going to stick some Cyclocross tyres on these if I intend on using the bikes off road. So hopefully one of these bikes can fit the bit for plodding around...to some fun offroading?

Ok choices cheapest to most expensive:

Mtrax Tephra
http://direct.asda.com/MTrax-Tephra-Mens-Mountain-Bike---700C-Wheels-18-inch-Frame/000974236,default,pd.html

Carrera Crossfire Ltd Edition
http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_storeId_10001_catalogId_10151_productId_1001528_langId_-1_categoryId_165534

Carrera Crossfire 1 or 2
http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_storeId_10001_catalogId_10151_productId_810711_langId_-1_categoryId_165534?shouldCachePage=true&msg=
http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_storeId_10001_catalogId_10151_productId_810699_langId_-1_categoryId_165534

Im a cheapskate at heart so not particular sure if Disc brakes are worth the extra cost(and weight)

If I could find a decent light fully rigid hybrid I would probably go for that, but not seen one yet...

Any advice on the "best fit", hybrid that fits my needs for plodding around town, and hitting some trails would be appreciated.....or tell me I am stupid and get both a road bike and a proper mountain bike.....

mcnultycop

You are better with a bike with rigid forks than the efforts on those.

passout

Yes, go rigid - Boardman, Pinnacle or Ridgeback perhaps? Eastway make some nice looking hybrids too.

kevinscott

I understand the reason for rigids to save weight and has crossed my mind. Any other half decent rigid hybrids you can think of? Trek Fx series?
Just checking, rigid wont kill me if I go off road?

mcnultycop

Rigid is better off road than any of those forks. They have minuscule travel, but are undamped so will pogo.

kevinscott

Fair enough, I hate being a cheap skate...and money being tight. Quite liked the look of the crossfires, and as you said...the front suspension is a bit rubbish. If anyone fancy's giving me £2k...feel free. It will go to good use.

passout

The Vitus city bikes at CRC and Revolution hybrids at Edinburgh coop may be in budget.

cycleclinic

The superior RX 520 has suspension but there is a proper lockout as well. Leave the lock out on at all times.