Which Mens Hybrid

johnstown

Hi,

I currently have a Dawes Hybrid and would like to upgrade (its a bit old now). I used to use it to cycle to work, but my cirsumstances changed and I was not able to anymore. At the moment I just use the bike the odd time for cycling in the evening. I want to start cycling a bit more, weekends etc. and hope to be able to get back to cycling to work.
The company I work for participates in the bike to work scheme exclusively with CycleSuperStore. I called there the other evening for a browse and the salesman recommended the Cube Hybrid. He said the components are typically better than the Giant and they had a better range of Hybrids than the Lapierre.

The two models he recommended were the Cube SL Cross Comp Bike '11 (€679) and the Cube SL Cross Team Bike '11 (€1099). The cycle to work scheme and corporate discount scheme from the store would reduce the price by well over 50% so I its well worth spending a few quid for a good one that will last.

I am not familiar with the components etc, but are these good bikes and would I be better of going for the more expensive model?
The specs are:

-> Cube SL Cross Comp Bike '11
Cross and lightweight. Longevity components and extra light wheels make the SL Cross Comp the first choice for avid cyclists.

Frame: HPA Crossroad Triple Butted
Fork: Aluminium Rigid Fork
Headset: FSA NO. 10 semi-integrated
Stem: Easton EA30, 25.4mm
Bars: Easton EA30 Riser
Grips: CUBE Double Doumeter
Rear Mech: Shimano Deore LX RD-T661 Top Normal
Front Mech: Shimano Deore FD-M591 Down Swing, 34.9mm
Shifters: Shimano Deore SL-M590 Rapidfire-Plus, 9-Speed
Brakes: Shimano BR-M422 V-Brake Front & Rear
Chainset: Shimano FC-M431 48x36x26T., 170mm, Shimano BB-UN26, Chainguard
Cassette: Shimano CS-HG50 11-32T., 9-Speed
Chain: KMC X9 Double Durability
Tyres: Schwalbe CX Pro
Rims: Schürmann Yak 622 V-Brake
Front Hub: Shimano Tiagra HB-4500
Rear Hub: Shimano Tiagra FH-4500
Spokes: DT Industry 2.0 silver
Pedals: Fasten Alloy
Saddle: Scape Active 63
Seatpost: RFR Complight 31.6mm
Weight: 10,9 kg
https://www.cyclesuperstore.ie/shop/...dproduct=40459

-> Cube SL Cross Team Bike '11

Lightweight and rigid triple butted frame equipped with proven MTB shifting components. Perfect for long tours and moderate gravel roads.

Frame: HPA Crossroad Triple Butted
Fork: Aluminium Rigid Fork
Headset: FSA NO. 10 semi-integrated
Stem: Syntace F149 Oversized
Bars: Syntace Duraflite 2014
Grips: CUBE Double Doumeter
Rear Mech: Shimano Deore XT RD-M771 Top Normal
Front Mech: Shimano Deore LX FD-M660 Down Swing, 34.9mm
Shifters: Shimano Deore SLX SL-M660 Rapidfire-Plus, 9-Speed
Brakes: Shimano BR-M422 V-Brake Front & Rear
Chainset: Shimano Deore XT FC-M771 Hollowtech II 48x36x26T., 175mm, integrated BB, Chainguard
Cassette: Shimano CS-HG50 11-32T., 9-Speed
Chain: Shimano CN-HG53
Tyres: Schwalbe Racing Ralph Evolution
Rims: Alex EN24 V-Brake
Front Hub: Shimano 105 HB-5700
Rear Hub: Shimano 105 FH-5700
Spokes: DT Swiss Champion 2.0 black
Pedals: Fasten Cross UltraLight Sealed Bearing
Saddle: Scape Active 63
Seatpost: RFR Prolight 31.6mm Setback
Weight: 9,9 kg

Other Cube bikes available from this vendor can be viewed at:
https://www.cyclesuperstore.ie/shop/...?idCategory=32

Can anyone make any recommendations as to whether its worth going for the more expensive bike or is there a better option I should be going for?

Given the state of the roads, with the potholes, would I be better considering a MTB?

I went for a test cycle on both bikes by the way, and they were fine.
Also, these two have the older type V-Brakes. While they had disk brakes on models in the shop, the salesman said they might not be for me as they can more difficult for me to deal with if anything goes wrong as opposed to the V Brakes which are easy to sort and replace. He said the disk brakes were not as essential for a hybrid as they would say on a complete MTB offroader.

