New bike advice
Carnmore
Posts: 137 Forumite
I'm looking for a practical hybrid bike with full mudguards, rear pannier rack, lights, no suspension and a bit sporty.
I've looked at the Giant Rapid (sorry can't post links yet)
I'd need full mudguards and a rear pannier rack. Do their hybrids lend themselves to fitting these?
Also the Canyon Commuter (impressive looking bikes!). The pannier rack is only bolted to the frame at two points - how practical would it be, such as for carrying two large bags of groceries?
I only do A-B journeys - a couple of miles every day through traffic - to work, socialise, grocery shop et al.
I don't really have a budget - I want a quality durable bike needing as little maintenance as possible. It's to replace a thirteen-year old Dawes Sonoran.
Would be grateful for any other brand recommendations and comments/suggestions!
I've looked at the Giant Rapid (sorry can't post links yet)
I'd need full mudguards and a rear pannier rack. Do their hybrids lend themselves to fitting these?
Also the Canyon Commuter (impressive looking bikes!). The pannier rack is only bolted to the frame at two points - how practical would it be, such as for carrying two large bags of groceries?
I only do A-B journeys - a couple of miles every day through traffic - to work, socialise, grocery shop et al.
I don't really have a budget - I want a quality durable bike needing as little maintenance as possible. It's to replace a thirteen-year old Dawes Sonoran.
Would be grateful for any other brand recommendations and comments/suggestions!
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Comments
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I don't know if it helps, but I bought a front-suspension mountain bike a few years ago. It doesn't have mounting points for mudguards or a pannier rack, but you can get mudguards that don't need the mount points -- they'll use some kind of friction grip to stay in place. I also got a rack that attaches via the rear quick-release skewer and P-clips.
There is a lot of variation in the maximum weight that different racks can support. The one I bought supports up to 50kg, which was a lot higher than others (which were mostly ~15kg to ~35kg). You'd need to check the specs of the rack (and possibly the bike).
Before I got panniers I used a backpack, which was terrible for my back because of how heavy it was. With the panniers I can carry at least double the weight I could physically manage on my back.
Oh -- I just had a look at the Canyon Commuter bikes, and see what you mean. The rack seems to only be attached at one end. I doubt you'd be able to carry more than 10 or 15kg on them. :-/ I can't understand why they make them like that.
This is the rack I have which, as you can see, is a bit more substantial:
http://www.axiomgear.com/products/racks/journey-uni-fit-racks/journey-unifit-mk3-alu/0 -
I've looked at the Giant Rapid (sorry can't post links yet)
I'd need full mudguards and a rear pannier rack. Do their hybrids lend themselves to fitting these?
Yes, the Rapid's can take panniers and mudguards.
One thing though, it's almost a road bike with a flat handle bar rather than an out and out hybrid.
Very speedy compared to a more traditional hybrid and you will struggle on anything more rugged than a dirt path, i'd see it more as a commuter road bike in all honesty as opposed to a true hybrid that will allow you some off road riding.
If you're looking for a more rugged hybrid then the Giant Escape is probably a better fit than the Rapid or possibly one of the following
Halfords Carerra Subway
Halfords Boardman Hybrid
Claud Butler El Camino
Claud Butler Urban
Dawes Discovery
Cannondale Quick0 -
If you live near a Decathlon store then this one might meet your needs. It does have front suspension but not rear so it's not too heavy, comes with mudguards and basic battery lights, and you can fit a rack. Their customer service is also very good.
I've had one for just over a year and it is comfortable on and off road (if you want the flexibility). In that time I've replaced the chain and cassette twice but I do lots of miles so that's not a reflection of poor quality.
https://www.decathlon.co.uk/original-500-hybrid-bike-grey-id_8165507.html0 -
Edit: also just seen this one (Original 520) which includes a pannier rack and dynamo lights. It looks like the same spec as the 500.
https://www.decathlon.co.uk/original-520-hybrid-bike-id_8353018.html0 -
I've a whyte Stirling, very fast and capable and fits all your criteria.0
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possibly one of the following
Halfords Carerra Subway
Halfords Boardman Hybrid
Claud Butler El Camino
Claud Butler Urban
Dawes Discovery
Cannondale Quick
I just got my Boardman Comp Hybrid today :T The only mudguards that would fit it were weird velcro ones - they are full mudguards, which is great, and very light/slimline, but only attach via velcro and a cable tie. I think the hydraulic brakes mean fitting any other mudguards or a decent pannier rack might be impossible. (lovely bike though!)Mortgage - £[STRIKE]68,000 may 2014[/STRIKE] 45,680.0 -
I just got my Boardman Comp Hybrid today :T The only mudguards that would fit it were weird velcro ones - they are full mudguards, which is great, and very light/slimline, but only attach via velcro and a cable tie. I think the hydraulic brakes mean fitting any other mudguards or a decent pannier rack might be impossible. (lovely bike though!)
