Feedback required - hybrid bike!

ElecKtrA

Hey guys,

I would really appreciate some feedback on this.

I'm currently shopping around for a ladies hybrid lock-out suspension bike. There doesn't appear to be much choice here in Cork, but out of all the bikes i have viewed...i've whittled it down to the follow three:

http://www.trekbikes.com/us/en/bikes/2013/archive/trek/neko/#/us/en/archive-model/details?url=us/en/bikes/2013/archive/trek/neko

http://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-gb/bikes/model/2014.liv.giant.rove.3/15022/66813/#specifications

http://www.lapierre-bikes.co.uk/urban-crossbikes/cross-200-lady

Any suggestions...recommendations....general feedback ..would be much obliged!

I'm getting the bike through the ''cycle to work'' scheme and my deadline has well and truely passed....i'm feeling abit sorry for myself at the moment for not making a decision sooner and missing out on all this fine weather!!!

C3PO

Why would you want suspension on a bike that is clearly not designed to be ridden offroad? All it will do is add weight and unnecessary complexity!
If I had to choose between the three I would go for the Giant.

ElecKtrA

PO wrote: »

Why would you want suspension on a bike that is clearly not designed to be ridden offroad? it will do is add weight and unnecessary complexity!
If I had to choose between the three I would go for the Giant QUOTE]

Thanks for your reply.

Erm....im sorry but are hybrids not designed to be used off road aswel as on road?!

Yes, i aware that a suspension those add alittle bit of weight but I am ok with that.

Basically, I want to invest in a hybrid because at least then I have the option to use it on uneven terrain...However, I know the bike will be used 80% on the road...but as we all know most of the Irish roads are in a state of disrepair...so suspension bike would be an ideal option...in my opinion!

Any particular reason why you chose the "giant" over the other two?

aFlabbyPanda

The edge sports in Kinsale road has a large selection of hybrid and suspension bikes, or else check the Giant store in Ballincollig.

Lumen

ElecKtrA wrote: »

as we all know most of the Irish roads are in a state of disrepair...so suspension bike would be an ideal option...in my opinion!

Most people think that before they start cycling regularly. It's not that your opinion is wrong, it's just that it's likely to change over time.

Whereas suspension on a car makes it go faster and feel better, suspension on a bike does the opposite, unless you're doing proper off-road (e.g. big rocks and tree roots at speed).

fits

Trek FX. That is all.

krissovo

My misses has a Kelly's Gamma cross she got from the bike shop in Fermoy, does everything she needs (up to 10km) and even works ok on the BallyHora trails. Its very comfy for her with womons padded seat and adjustable stem it fits her perfect. Its much the same as all the ones in your links.

These are fairly heavy bikes at about 15kg so if you plan on doing lots of hills look for something a little lighter or a fixed fork.

ElecKtrA

Thank you all for the replies.

I think i will have to go back to the drawing board! Perhaps a hybrid with suspension is not the bike for me when i am going to be using it mostly on roads! i guess i just liked the thought of being able to take it off road when i needed to!

So any recommendations on a good rigid fork ladies hybrid road bike? :P

ElecKtrA

krissovo wrote: »

My misses has a Kelly's Gamma cross she got from the bike shop in Fermoy, does everything she needs (up to 10km) and even works ok on the BallyHora trails. Its very comfy for her with womons padded seat and adjustable stem it fits her perfect. Its much the same as all the ones in your links.

These are fairly heavy bikes at about 15kg so if you plan on doing lots of hills look for something a little lighter or a fixed fork.

Cool, thanks for the reply! What weight should a bike be to be classed as average/light weight?

robertxxx

10kg for a good hybrid

BailMeOut

fits wrote: »

Trek FX. That is all.

+1 there is bound to be a FX model that will fit you budget and requirements.

fits

Yep, I have the Trek 7.2 fx wsd stagger (i.e. stepover). I love it! Its light, its hardy, I cycle it in all weather conditions. Planning to take it touring for a few days in the summer.

ElecKtrA

I viewed a Trek FX today.....gorgeous bike!!! Great parts aswel. Loved everything about it....except....the price!!! 630e!!! It's just too much... :-( ...and I know I'll get the bike to work.scheme...but I would still need to add extras...that could be at least 200e!!!