Thanks

eoinf

did you make any decision on which bike to get?

I am also looking at these models?

Stark

johnstown wrote: »

Given the state of the roads, with the potholes, would I be better considering a MTB?

No. There's nothing on Irish roads that a hybrid can't handle.

Personally I don't think the Team bike has anything that's worth spending an extra €420 for. I'd be looking at bikes with drops and carbon forks if you're spending that much.

smacl

I'd agree with Stark, the more expensive bike doesn't justify the difference, and if you're starting to enjoy cycling you might do better to save your C2W saving for your next bike. See if you can take both for a short spin and whether you notice any difference between the two.

johnstown

Thanks for the responses Stark and Smacl.

I have some more questions if you don't mind! Bicycles are not area of expertise.

Are disk brakes better than the V brakes? Are fluid rim brakes any good?

You mention the carbon composite, are these stronger, lighter etc, i.e. whats the advantage?

Is suspension in the front useful? Sometimes I find myself a bit wary when travelling down a hill and there are potholes etc. Suspension might smooth things out?

The shop assistant said he thought the spec on the Cube bikes was better than the Giant... Was this just salesman talk?

I took both the Cube SL Cross Comp Bike '11 and the Cube SL Cross Team Bike '11 for a test cycle. The Cross Team was nice to ride. I kinda thought the Cross Comp was a bit awkward, but maybe this was down to the fact that it was a larger bike (next size up) and the wheels were thinner.

Here are some more sample bikes if you would not mind commenting:

Cube Curve Bike '11 €594.12
Looking for a workout partner that never gives up? The CUBE Curve has a sturdy frame with easily operating 27 gears making you faster. Hydraulic disc brakes stop you in a blink of the eye.

•Frame: Alu Lite Trekking
•Fork: Suntour NEX4610
•Headset: FSA NO. 10 semi-integrated
•Stem: Easton EA30, 25.4mm
•Bars: Easton EA30 Riser
•Grips: CUBE Double Doumeter
•Rear Mech: Shimano Deore LX RD-T661 Top Normal
•Front Mech: Shimano Deore FD-M590 Top Swing, 34.9mm
•Shifters: Shimano Alivio SL-M430, 9-Speed
•Brakes: Shimano 445 hydr. Disc Brake (160/160)
•Chainset: Shimano FC-M431 48x36x26T., 170mm, Shimano BB-UN26, Chainguard
•Cassette: Shimano CS-HG30 11-32T., 9-Speed
•Chain: KMC X9 Double Durability
•Rims: Schürmann Yak 622 Disc
•Front Hub: Shimano HB-RM65
•Rear Hub: Shimano FH-RM65
•Spokes: DT Swiss Industry 2,0
•Tyres: Schwalbe CX Comp
•Pedals: Fasten Alloy
•Saddle: Scape Active 5
•Seatpost: RFR Complight 31.6mm
•Weight: Gents: 13,7 kg

Cube Nature Bike '11 €769.12
Suited for all kinds of roads, even dirt roads. The high tech components let you see nature with new eyes. The hydraulic disc brakes are super reliable even when it's wet or muddy.

•Frame: HPA Trekking Double Butted
•Fork: Suntour NCX-D RL Lite
•Headset: FSA NO. 10 semi-integrated
•Stem: Easton EA30, 25.4mm
•Bars: Easton EA30 Riser
•Grips: CUBE Double Doumeter
•Rear Mech: Shimano Deore XT RD-M771 Top Normal
•Front Mech: Shimano Deore XT FD-M770 Top Swing, 34.9mm
•Shifters: Shimano Deore SL-M590 Rapidfire-Plus, 9-Speed
•Brakes: Hayes Stroker Ryde hydr. Disc Brake (160/160)
•Chainset: Shimano FC-M543 2-Piece 48x36x26T., 175mm, integrated BB, Chainguard
•Cassette: Shimano CS-HG50 11-32T., 9-Speed
•Chain: Shimano CN-HG53
•Rims: Alex EN24 Disc
•Front Hub: Shimano HB-M525
•Rear Hub: Shimano FH-M525
•Spokes: DT Swiss Champion 2,0
•Tyres: Schwalbe Racing Ralph Performance
•Pedals: Fasten Alloy
•Saddle: Scape Active 5
•Seatpost: RFR Complight 31.6mm
•Weight: 12,4 kg

johnstown

I am not sure what the Suntour suspension is made of.

