Hybride bike

geri1965_2

Thinking of getting a hybrid
My company is considering introducing the Bike to Work scheme, which mean I will get approx. 41% of the cost of a new bike.

I don't really need a new bike, although I have been toying with the idea that when I get my next bike, it will be a hybrid rather than a mountain bike as I mostly use it for urban cycling.

I've looked at some possible contenders - this Claude Butler

http://www.evanscycles.com/products/claud-butler/mercury-silver-2010-womens-hybrid-bike-ec022480?query=claude%20butler%20womens%20hybridd

or this Trek.

http://www.evanscycles.com/products/trek/71-fx-2010-womens-hybrid-bike-ec016502?query=trek%20womens%20hybrid

I'm guessing the Trek is better, since it's more expensive, and it has good reviews but I like the look of the Claude Butler, it's very chunky. However, I can't really tell the difference between those and my mountain bike. What are the main differences?

Also, can anyone tell me how many gears those two have - looks like 21?

sequence

Have you considered a carrera subway ? I had one, superb bike it was. As far as I can remember, it was better specced than the ones you've listed. But out of the two you've picked, I'd go for the trek.

They both have 21 gears btw.

http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_storeId_10001_catalogId_10151_productId_551239_langId_-1_categoryId_165534

geri1965_2

I haven't seen that one - it's nice looking (and more importantly, black!) If it only comes in an 18" frame it will be too big for me though as I currently ride a 15" frame (I am only 5ft 2").

It will all depend on the terms of the scheme I guess - might be limited to certain shops (if they even introduce it after all).

sickparrot

Yes, it all depends on which scheme your company goes with. Evans run their own scheme, Halfords run their own scheme, or it could by Cyclescheme which uses the network of independent shops (the best one IMO if you have several nearby, you get a better choice).

The main difference between hybrids and MTB's is that hybrids generally don't have suspension, which saves a lot of weight, they'll also have a full set of mounting points for racks and mudguards.

I have a Subway as a second bike and it's served me well, I see some of them are available with 16" frames. I think the new single speed Subway is fantastic and If I had a spare £200.....

I'd go for the Trek of the two, i've always thought of Claud Butler as a bit of a cheapo brand (says me with the Carrera).

geri1965_2

I'll obviously have to wait and see what the scheme involves if they introduce it (and I am sceptical!)

My current bike is good enough (it's a Marin mountain bike) but it was an insurance replacement following the theft of my last bike and although it's the same make and model a) it's not black and b) it has front suspension and I really don't like it!

I don't think Claud Butler are cheap though, they do some v. expensive racing bikes.

jebervic

geri1965 wrote: »

I'll obviously have to wait and see what the scheme involves if they introduce it (and I am sceptical!)

My current bike is good enough (it's a Marin mountain bike) but it was an insurance replacement following the theft of my last bike and although it's the same make and model a) it's not black and b) it has front suspension and I really don't like it!

I don't think Claud Butler are cheap though, they do some v. expensive racing bikes.

Personally I would be buying a hybrid and not MTB if I were you, find out what scheme you can buy through and what bikes you are interested in and come back on here, personally I would go for Specialized Sirrus for commuting to work.

citykid5

sickparrot wrote: »

Yes, it all depends on which scheme your company goes with. Evans run their own scheme, Halfords run their own scheme, or it could by Cyclescheme which uses the network of independent shops (the best one IMO if you have several nearby, you get a better choice).

The main difference between hybrids and MTB's is that hybrids generally don't have suspension, which saves a lot of weight, they'll also have a full set of mounting points for racks and mudguards.

I have a Subway as a second bike and it's served me well, I see some of them are available with 16" frames. I think the new single speed Subway is fantastic and If I had a spare £200.....

I'd go for the Trek of the two, i've always thought of Claud Butler as a bit of a cheapo brand (says me with the Carrera).

hi just thought i'd post regarding the subway 8.i've had 2 one about 3 years ago and a trully excellent bike for the price..then i bought a new 1 in march this year and it's spent more time at halfords being repaired then on the road..the bike keeps eating the teeth of the front cog,it seem's to be made from a much cheaper and milder steel..and the problem being halfords are not very quick at repairing the bike..the last time it was in it was there for a month??now it's back agin for a new front gear ring,peddle and crank as the threads have sheared off..i would def avoid halfords bikes all together..they also had a subway 8 on display and i checked it over and found that the very exspensive internal nexus rear hub sounded ruff as monkeys when peddled/freewheeled backwards..ck

geri1965_2

jebervic wrote: »

Personally I would be buying a hybrid and not MTB if I were you, find out what scheme you can buy through and what bikes you are interested in and come back on here, personally I would go for Specialized Sirrus for commuting to work.

I am intending to buy a hybrid, I already have a mountain bike.

I do like Specialized, always used to have a Hard Rock before I changed over to Marin.

neilmcl

I've got a Specialized Sirrus Sport but I'd say these are more of a flat-handlebar road bike than a true hybrid. They do a model called the Crosstrail which may be better if you're wanting to use it on and off tarmac.

Yorkie1

I'm your height and have the Trek T30 for urban / commuting use. The ladies' bike is about a 16" frame and is a step-through. It's fab (and I had it sprayed bright red at exorbitant non-MSE cost!!)

http://www.evanscycles.com/products/trek/t30-2009-womens-hybrid-bike-ec001536?query=trek+t30