Yet another boring buying advice question

Justinl
Justinl Posts: 14
edited August 2010 in Commuting general
Hii all,

New to posting though I have been reading the forums for a few months. I have finally decided it's about time I purchased a bike, it will be mainly used for fitness/recreation and some commuting to the station (10 mile round trip).

Where I live is very green, so will be looking for a Hybrid type which I can use on paths/trails and the road, not too worried about speed as will be going at my own pace. I think I have overloaded myself on the research front hence why I thought I'd ask on the forums. I plan on riding all year round (I also have a Vespa which I use throughout the Winter apart from ice/snow) so I'm more than used to the cold/wet weather :)

My budget is around £700 could push it to £750 if it was worth it. I have been into Evans and Cycle Surgery, the ones that have been recommended are:

Giant Roam XR 2 2010, seems to be highly recommended though not many reviews around and has just been reduced in price to £575.

Ridgeback Flight 03 10 reduced to £699

Trek 7.6 FX

Boardman Performance Hybrid Bike Team Medium 2010

Or the Specialised Crosstrail Expert or Sirrus Range.

Sorry I know there are alot of choices, seems like the Sales are now on so the Flight o3 and Trek are within my buget. Any advice is most appreciated.

Thanks

Justin

Comments

  • buy the boardman......just check how the halfords children put it together......
  • waddlie
    waddlie Posts: 542
    It all depends on what you mean by "paths/trails" really.

    I'd go for the Trek 7.6FX if predominantly smooth-surface riding, or perhaps the Boardman if you're going to be using it through the winter. Despite what some will tell you, disc brakes can be a godsend in shitty weather even on a road-oriented bike. The Sirruses are also good. If you really want a speedy road-biased bike you might also want to consider the Giant Rapid range? 8)

    The Giant and Crosstrails are almost mountain bikes, with their suspension and knobbly tyres. They will weigh more, and be slower, but for recreational rides will be more forgiving and take more abuse if you're riding off-road.

    Horses for courses, innit?
    Rules are for fools.
  • Justinl
    Justinl Posts: 14
    Thanks for your comments.

    I guess it will be probably 70-80% road, however many are country lanes in bad condition and 30% canal path/trails nothing extreme.

    I'll look at the bikes you mentioned further. This will definitely be recreational/communting and for fitness rather than joining a club/speed etc.

    Cheers
  • -spider-
    -spider- Posts: 2,548
    I got a hybrid a couple of yeara ago - bl**dy rubbish. Worst of both worlds. Get yourself a cyclocross bike or any reasonable bike (of your choice) with sturdy wheels for the trail part. You wont regret it but you might with the hybrid.

    -Spider-