And some samples from the Giant are:


Giant Escape 1 Bike '11 €520.62
Smart, sporty and ready for the city streets. Tackle anything - that's Escape. You are looking for performance, you get a lighter, stiffer more stable ride. Get out and Escape.
•Frame: AluxX aluminium
•Fork: Carbon composite, aluminium steerer
•Handlebar: Giant Sport aluminium low riser
•Stem: Giant Sport aluminium ahead
•Seatpost: Giant Sport Aluminium
•Saddle: Giant Pure Sport
•Pedals: Resin anti slip, steel cage
•Shifters: Shimano EZ Fire 60 24 speed
•Front Derailleur: Shimano Altus
•Rear Derailleur: Shimano Alivio
•Brakes: Tektro linear pull
•Brake Levers: Shimano EF60
•Cassette: SRAM PG830 11-28
•Chain: KMC Z7
•Crankset: Shimano Acera 28/38/48
•Bottom Bracket: FSA RPM cartridge
•Rims: Giant CR18 DW Aluminium
•Hubs: Shimano RM30 rear Formula front
•Spokes: Stainless steel
•Tires: Giant FlatGuard 700x35mm

Giant Escape Disc Bike '11 €853.12
Smart, sporty and ready for the city streets. Tackle anything - that's the all new, all edgy Escape, made to give you a lighter, stiffer and more stable ride, if you crave un-paralelled performance get out and Escape.
With features including the truly Giant strength of lightweight AluxX SL Aluminium*, Shimano transmission and fast acting disc brakes - your urban speedster awaits.
*AluxX SL frame available on Escape 0, Disc, 1.
•Frame - AluxX SL aluminium
•Fork - Carbon composite, aluminium steerer
•Shock - N/A
•Handlebar - Aluminium low riser
•Stem - Giant aluminium ahead
•Seatpost - Giant aluminium forged
•Saddle - Giant Pure Sport, Memory Foam
•Pedals - VP Lite Alloy w/anti slip
•Shifters - Shimano Deore 27 speed
•Front Derailleur - Shimano Alivio
•Rear Derailleur - Shimano LX
•Brakes - Shimano BRM 416 mechanical discs, 160mm rotors
•Brake Levers - Shimano M421
•Cassette - SRAM PG950 11-28
•Chain - Shimano HG73
•Crankset - Shimano M431 26/36/48
•Bottom Bracket - Shimano UN26
•Rims - Giant CR40 Lite
•Hubs - Shimano M475
•Spokes - Black stainless steel
•Tyres - Maxxis Columbiere 700x32mm

Giant Roam XR 2 Bike '11 €940.62
On or off the road and everything in between, don’t be fooled Roam is multi usage - multi fun.
Frame design
The fast and light Roam XR with aggressive mountain bike frame has city brawn and dirt path charm. With a suspension fork that smoothes out rough trails and can be locked out on smooth roads, you’ll learn to love detours.
•Frame: AluxX SL aluminium
•Fork: SR Suntour NCX-D 63mm travel, lock out
•Handlebar: Giant Connect flat bar
•Stem: Giant Sport
•Seatpost: Giant Sport
•Saddle: Giant Cross Trail D2
•Pedals: VP steel cage aluminium body
•Shifters: Shimano Deore 27 speed
•Front Derailleur: Shimano Deore
•Rear Derailleur: Shimano SLX Shadow
•Brakes: Shimano 445 Hydraulic Disc
•Brake Levers: Shimano 505
•Cassette: Shimano HG50 11-34
•Chain: Shimano HG73
•Crankset: Shimano M521 26/36/48
•Bottom Bracket: Shimano ES25 Octalink
•Rims: Giant S-X2 DW aluminium
•Hubs: Shimano RM65
•Spokes: Stainless steel
•Tires: Schwalbe CX Comp 700x35mm

johnstown

Eoinf... hope this helps you too!

smacl

Suspension on the front is really only useful on Coilte tracks, fire roads and the like, or if your hands are getting numb after a long day on crappy pot holed L-roads. Downside is that it adds to the weight and slows you down if it can't be locked out. I'm pretty sure all the Cubes shown will let you lock out the suspension.

