Advice on hybrid bike

soghluaiste

Just wondering if I could get some advice on which hybrid bike to go for to replace my current one?

I'm looking for something for an approx. 10 km each way commute.

Apart from the usual mudguards and pannier rack, I'll also need to fit two child seats on it from time to time. (The current configuration on my existing bike is one small child seat on the cross bar, and another larger one fixed to the seat post that goes over the pannier rack at the back.)

Budget is up to €600 and I can't avail of the bike to work scheme again unfortunately.

These bikes so far that have caught me eye:

1. http://www.halfords.ie/cycling/bikes/hybrid-bikes/boardman-hybrid-comp-bike
2. http://www.halfords.ie/cycling/bikes/hybrid-bikes/boardman-mx-sport-bike [pro: it could be used for a few forest trails with the kids at the weekend]
3. https://www.decathlon.co.uk/triban-520-flat-bar-road-bike-sora-id_8322799.html [con: looks like a great bike but would the wheels be strong enough for heavy loads/potholes?]
4. http://fitzcycles.ie/p/2174/stevens-albis-sx#description-tab-tab

Advice/thoughts/comments as well as other bike suggestions all welcome!

Thanks in advance...

Wanderer78

Apologies, but I guess I've no real advice, only that I think, purchasing a bike is a very personal decision. I'd recommend getting a leg over as many bikes as possible, then decide. I think you 'll know yourself after a while what bike is for you. Make sure you check out your local bike shops to, as some tend to be extremely knowledgeable and very helpful in advising, and if possible, please purchase from them to, as it helps the whole community. I purchased a new bike not too long ago and was extremely impressed by some of the local bike shops, it's a healthy market. Hear some great things about those boardman, best of luck.

smacl

Of the bikes you link, the Boardman Hybrid Comp seems like the best fit. Hydraulic disc brakes and pannier mounts make a good combination for load carrying, and for a compact double up front (50/34) with (11/34) at the back is a very wide range of gearing without going to a triple. The B'Twin is lighter, but with a lot more gears over a smaller gear range at both ends (50x39x30 chainset with 12/25 cassette) and rim brakes rather than disc. For loaded travelling in a wet country wider gear range and disc brakes would be my preference even at the cost of an extra 1-2kg of weight. The other Boardman is more for light off road, and I'd only consider it if you're planning on hitting a lot of gravel tracks or bohereens.

soghluaiste

Thanks for this advice on LBS/brakes/gears... Never really understood gear ratios before!