Picking a hybrid

danyosan

I'm just getting into the cycling game (mainly to get fit) and I'm looking to spend around 400 euro. Could you guys recommend the best brand to get for that money? It's going to be mainly road cycling (not interested in a racer though). A friend of mine told me that you can't see past Giant. I am looking at getting the Giant CRS 3.0 but am just wondering if there is better out there for the money?

DadaKopf

Those Giants are pretty, and from what I hear, excellent value for money. Of course, being pretty just means it's more likely to get stolen. BUY A GOOD LOCK.

When I was looking, it was between the CRS 3.0 and the Trek 7.1FX. I went for the Trek. Slightly uglier, and meatier looking. I'm very happy with it.

Other brands to check out: Specialized and Cannondale.

danyosan

I'm actually not too worried about it being stolen as I'm not going to be leaving it anywhere.

When you say the Trek is meatier looking, is it heavier?

DadaKopf

Nah, I dunno. It'd just uglier.

Drapper

danyosan wrote:

I'm just getting into the cycling game (mainly to get fit) and I'm looking to spend around 400 euro. Could you guys recommend the best brand to get for that money? It's going to be mainly road cycling (not interested in a racer though). A friend of mine told me that you can't see past Giant. I am looking at getting the Giant CRS 3.0 but am just wondering if there is better out there for the money?

buddy, advice, get into a few shops (my favourite The Cycle Inn in Tallaght) and try a few out, giant / Specialized and Cannondale are all good makes, however they all vary! Its the only way to find out!

If not take a peak at:- http://www.cyclesuperstore.ie/shop/pc/mainIndex4.asp
http://thecycleinn.com/shop/index.php
http://www.cycleways.com/store/ (good selection, nobs to deal with)

Happy searching, walking around looking will also get you fit :D

Civilian_Target

Yeah, giant are alright. There's loads of brand names out there: giant, specialized, Dawes, Trek, Cannondale, Claude(sp?) Butler, Pinnacle, Ridgeback and Kona are all good, but there are a lot of smaller names like Orbit that also make superb bikes (although probably not in your price range).

Generally easy enough to tell a good bike, if the componentry is solid and it's reasonably light without being plasticy, its good! Remember you're going to need the guts of €100 for a helmet, lights and a lock, and you'll probably also need to get a decent bag and reflective jacket from somewhere too if you're commuting.

danyosan

Okay guys. I reckon I've narrowed it down to 2 that I like. Which would be better. Lapierre RCR 100 or the Giant CRS 3.0?

http://www.cyclesuperstore.ie/shop/pc/viewPrd.asp?idcategory=38&idproduct=12394#details

OR

http://www.cyclesuperstore.ie/shop/pc/viewPrd.asp?idcategory=32&idproduct=11317

Drapper

now go and give em a whirl!

Civilian_Target

On paper I'd say the Lapierre but its much of a muchness and we can't tell you. Try 'em out!

danyosan

Okay guys, went into Cycle superstore in Tallaght to try out both the above mentioned bikes. They didnt have either in my size. The guy said the only one in that price range that he had was the Giant CRS 2.5. Gave that one a go and got it (with bottle and cage) thrown in for the price of the Lapierre!!

Woohoo, happy days!!

Now.......gotta go cycling now.