My choice for the money on what you've got there would the Cube cross comp at €679, as its robust, good trade off for money and weight, and well specced. You're paying more money on the other bikes for less weight, but you'll get just as fit riding the slightly heavier bikes. I'd enjoy riding any of the linked bikes, so it depends also how much you want to spend.

The curve is very like my bike (the Kellys near the bottom of the page here, which I love. Given a choice, I'd rather have the disc brakes for wet weather and muddy conditions, but would ditch the unnecessary suspension, hence the Cube comp.

eoinf

Sorry to highjack the thread but cheers for the info. After much deliberating i have decided on the Cube SL Cross Comp.

Fits perfectly into my €700 budget.

just need to try and squeez the best deal out of the two shops im looking in.

Cheers I'll let you know how i get on.

johnstown

Guys, Thanks for all the responses. Very useful.

The carbon fork comment got me thinking and I was out in Powercity at the weekend and decided to call into the superstore again and talk to another sales rep.

I tried out some other bikes...... two road cruisers

Lapierre Shaper 300 Bike '11 €739.38

Brand: Lapierre
The Shaper models provide Lapierre road performance with the added stability of a flat handlebar, perfect for staying in shape or for mountain bikers looking to get in a little extra training. With a new, carbon frame on the Shaper 900 this year, efficiency comes with an ergonomic and accessible bike: longer chainstays, triple chainring, larger tires for added comfort, a flat handlebar, and a raised riding position. For riding on the contemplative side of the road.
•Frame: SHAPER 300 Alloy 7005
•Fork: LAPIERRE Carbon Alloy Steerer Shaper 2011
•Headset: Alu S-Integrated 1-1/8
•Bottom Bracket: Shimano Octalink BBES25B20
•Crankset: SHIMANO FCR453 50/39/30
•Stem: LAPIERRE Adjustable 100mm Black
•Seatpost: LAPIERRE SP-65 31.6x350
•Handlesbars: LAPIERRE Aluminium Straight Black
•Front derailleur: SHIMANO FDR453BL
•Rear derailleur: SHIMANO Sora 3400GS
•Brakes: PROMAX RC-459
•Shifters: SHIMANO BLR550 Shifters SLR440
•Saddle: LAPIERRE Q-Bik White by SELLE ITALIA
•Wheel: MACH1 CFX / SHIMANO FH 2200
•Sprocket: Shimano HG50 13x25 9S
•Tires: CONTINENTAL Ultrasport TS 700x28
•Weight: 9.9kg

Lapierre Shaper 500 Bike '11 €826.88

The Shaper models provide Lapierre road performance with the added
stability of a flat handlebar, perfect for staying in shape or for mountain bikers looking to get in a little extra training. With a new, carbon frame on the Shaper 900 this year, efficiency comes with an ergonomic and accessible bike: longer chainstays, triple chainring, larger tires for added comfort, a flat handlebar, and a raised riding position. For riding on the contemplative side of the road.
•Frame: SHAPER 500 Alloy 7005
•Fork: LAPIERRE Carbon Alloy Steerer Shaper 2011
•Headset: Alu S-Integrated 1-1/8
•Bottom Bracket: Shimano SMFC4500
•Crankset: SHIMANO Tiagra Triple 50/39/30
•Stem: LAPIERRE 25.4x90mm
•Seatpost: LAPIERRE SP209 31.6x350
•Handlesbars: LAPIERRE Aluminium Straight Black
•Front derailleur: SHIMANO FDR453BL
•Rear derailleur: SHIMANO Tiagra 4500GS
•Brakes: PROMAX RC-459
•Shifters: SHIMANO BLR550 Shifters SLR440
•Saddle: LAPIERRE Q-Bik Black by SELLE ITALIA
•Wheel: SHIMANO WHR500 Black/Silver
•Sprocket: Shimano HG50 13x25 9S
•Tires: CONTINENTAL Ultrasport TS 700x28
•Weight: 9.5kg

I have to say I liked these bikes for the quick spin around the road at the superstore.

Guy in the store recommended I get padded pants for cycling them if I am worried about getting a pain in the butt from the hard saddle.

Are these a good bike? Would the wheels be more inclined to get buckled if I hit a pothole?