My mountain bike looks vaguely similar. It has front/rear disk brakes, and no mounting points for mudguards or racks.
I've fitted both mudguards and a rack and have been really happy with the results. Nothing is attached with velcro -- being a mountain bike that I ride off-road, everything needs to be held on rock-solid so it doesn't rattle (or worse, fall off!)
In case it helps...
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I have a Topeak DeFender M3 front mudguard. It's much better than other front-mudguards I've had and works really well. The only issue that the grip/tightening parts are made of plastic, so don't over-tighten it!
https://www.google.co.uk/search?q=topeak+defender+m3&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwiSn7nJq-HSAhUHBsAKHbYzBsgQ_AUICSgC&biw=962&bih=754
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My Crud Catcher rear mudguard is perfect. It attaches (very firmly) to the seat-post, and the angle is highly adjustable. I can't fault it.
https://www.google.co.uk/search?q=crud+catcher+rear&client=ubuntu&hs=d5l&channel=fs&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjOxfroquHSAhXlDsAKHSy7CBEQ_AUICSgC&biw=962&bih=754
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And my Axiom Journey Mk3 rack is great. Most decent bike racks allow you to carry about 30kg; this one can support up to 50kg. It's compatible with disk brakes, and requires no mounting points.
However, I had to buy some P-clips, and the rack was unsafe to use (as advised) with a standard-length rear skewer. I had to buy a 5mm metal washer and a (very hard-to-find) quick-release skewer that was 10mm longer than the standard size. Apparently tandems use this length, and I found ONE shop who could supply them. I got absolutely no help at all from the manufacturer when I tried to explain the problem to them. :-/
https://www.google.co.uk/search?q=axiom+journey+mk3&client=ubuntu&hs=lQR&channel=fs&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwji4d31quHSAhWlCsAKHdbYBGAQ_AUICSgC&biw=962&bih=754
If you're interested in this rack, here are the extra parts you may need:
A 145mm OLN QR skewer:
https://www.sjscycles.co.uk/hub-spares/cromo-tandem-rear-quick-release-chrome-skewer-for-145mm-oln-hubs/
Good quality P-clips:
https://www.evanscycles.com/tortec-p-clips-00120876
Strong washer ~25mm diameter, with 5mm diameter hole:
(Screwfix, hardware shop, etc.)
Just some suggestions if anyone's looking for any!0 -
I just got my Boardman Comp Hybrid today :T The only mudguards that would fit it were weird velcro ones - they are full mudguards, which is great, and very light/slimline, but only attach via velcro and a cable tie. I think the hydraulic brakes mean fitting any other mudguards or a decent pannier rack might be impossible. (lovely bike though!)
Sorry,thats not correct (unless they have updated the frame)
The comp will take full SKS chromoplastic guards. From memory,the 20mm,not 'hybrid'.
You will need bend out the metal support at the brake caliper and then bring it up to the mounting point.Easily done by hand.
Pictures can be supplied when I'm home. Im working away just now.
I run a pannier on that bike to. Cant recall the make.
Edit:
https://www.evanscycles.com/bontrager-back-rack-for-disc-EV166079?esvt=1186-GOUKE252912&esvq=&esvadt=999999-0-37666-1&esvcrea=61232000696&esvplace=&esvd=c&esvtg=pla-108752064536&esvo=EV166079-L-BLK&esvaid=50080&gclid=Cj0KEQjwzd3GBRDks7SYuNHi3JEBEiQAIm6EI51EIHZ7UhnsFt0cxZrHUoC7xgHpA-3jQyoeEP5rRi4aAhE_8P8HAQ
This is the same design as mine,though I got it as a package with a trunk bag fitted.0
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