hybrid options for commute

Highcontrast1

I've just gotten my 1000 certificate and was told by the shop that i can order any bike i want (also from internet and they'll get it from supplier). haven't cycled since my teens - the bike will be for the daily commute to work. (8.7 km * 2 - Mostly flat)

Any bikes you can recommend as i have no idea what i'm looking for? when i was in the shop i tried a few bikes and honestly couldn't tell the difference except for one belt drive that felt smooth and quite.

hoping to get lights, lock and helmet as well.
thanks

Diemos

There is no need to blow the full amount on the bike, esp for a commuter.
Get a good lock also, best practice is spend at least 10% of the value of your bike.

My opinion (and what I did).
I stayed away from hybrids with forks, these then to be heavy and for road cycling, mostly pointless.
I got a bike with straight handle bars, felt I was not ready for drop bars.
I got a bike with Hydrolic disc brakes, coming from a mountain bike background where these are common the stopping power is way better.

Try as many bikes as you can.
I settled on an Orbea Vector 20, that's what worked for me.

italodisco

Trek FX are great commute bikes, don't need a top end one.

Ray Bloody Purchase

italodisco wrote: »

Trek FX are great commute bikes, don't need a top end one.

They most certainly are. I got the FX 4 at the start of the year. I had a road bike from the previous cycle to work scheme. I much prefer the trek for cycling in the city. The disc breaks are brilliant for control as well too and the seated position gives you a good all round view.

The thing about it is though, if you catch the cycling bug, you might wish that you got a road bike instead of a hybrid, so give it a bit of thought.

SheroP

I am in the same boat, looking at the giant escape 2 disc city??
Any opinions would be great tanks

ciotog

I have the 2016 version of this bike: https://www.cube.eu/uk/2019/bikes/trekking/tour/travel/cube-travel-sl-iridiumngreen-2019/ which I love. Though it was ~1400. I'm a big fan of internal hubs for city cycling

AndrewJRenko

Disk brakes are essential for wet weather. Get something with mudguards, rack, panniers, dynamo lights if possible. Scott do some nice city bikes. You should be getting good advice from you local bike shop.

holly_johnson

Not sure if this is any use to you, but I have recently started cycling to work - 11km each way - having not cycled for 30-odd years. I bought a Giant ease-e electric bike and it’s great. If I can cycle that distance no bother then anyone can!

VW 1

I'll go against the grain and suggest getting a road bike. Within a week or two you'll be used to the drop bars and if you decide you want to do any cycling outside the commute you don't need to upgrade the bike or go spending more money on a second one.

brocbrocach

AndrewJRenko wrote: »

Disk brakes are essential for wet weather.

Not to confuse you OP, but they're not. They're a small bit better than other types of brakes. Most cyclists get along perfectly fine without them.

On the downside they'll add a hundred or two to the price of the bike. As well as that they can be a pain to maintain and expensive to fix. I wouldn't bother.

SheroP

Hi there
Back again
Just went up to local multi brand dealer to make purchase
He’s after informing me that the Giant dealership has been removed from him as he could not commit to the sales target that had been imposed on him
Any one hear anything like this ???

Diemos

brocbrocach wrote: »

Not to confuse you OP, but they're not. They're a small bit better than other types of brakes. Most cyclists get along perfectly fine without them.

On the downside they'll add a hundred or two to the price of the bike. As well as that they can be a pain to maintain and expensive to fix. I wouldn't bother.

I have to disagree, the stopping power is not close.
Check out the GCN video on them if you doubt me.
I've never had any maintainence issue, just replaced the pads when needed.
They are expensive but I think they are totally worth it.

To me they are like not owning a mobile, can you get along without one, sure, but as soon as you have one, you won't go back.

brocbrocach

Diemos wrote: »

I have to disagree, the stopping power is not close.
Check out the GCN video on them if you doubt me.
I've never had any maintainence issue, just replaced the pads when needed.
They are expensive but I think they are totally worth it.

To me they are like not owning a mobile, can you get along without one, sure, but as soon as you have one, you won't go back.

That's fine but they're far from essential.

CantGetNoSleep

VW 1 wrote: »

I'll go against the grain and suggest getting a road bike. Within a week or two you'll be used to the drop bars and if you decide you want to do any cycling outside the commute you don't need to upgrade the bike or go spending more money on a second one.

Was just commenting to suggest the opposite - I have 5 road bikes including an older one that I use for a similar distance commute and shorter rides around town. Was recently helping a neighbor maintain his Cube Hyde hybrid so used it for a few days to test it, and absolutely loved the ride position for such short spins. I find on the road bike that it is impossible to commute in work clothes at all, whereas this seemed fine once you kept the effort under control.

