Bike recommendations

nerraw1111

Hi,

Haven't bought a new bike in 7 years so bit out of the loop as to what is on the market.

Looking for a mountain bike to take off road but also that would be suitable for commuting to work five days a week. A bike that would be fun and durable. At present the commute is only 6 miles a day. I've checked previous threads for help but to no avail

I've always bought Giant and never had problems with them. I do like the ride of a hybrid but I don't want it to be a bone shaker as soon as I take it off road.

I like the look of the Giant Brass2 09

Would spend around €700.

Gavin

You're looking for two different things really. What sort of off road will you be doing ? If it's serious stuff with drops, lots of rocks and scary stuff get a decent hardtail mtb with forks that have a lockout. This will be slow on the road because of the large knobbly and low pressure tyres. The Giant Brass 02 doesn't really look too great for what you want, it's a jump bike, probably fairly heavy.

If the off road isn't as hardcore, a cyclo cross bike will do the job and look like fun bikes.

If you are optimistic about going off road, but realistically are just going to use the bike for the commute, get a road bike.

You have a decent budget, any bike you get for that amount will be reliable and durable. Road bikes are not weak bicycles, they are more than capable of irish roads.

nerraw1111

Thanks for the reply.

Yeah I know I'm looking for two different things but can only afford one bike.

The commute is quite short and around the city centre, so knobbly tyres wouldn't be that big of an issue, and would probably put slicks on it for that purpose.

so would opt for a bike that's going to best off road, 'scary stuff' as you say.

Just my concern is having a nice hybrid that's a bit rubbish off road. Thanks again

Gavin

If you want a hardtail so, then there is a great choice at the moment for around 700 euro from the british stores.

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=25302
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=25446

To save yourself hassle, you could even pick up a cheap set of spare wheels and stick completely slick 1.25" tyres on them. Stick them on for the commute and lock out the fork and you'll go at a decent rate without much effort. With quick release wheels, it would take all of 5 minutes to swap them.

TinyExplosions

Verb wrote: »

With quick release wheels, it would take all of 5 minutes to swap them.

And all of 5 mins for someone to nick 'em

Gavin

TinyExplosions wrote: »

And all of 5 mins for someone to nick 'em

Only for those foolish enough to not lock all their wheels. [BA Barracus] I pity the fool that relies on track nuts or allen key bolts to secure their wheel[/BA Barracus]