.ak

All depends on the location where you cycle. I ended up going for a suspension bike, but mostly because I do intend on using it off road now and again, but I have to say having the suspension for road use is brilliant. Irish roads do suck, even cycling down west Moreland st today there is fresh Tarmac lumps and manholes protruding from the ground. With the suspension everything feels smooth roaming over this.

Also, not everyone wants a bike purely for speed. My 11kg hard tail MTB goes fairly fast, and tbh I wouldn't feel very safe it went any faster. But then I live in town and my commute and weekend spins wouldn't be over massive distances.

.ak

ElecKtrA wrote: »

I viewed a Trek FX today.....gorgeous bike!!! Great parts aswel. Loved everything about it....except....the price!!! 630e!!! It's just too much... :-( ...and I know I'll get the bike to work.scheme...but I would still need to add extras...that could be at least 200e!!!

You might be getting a corp discount with the bike to work scheme, check with the retailers. My bike was supposed to be 800 but I got it for 660. Also do you really need 200e worth of extras? You'll need a helmet, locks, lights. What else?

fits

ElecKtrA wrote: »

I viewed a Trek FX today.....gorgeous bike!!! Great parts aswel. Loved everything about it....except....the price!!! 630e!!! It's just too much... :-( ...and I know I'll get the bike to work.scheme...but I would still need to add extras...that could be at least 200e!!!

was that the 7.3 fx? There are lower spec FX models as well. I paid 500 for my 7.2 but it is a 2013 model and I got it late in the year. And I got mudguards, rack, stand and first service included.

smacl

My wife has a Giant Escape and it works just fine on the likes Coilte trails and similar light off road. At €375 it is a reasonably solid piece of kit and light enough, hers is an older model but has lasted well. While I've suspension on my own hybrid, it is of practically no benefit*

(* unless you have a looney brother in law who thinks taking hybrid bikes down the upper trail on Ticknock is a fun way to get over a hangover)

BailMeOut

I have an older 7.2FX that has the adjustable suspension in saddle which I bought it in 2008 and it looks and cycles like new. I believe I paid around 500 way back then and it was money well spent. I did 2 ROK's on it too!

QueensGael

ElecKtrA wrote: »

...but I would still need to add extras...that could be at least 200e!!!

I'd recommend allocating as much as you can afford to the bike, and not the accessories. You can pick up decent quality stuff in Lidl and Aldi, as well as local bike shops or online retailer over time, for a lot less than €200. Over its lifetime, the bike will give you a much better bang for your buck than lycra clothes or plastic accessories ever can.

Buy a decent lock though!

ElecKtrA

fits wrote: »

was that the 7.3 fx? There are lower spec FX models as well. I paid 500 for my 7.2 but it is a 2013 model and I got it late in the year. And I got mudguards, rack, stand and first service included.

Not, in actual fact it was for the Trek 7.2 FX. Can i ask you where you got your bike? It's probably no help to me anyway if its not in Cork :rolleyes:

BailMeOut

I got a price of €525 from Cycle Scene in Cork for a Trek 7.2 (for my wife) last year and €800 for the 7.5.

ElecKtrA

QueensGael wrote: »

I'd recommend allocating as much as you can afford to the bike, and not the accessories. You can pick up decent quality stuff in Lidl and Aldi, as well as local bike shops or online retailer over time, for a lot less than €200. Over its lifetime, the bike will give you a much better bang for your buck than lycra clothes or plastic accessories ever can.

Buy a decent lock though!

Thanks for your reply. Yes, i agree with what you have said..my intention is indeed to invest in a good quality bike...and have only the basics in terms of accessories...i've already purchased a helmet from Lidl

The 200euro would cover: mudguards, a carrier, a car rack, and lights...(i hope!)...oh and yes...a decent lock is a must (i think they are at least 50quid!!!)...

ElecKtrA

Hey guys!

Just an update to the thread.

I ended up (finally) making a decision on a bike and I settled for a Trek 7.2 FX wsd. I decided in the end that a lock-out suspension hybrid was just not for me, plus the reviews that this bike received on numerous internet forums were so positive that I just convinced myself that it was the right decision to make.

