Buying advice - need help deciding

norgaard

Hello,

I am looking to start commuting to work by bike; my commute is about 7 miles each way over mostly decent roads with one little cut through towpath.

I am set on a hybrid bike so far just for comfort and the flexibility, however one which takes more from road bikes than mountain bikes. Apologies if this is in the wrong forum as I was unsure where it would fit!

So far I’ve narrowed my search to the following three bikes as my budget is £550 max. Would greatly appreciate which ones you think is the better bike/better specifications. Or indeed any recommendations beyond these three as I am completely new to this so only have a vague idea what I should be looking for. I’m only quite small at 5”5 so when looking in store I’m limited to mostly 16” or 17” frames as the 18” ones I tried were a little too big for comfort.

Raleigh Strada Speed 1 (currently my first choice) as it seems the one which is more road orientated, im just slightly concerned whether it will be able to consistently handle going slightly off-road on a compressed dirt/gravel towpath.

https://www.raleigh.co.uk/strada-speed-1-17725


Raleigh Strada 4

https://www.raleigh.co.uk/20985-strada-4


Boardman Hybrid Comp

https://www.boardmanbikes.com/gb_en/pro ... -comp.html

Thanks guys!

mudnmuck

Just did a quick search for you, for bikes with sizes Small, 16", 17" - up to £550 across a few sites, looks like there are plenty to choose from, some with more relaxed upright geometry and some with a stricter road stance. Link below:
https://gearpursuit.com/shop/bikes/?gender=M&category=touring-bikes&category=road-bikes&category=hybrid-urban-other-bikes&size=S&size=16%22&size=17%22&size=17.5%22&price_from=0&price_to=550&view=price_descending

I personally wouldn't worry about handling on small off-road sections, as you're just commuting you should be fine taking even a pure road bike down there.

It's all down to personal preference at the end of the day!

Let me know how you get on!