Help me choose my new bike

louise3965

Am getting a new bike to replace my old Apollo that I got 12 years ago. This is under the Cycle to Work scheme. I've narrowed it down to 5 hybrid bikes (I like the shape and the sit upright position) does anyone have any views as to which is best? Number 1 is my fave, but I admit to being completely swayed by the colour of number 1!

• http://www.evanscycles.com/products/dawes/kalahari-2009-womens-hybrid-bike-ec018604

• http://www.evanscycles.com/products/dawes/haarlem-2009-womens-hybrid-bike-ec018611

• http://www.evanscycles.com/products/claud-butler/kensington-2009-hybrid-bike-ec018829

• http://www.evanscycles.com/products/specialized/globe-carmel-26-2-womens-2009-hybrid-bike-ec016924

• http://www.evanscycles.com/products/trek/navigator-20-equipped-womens-2009-hybrid-bike-ec016801?query=trek navigator

Lorian

Please tell us:

• how often you cycle
• how far
• for what purpose - going to work?
• type of road or path

Thanks.

Also, is the design style a personal choice, over something a little more modern llooking like a trek 7.2fx?

louise3965

Lorian, gawd. Weeeeell I am a fair weather rider at best, we sometimes ride down the cinder track to the pub, or ride round the seafront of a weekend. But I want to do more. I dont live that far from work but that doesnt matter under the scheme.

I've chosen a hybrid as i wont be doing rough terrain - it is a mixture of cinder track cycle paths and roads. Probably only 5 miles max 3 or 4 times a week if I am honest.

As for the style, I love Amsterdam - its my favourite city and we always hire bikes there and the shape of these reminds me of the dutch bikes. They make me smile.

But the descriptions are so confusing, I cant compare like for like. Some have 3 gears, some lots more and I have no idea which is best.

Appreciate any help as I dont want to waste my money on a rubbish bike

goldspanners

just remember amsterdam is a bit more flat than here, you may find more than 3 gears useful. i know i do and i dont do much off road stuff.

wulfhere

Don't go for the Claud Butler...they're a 2nd rate brand.

louise3965

Thats what i thought about the gears. I live in Yorkshire and its VERY hilly! But my old Apollo, the gears dont work so I thought 3 was better than what I have. So CB are rubbish,yes? What about the blue Dawes one?

geri1965_2

Not keen on the style of any of them, but I'm not the one going to be riding it! I would go for the Specialized though, they are a great make. I've had a few Hard Rocks.

louise3965

My dh is a specialized fan - they are the bikes he has and he hates the design too but I don't. And I'm riding it!!!!!

emmell

Have you tried any of the bikes for comfort? I know when I bought my bike a few years ago that they varied enormously even with the same frame sizes, some were more sit up and beg, some pushed my weight forward so I had a lot of pressure on my hands and wrists.
I used to have a Marin hybrid and that was extremely uncomfortable. I like the look of the last one on your list because it looks more upright and a larger seat for comfort, but you must try them and keep trying them till you get it right. I have made a lot of costly mistakes because I 've bought for looks as opposed to comfort.
I now have a Peugeot hybrid (no longer made) and a Giant hybrid that I leave at our caravan on the East Coast.
I also live in Yorkshire so I know what you mean about hills!
ML.

Transactionumber

I bought a ridgeback motion 08 hybrid and could recommend them they are great looking and the gearing and seat position is great !! I bought mine from bikedock good company for £169 but they are now going for £229 .But still worth it I must of got a good deal as they did put the price up straight away:rolleyes:.

AirCooledHeaven

I would go with the trek navigator as it seems to tick all the boxes for the type of usage you described. Euro styling, comfort, practicality, plus 5 gears should you come across a hill...