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Utopia hybrid - thoughts

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  • 25-01-2011 9:52pm
    #1
    padlad
    Registered Users Posts: 174 ✭✭


    About to buy one of these Gary Fischer utopia (site unseen) in lbs. Have looked at roam xr3 trek 8500 specialized crosstrail all around 699-850 - getting the utopia for 699 - which leaves me some room for a few bits and bobs (bike to work scheme). Can't use halfords so no boardman.

    I want - lockable shocks, 9 speed, disc brakes (mechanical are fine) ....

    Will be using this bike for commuting, and some adventure races (Connemarra) and maybe Gael Force (or might do that on the road bike again - not decided)

    Anyone have any opinions on the utopia? Not much on the web about them. I've seen some of the Fischer mtbs and they look nice.


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    #2
    Lumen
    Registered Users Posts: 31,025 ✭✭✭✭Lumen


    That's a mountain bike, surely.


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    #3
    padlad
    Registered Users Posts: 174 ✭✭padlad


    going to do most of it's cycling on what passes for roads round my way, and light mountain trails.....hybrid seems ideal for this no?


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    #4
    Pigeon Reaper
    Registered Users Posts: 1,294 ✭✭✭Pigeon Reaper


    Has 700c wheels. Now I'm just confused.


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    #5
    Black Bloc
    Registered Users Posts: 169 ✭✭Black Bloc


    Personally, I don't find mountain bikes comfortable for long road distances. Heavy wide tires mean more road resistance. Their frames are desiged for a lot of off-saddle riding and their gears are generally lower than those on a road bike.


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    #6
    Black Bloc
    Registered Users Posts: 169 ✭✭Black Bloc


    Didn't look at the Trek site you embedded. Seems more hybrid than full MTB (700 wheels). So probably will meet most of your needs.


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    #7
    Lumen
    Registered Users Posts: 31,025 ✭✭✭✭Lumen


    Black Bloc wrote: »
    Didn't look at the Trek site you embedded. Seems more hybrid than full MTB (700 wheels). So probably will meet most of your needs.

    It's not a hybrid, it's a 29er mountain bike. :)


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    #8
    padlad
    Registered Users Posts: 174 ✭✭padlad


    works for me :)


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    #9
    smacl
    Moderators, Society & Culture Moderators Posts: 15,728 Mod ✭✭✭✭smacl


    I ride a very similar Kelly hybrid, e.g. lockable suspension, 700x38c tyres, same frame geometry, similar Deore gearset. While I love this bike, and have done good distances on it, I reckon it uses a fair amount of extra energy to do the same spin as a similar road bike, which really tells when your gasping to keep up with a group. From recent threads, I reckon its a good winter bike. I certainly find it good on Coilte tracks, unpaved bohereens etc... which is the only time you need the suspension. If you're racing on paved surfaces, I'm guessing this bike will slow you down. The more upright position can also lead to a sore a$$ for very long spins, e.g. for me after 4-5 hours I'm taking a lot of weight off my butt and standing in the pedals a fair bit.


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    #10
    padlad
    Registered Users Posts: 174 ✭✭padlad


    I'll be using the road bike for long rides. This for commuting and races with off road sections. Went ahead and ordered it, hope it works out ;)


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