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An SOS to the cyclists of Gersnet - Help me buy a bike!


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Are you certain you want a hybrid? I'm more a road bike man, & would point you toward Decathlon's superb Triban series:

 

http://road.cc/content/review/116333-btwin-triban-500-se-road-bike

 

http://www.decathlon.co.uk/triban-300-road-bike-white-id_8239800.html

 

For @ £300 this bike is staggeringly good, will get you up any kind of hill on your route, and will get you to work about 20 minutes quicker than a hybrid. The only downside is that your puncture risk is greater with the thinner tyres which you wouldn't want first thing in the morning. I've only had one puncture in two years, but if you're going to be on the edge of roads, where all the crap gets blown to by traffic, I can see why you'd want a hybrid. If your route is off road but not rough this bike would be ideal.

 

But if you need a hybrid:

 

http://www.bikeradar.com/beginners/gear/category/bikes/hybrid/product/review-giant-escape-1-47656/

 

This Giant Escape, at £499, is a good bike. Just don't buy anything from a supermarket or a Halfords type place. They will fall to bits, rattle, drive you mad and put you at risk. Not even the Boardmans, which are getting a decent rep. I wouldn't trust anything that came out of Halfords.

 

Whatever you decide have a ton of fun. Next step, padded bottom lycra leggings.

Edited by andy steel
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Are you certain you want a hybrid? I'm more a road bike man, & would point you toward Decathlon's superb Triban series:

 

http://road.cc/content/review/116333-btwin-triban-500-se-road-bike

 

http://www.decathlon.co.uk/triban-300-road-bike-white-id_8239800.html

 

For @ £300 this bike is staggeringly good, will get you up any kind of hill on your route, and will get you to work about 20 minutes quicker than a hybrid. The only downside is that your puncture risk is greater with the thinner tyres which you wouldn't want first thing in the morning. I've only had one puncture in two years, but if you're going to be on the edge of roads, where all the crap gets blown to by traffic, I can see why you'd want a hybrid. If your route is off road but not rough this bike would be ideal.

 

But if you need a hybrid:

 

http://www.bikeradar.com/beginners/gear/category/bikes/hybrid/product/review-giant-escape-1-47656/

 

This Giant Escape, at £499, is a good bike. Just don't buy anything from a supermarket or a Halfords type place. They will fall to bits, rattle, drive you mad and put you at risk. Not even the Boardmans, which are getting a decent rep. I wouldn't trust anything that came out of Halfords.

 

Whatever you decide have a ton of fun. Next step, padded bottom lycra leggings.

 

Thanks for that mate.

 

I defo want a hybrid as I'd mainly use the bike off road to be honest. Not on anything substantial but just on rail-paths and the like.

 

Similarly my journey to work is mainly on off-road designated cycle routes so I'd rather the versatility of a hybrid for that as well. I have looked at Decathlon for bikes and agree they look good value so I'll need to factor them into my choice.

 

I'm sure my missus can't wait to see me in Lycra... :(

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BOOOO!,keep the shiny bum brigade off the roads,unless they pass a test,pay road tax,pay high insurance, obey the rules of the road,stop riding in packs chatting away holding traffic up!,after all that,ban them and keep them off road.

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This is the pretty much in area where I find it hard to help as I can easily spend £400 on a service for a push bike - including a load of new parts to replace worn out ones.

 

Wouldn't say expensive bikes are about snobbery, it's about lightness, aerodynamics, materials, performance, design and reliability.

 

However, I'll put my crank in and recommend Boardman Bikes as they are really cleverly designed and tend to be very good value for money when compared to the specs of other makes. They constantly get great reviews in the press and magazines. The downside is that Halfords is very hit and miss with the set up and after sales.

 

They happen to have one that fits your brief at £405 here:

http://www.halfords.com/cycling/bikes/hybrid-bikes-and-classic-bikes/boardman-hybrid-sport-bike-2014

 

Weight says 11.4 kg which isn't exactly featherlike but sounds light for that kind of price.

 

I can't say how good that one is but the buyers' reviews look pretty good. I have three Boardmans, and they are all good. Besides, at least some of your money stays in the UK...

Edited by calscot
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PS Best upgrade is spd (clipless) pedals and shoes. Makes you far more efficient at pedalling; however, it can be very comical watching you fall over very slowly a few times until you get used to them.

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I'd agree with Calscot. For more money you will get a lighter frame, better components, i.e. gears that change more smoothly, brakes that stop better and overall a more enjoyable experience. Also the components will last longer. If you have access to Cycle to Work consider splashing the full £1000.

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