Are Python bikes any good?

TonyFisher

I am looking for a hybrid so I wasn't sure where to post this. I want the "off roady" type so I guess here makes sense. Does anyone know about Python bikes? Especially the Python Quantum 8000? People tell me to get a Subway 1 instead but having only sat on them I much prefer the Python and it's my favourite out of many I've looked at. Yes I know the Subway has better quality parts so I guess what I'm asking is whether the Python is total garbage or fine if that's what I really want. I'll be 90% on road but I like the odd thrash along undulating bumpy tracks.
Thanks.

~£250. The Python Quantum 8000 Gents City bike is the simple aluminum framed urban bike. Equipped with Rigid Forks, Shimano Tourney 21 Speed Gears and V-Brakes
Options Available:

Bike Model: Quantum 8000
Gender: Gents
Sizes: Available in 18'', 20'' and 22'' Frame
Colour Available: Matt Black

Specification:

Frame: Python 6061 Alloy Frame
Fork: Hi-tensile Steel 700C Fork with tapered blade.
Brakes: Promax Alloy V brakes.
Gears: Shimano Tourney TX-35 (7 Speed)
Gear Shifters: Shimano EF-51 EZ-Fire Shifters.
Crankset: SR Suntour Triple 28/38/48T with alloy crank.
Wheels: Alloy Double wall rims with front alloy quick release hub.
Weight: 13Kg

jsisidore

I had python 8000 lasted me well over 5 years very decent if not counting maintenance.

If I were you I would buy any 29er with shwalbe marathon tyres and something better than shimano tourney derailleur.

robertpb

You'd be better off spending £250 on a secondhand bike.

cooldad

Bottom end parts. I wouldn't.

The Rookie

Ive seen better hybrids for that money, entry level gear shifting and a basic rear wheel with spin on freewheel.

Better for similar money
http://www.gooutdoors.co.uk/calibre-fil ... ke-p296255
http://www.gooutdoors.co.uk/forme-winst ... ke-p375971
http://www.halfords.com/cycling/bikes/h ... -22-frames

jsisidore

The Rookie wrote:

Ive seen better hybrids for that money, entry level gear shifting and a basic rear wheel with spin on freewheel.

Better for similar money
http://www.gooutdoors.co.uk/calibre-fil ... ke-p296255
http://www.gooutdoors.co.uk/forme-winst ... ke-p375971
http://www.halfords.com/cycling/bikes/h ... -22-frames

Really like that calibre bike, tyres definetly for speed but thicker than average 23c found on a road bike.

The Rookie

28 is probably average for a road bike these days, 23 is pretty passé.

TonyFisher

I've just ordered the Subway 1 from Halfords. The gear levers on the Subway 2 are awful (my hand has more than 2 fingers) but they seem a bit better on the 1. Since it seems pretty much impossible to actually try any of these bikes properly before buying I can only go with popular opinion. Every review, video, mention of the Subway seems positive so I ignored my (non tested) liking for the Python. Also, thinking about it further I really want a hybrid close to a MTB. Thanks again guys.

The Rookie

The Subway is a solid choice, they are a little on the heavy side compared to ones designed for faster road use, but they are dependable and reliable (normal caveats apply) and have a reputation for being pretty bomb proof.

JBA

TonyFisher wrote:

The gear levers on the Subway 2 are awful (my hand has more than 2 fingers) but they seem a bit better on the 1.

What does that mean?

The Rookie

That he prefers cheap Tourney shifters to Altus, I suspect the Altus were just set up wrong, possibly too far out so the levers interfere with holding the grips.

TonyFisher

JBA wrote:

TonyFisher wrote:

The gear levers on the Subway 2 are awful (my hand has more than 2 fingers) but they seem a bit better on the 1.

What does that mean?

Sorry, I meant break levers. There was only room for 2 fingers. I prefer something much bigger.

JBA

You don't need anything bigger. Most decent brake levers are designed for 1 or 2 finger use.

TonyFisher

JBA wrote:

You don't need anything bigger. Most decent brake levers are designed for 1 or 2 finger use.

I most definitely do. It's obviously better to have something big to grab hold of when an unexpected pot hole or bump can make you almost let go of handle bars and you desperately need to regain control and slow down or stop. It's down to personal taste anyway so please don't tell me what I "need" after 45 years of cycling. I know precisely what I need and so do thousands if not millions of other regular cyclists using proper levers.

The Rookie

Erm no, other way round, much better to brake 2 fingers and have the other two wrapped round the bars, it’s why MTB’s have pushed towards 1 and 2 finger braking, you hand is more likely to come loose if all fingers are wrapped round the brake lever.

robertpb

As someone with 63 years of cycling, being on 2 wheels since the age of 4, I only use one finger. As The Rookie has said better to have a good grip of the bars.

Back in the 80's when you didn't have suspension the worst thing you could do is have too many fingers on the brakes when you were hammering downhill on a rock strewn trail.

Even on my CX I only use one finger when I'm riding mainly MTB trails. An old lesson learnt.

JBA

TonyFisher wrote:

JBA wrote:

You don't need anything bigger. Most decent brake levers are designed for 1 or 2 finger use.

I most definitely do. It's obviously better to have something big to grab hold of when an unexpected pot hole or bump can make you almost let go of handle bars and you desperately need to regain control and slow down or stop. It's down to personal taste anyway so please don't tell me what I "need" after 45 years of cycling. I know precisely what I need and so do thousands if not millions of other regular cyclists using proper levers.

I didn't tell you what you "need".

I was simply pointing out that the better modern flat bar and MTB brakes are designed for one or two finger use. The more fingers you have on the bars the more control you have. Newer brakes have better actuation ratios and don't need a fistful of force on the lever to make them work efficiently.

However, as you know precisely what you need and are happy with a lower specification bike then that's up to you. I didn't intend to upset you and apologise if I did.