Since receiving it last Friday..I've only taken it for a quick spin around the local housing estates. I was very apprehensive at first as it has been years since I've cycled a bike! But I quickly got into the swing of things and thoroughly enjoyed it!!! It appears to be a really solid bike! Very fast..and makes for a comfortable cycle. Plus...I love the colour lol

I paid around 520euro for the bike itself and then had a lot of extras included...but availing of the cycle to work scheme is definitely a bonus!

rollingscone

ElecKtrA wrote: »

Hey guys!

Just an update to the thread.

I ended up (finally) making a decision on a bike and I settled for a Trek 7.2 FX wsd. I decided in the end that a lock-out suspension hybrid was just not for me, plus the reviews that this bike received on numerous internet forums were so positive that I just convinced myself that it was the right decision to make.

Since receiving it last Friday..I've only taken it for a quick spin around the local housing estates. I was very apprehensive at first as it has been years since I've cycled a bike! But I quickly got into the swing of things and thoroughly enjoyed it!!! It appears to be a really solid bike! Very fast..and makes for a comfortable cycle. Plus...I love the colour lol

I paid around 520euro for the bike itself and then had a lot of extras included...but availing of the cycle to work scheme is definitely a bonus!

Although it's a bit redundant at this point, you don't need suspension forks to take your bike offroad, most Hybrids including the FXs and Escapes are plenty robust for cycling around Coiltte trails and over grass in parks. Just remember to clean it afterwards!

Suspension forks on bicycles are designed to stop you losing control of the bike when you run over rocks, roots and ruts while mountainbiking, they're a million miles away from what people want from a hybrid.

*Ps: My about town bike is an old steel mountain bike with no suspension or gears. Less is more in the city.

fits

ElecKtrA wrote: »

Hey guys!

Just an update to the thread.

I ended up (finally) making a decision on a bike and I settled for a Trek 7.2 FX wsd. I decided in the end that a lock-out suspension hybrid was just not for me, plus the reviews that this bike received on numerous internet forums were so positive that I just convinced myself that it was the right decision to make.

Since receiving it last Friday..I've only taken it for a quick spin around the local housing estates. I was very apprehensive at first as it has been years since I've cycled a bike! But I quickly got into the swing of things and thoroughly enjoyed it!!! It appears to be a really solid bike! Very fast..and makes for a comfortable cycle. Plus...I love the colour lol

I paid around 520euro for the bike itself and then had a lot of extras included...but availing of the cycle to work scheme is definitely a bonus!

well if you're like me you'll enjoy it so much you'll buy a road bike in about six months time... (I still need the hybrid for the long icy winter here) seriously you won't regret it, its a deadly bike.

BailMeOut

congrats - it's a great bike. I rode my 7.2 for years and have done thousands of kms on it including a two ROKs, a Rebel tour and many more events. I upgraded to a carbon road bike about 18 months ago but I still love getting out on my 7.2.

If you cycle a lot a cheap addition and I found great were handle bar ends. They give you another hand position for longer cycles and I found them great for hill climbing.

ElecKtrA

BailMeOut wrote: »

congrats - it's a great bike. I rode my 7.2 for years and have done thousands of kms on it including a two ROKs, a Rebel tour and many more events. I upgraded to a carbon road bike about 18 months ago but I still love getting out on my 7.2.

If you cycle a lot a cheap addition and I found great were handle bar ends. They give you another hand position for longer cycles and I found them great for hill climbing.

Hi BailMeOut,

Wow...you've done some serious cycling with your Trek!

I did an hour cycle yesterday...around some country roads, plenty of hilly areas and rough enough surfaces..and I must say that I'm incredibly pleased with how my Trek performed!

It was more than capable of flying up the hills and yes I think..in time...I may look at getting handle bar ends, thanks for the tip though.

I've still got to get used to the saddle tho! :rolleyes:

ElecKtrA

fits wrote: »

well if you're like me you'll enjoy it so much you'll buy a road bike in about six months time... (I still need the hybrid for the long icy winter here) seriously you won't regret it, its a deadly bike.

It's true then what people say.....once you get into cycling at all....everyone eventually upgrades to a racer bike! :rolleyes:

I think i'll see how I'll get on with this one first and I guess...never say never .. (maybe in 5 years time when I can re-apply for the cycle to work scheme :pac:)