advice about buying a hybrid bike, please

jolantap
jolantap Posts: 4
edited April 2015 in MTB buying advice
I'm looking to buy a hybrid bike for a weekend use, both on and off roads, tarmacs and hills (ie Richmond park, if you are familiar). My research was narrowed down to giant escape 3 (ladies version), giant alight 2 or 3 and Ridgeback Velocity open frame. i even visited local bike shops to review these bikes individually prior making a decision. However, I also found the used Ridgeback momentum bike:
http://m.evanscycles.com/products/ridge ... e-ec025092

from the sept 11 edition and now discontinued. The bike has only been used few times and was stored in the garage, so it is in a very good condition and i could buy it for less than £200. However, I don't want to invest in old technology if the design has significantly moved on, so my questions are:
1. if you are familiar with Ridgeback, is this bike significantly inferior to the latest range and how does it compare to Velocity?
2. was Momentum replaced by Speed or Velocity?
3. should I take into account the aging process ie bike not being used for over 3 years?
4. can i tackle the hills with this bike (after properly servicing it) as easily as with Giant, Alight or Velocity?

i can see that 2014 edition of Momentum is still selling:
http://www.wheelies.co.uk/p67824/Ridgeb ... -Bike.aspx
but i'm not a bike expert to decipher if there were major differences between 11 and 14 editions and how both compare to Velocity model available today.

any feedback will be greatly appreciated.
thank you
jolanta

Comments

  • The Rookie
    The Rookie Posts: 27,812
    Before looking at bikes you need to decide on your requirements.

    the Alights are dreadful value.

    So just to check
    1/ Do you need a low top tube frame, or will a 'conventional' frame suite, a normal frame is lighter and or stiffer than a dropped top tube frame so superior once you are riding the bike.
    2/ Do you need front suspension forks, most on hybrids are very poor and you may prefer a lighter more precise feeling rigid fork (especially on road!)


    As an example the voodoo Marasa is a MUCH better specified bike than the Momentum, much lighter although the 16" seems out of stock. http://www.halfords.com/cycling/bikes/h ... 13-2014-18 i
    Currently riding a Whyte T130C, X0 drivetrain, Magura Trail brakes converted to mixed wheel size (homebuilt wheels) with 140mm Fox 34 Rhythm and RP23 suspension. 12.2Kg.
  • jolantap
    jolantap Posts: 4
    Thank you Rookie for your prompt reply.

    Yes I would like the low top tube frame, as it is easier to get on/off the bike but didn't know that this impact the riding quality. Still I have to accept this.

    it is an interesting comment about Alight as they are newly launched and Giant made a big fuss about them; so what is your view about giant escape 3:
    http://activesport.co/epages/80c85f8f-7 ... tViaPortal

    no I don't think i need front suspension forks; do the giant escape 3, ridgeback velocity and momentum have it?

    is momentum truly interior to velocity, as I can buy for less than half a price of velocity, but don't want to be penalized with the riding quality?
    welcome your feedback
    thank you very much

    Jolanta
  • The Rookie
    The Rookie Posts: 27,812
    At this price point, the big name brands are poor value, too much of the price is for the brand, no £300 bike should have steel bars, that should be in sub £150 bikes only.

    Much better value
    http://www.decathlon.co.uk/hoprider-520 ... 07665.html
    Currently riding a Whyte T130C, X0 drivetrain, Magura Trail brakes converted to mixed wheel size (homebuilt wheels) with 140mm Fox 34 Rhythm and RP23 suspension. 12.2Kg.
  • jolantap
    jolantap Posts: 4
    so just to confirm, even Velocity that is £400+ is not comparable in quality to the decathlon hoprider?

    i will check the decathlon bike next week as i don't have a local decathlon story here and thank you for all your advice.
  • The Rookie
    The Rookie Posts: 27,812
    Yes, I'd take the hop rider over the velocity.
    Currently riding a Whyte T130C, X0 drivetrain, Magura Trail brakes converted to mixed wheel size (homebuilt wheels) with 140mm Fox 34 Rhythm and RP23 suspension. 12.2Kg.