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Advice needed on Bike Purchase Please!

Hi
I have a Ladies hybrid bike (Ridgeback velocity) and would like to upgrade to a road bike with a flat bar. Im looking to spend between £600-800, so far have come up with the Giant Dash 2, The Specialized Vita Elite Disc 13 and the Cannondale Quick.
Has anyone got any advice regarding these or can suggest any others I could look at?
Only done internet research so far ....
Many Thanks
«1

Comments

  • thelawnet
    thelawnet Posts: 2,580 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Name Dropper Combo Breaker
    What is it for? Leisure rides, sportives, 10 mile commutes to work, what?

    For that amount of money though, I think you will be better with drop bars. Is there a reason why you don't want them?
  • WLM21
    WLM21 Posts: 1,535 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 500 Posts Combo Breaker
    As a guy, not too sure about ladies bikes, but the Specialized Allez is always praised for us chaps, so the ladies version is probably good too..

    Go to a bike store and try a few for size. Evans have several UK outlets.
  • liz545
    liz545 Posts: 1,726 Forumite
    Evans own brand Pinnacle bikes are worth a look - the Neon is their flat-bar hybrid, but I'd also suggest the Gabbro, which has drop bars, but is a very nicely spec'd bike and decent value for money. Visit as many bike shops as you can and try some different bikes out - it's the best way to find the right one for you!
    2015 comp wins - £370.25
    Recent wins: gym class, baby stuff
    Thanks to everyone who posts freebies and comps! :j
  • hotcookie101
    hotcookie101 Posts: 2,060 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Name Dropper Combo Breaker
    The cannondale is a great bike-it's my first decent bike, and it made cycling SO enjoyable :D I would highly recommend. (I'm not a long distance cyclist, but we often did 50-60k rides, and my bottom got a bit sore, but I bought padded shorts and then it was perfect again :D
  • Sarri_2
    Sarri_2 Posts: 53 Forumite
    I switched from a hybrid to the Specialised Vita Sport (which I think is the model down from the elite) and I absolutely love it - I've been commuting on it every day for about 3 years now and it's been very reliable and great fun to ride. Also taken it on a couple of longer 50 milers and it's been great.

    I took a few bikes out on test rides but I'm struggling to remember what else I tried out - I remember liking a Trek bike but didn't fit me as well as the Vita - and I think just getting out on a few test rides is the way to make your decision.. Though I also have to admit being influenced by the Vita's plain black design - was keen to avoid having a pink flowery bike :p

    Happy shopping!
  • thelawnet wrote: »
    What is it for? Leisure rides, sportives, 10 mile commutes to work, what?

    For that amount of money though, I think you will be better with drop bars. Is there a reason why you don't want them?
    .

    Correct.

    If your wanting it for longish rides then you are better off with a drop bar as it has more hand positions and will stop your hands from aching and getting tired.
    Also if you ride on the hoods(top) is just like a flat bar anyway.
    What I would do is draw up a shorlist and ask Evans to get them in and try them out.You can try any bike no obligation to buy and they will get you in what you want. Lots of bike shops will not let you have a test ride before you buy.If this is the case then walk away.
  • Thanks for all you replies.
    I want bike for rides out, probably average 50ish miles, and commuting round trip of about 38 miles. I like my hybrid just want something faster and slicker. I prefer the flat bar, just personal preference.
    I didnt realise that Evans get bikes in and then let you try them out. Think I might give them a go as as you say I need to try before I buy.
    Thanks again all.
  • I'd advise you to put ask the people on bike radar also for recommendations as there area lot of very keen cyclists on there with a lot of knowledge.
    http://www.bikeradar.com/
  • Thats useful to know I will check them out, Thanks
  • GT60
    GT60 Posts: 2,347 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Name Dropper Combo Breaker
    Leisure lakes have a few bikes on offer
    I got a trek 3900 for £332 three weeks ago thats £100 Off
    Spending my time reading how to fix PC's,instead of looking at Facebook.
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