But the problem is now I need a new bike with hub gear and hydraulic discs

VW 1

Thats fair enough, its all subjective. I prefer the position of a road bike, having moved from a hybrid after three years. I dont ever cycle in anything other than shorts and a cycling top though.

OP i would suggest asking a shop if you can take a bike for a short spin to get an idea and feel for both to help make a decision.

Highcontrast1

thanks for the tips, i think i'll go with a hybrid with disc brakes. if i catch the bug i'd have to convince the missus to let me use her bike to work
spent whole day looking - sold on this. horrible color, do they all come in same color or can i can get it in just black too?

AndrewJRenko

VW 1 wrote: »

OP i would suggest asking a shop if you can take a bike for a short spin to get an idea and feel for both to help make a decision.

I'd go further and ask for it overnight so you can get some kind of decent feel for it. A good bike shop should arrange this.

Highcontrast1 wrote: »

sold on this

Hope I don't come up behind you on a wet day, given the lack of mudguards. You'll need to get mudguards and lights, maybe a rack too.



Or you could get a commuter bike for commuting.

Highcontrast1

AndrewJRenko wrote: »

Hope I don't come up behind you on a wet day, given the lack of mudguards. You'll need to get mudguards and lights, maybe a rack too.



Or you could get a commuter bike for commuting.

I've a lot to learn. Do the mudguards make a big difference :eek:

Flaccus

Cannondale Bad Boy 3
https://www.cannondale.com/en/Europe/Bike/ProductDetail?Id=7f48452b-f9eb-4e10-89e7-4a7550944bfa

It just looks cool.

Bigus

Highcontrast1 wrote: »

thanks for the tips, i think i'll go with a hybrid with disc brakes. if i catch the bug i'd have to convince the missus to let me use her bike to work
spent whole day looking - sold on this. horrible color, do they all come in same color or can i can get it in just black too?

Good choice, but cannodale Quick traditionally would be a lighter better value version of the escape , lighter = much better.

Disc brakes are a huge benefit in wet city traffic.

http://www.cyclesuperstore.ie/shop/pc/viewPrd.asp?idproduct=100196

Highcontrast1

i've spent way too long looking at bikes
ordering this in the morning -
http://www.cyclesuperstore.ie/shop/pc/viewPrd.asp?idproduct=116158

this lock any good?

http://www.cyclesuperstore.ie/shop/pc/viewPrd.asp?idproduct=118572

i might pick up a helmet and a high vis jacket from amazon cause they seem expensive in that shop ...

any other

TychoCaine

Highcontrast1 wrote: »

i've spent way too long looking at bikes
ordering this in the morning -
http://www.cyclesuperstore.ie/shop/pc/viewPrd.asp?idproduct=116158

this lock any good?

http://www.cyclesuperstore.ie/shop/pc/viewPrd.asp?idproduct=118572

i might pick up a helmet and a high vis jacket from amazon cause they seem expensive in that shop ...

any other

That lock isn't bad, but you can get stronger than 6/10 locks for €50. Kryptonite Evo Mini7 is only €1 dearer. Also, I bought a bike in Cycle Superstore last year and they threw in the €51 lock as part of the deal with only a small amount of arm twisting.

LennoxR

Mudguards are very very handy to have for commuting. Otherwise you'll have loads of dirty water sprayed up your backside and back and up into your face and into your shoes and socks, whenever the ground is wet. Essentially commuting without them in normal clothes is impossible whenever it's raining, which is obviously a lot in Ireland in autumn and winter.

You can get around not having them by wearing a waterproof jacket, trousers and shoe covers, when it's raining but really mudguards make life an awful lot easier and more pleasant while commuting by bike.

I personally prefer a rack and pannier bag (the type that clip onto the side of your rack) too while commuting, not the fastest option but by far the most comfortable and easiest way to carry things. But a good backpack will also do the job - the only downside being a sometimes sweaty back but the upside being you will probably be faster.

magicbastarder

Diemos wrote: »

I stayed away from hybrids with forks

i assume you mean suspension?

Highcontrast1

TychoCaine wrote: »

That lock isn't bad, but you can get stronger than 6/10 locks for €50. Kryptonite Evo Mini7 is only €1 dearer. Also, I bought a bike in Cycle Superstore last year and they threw in the €51 lock as part of the deal with only a small amount of arm twisting.

how? please, do tell , I'll be onto to them during the day and hopefully pick up the bike after work if they have it in stock.

Highcontrast1

LennoxR wrote: »

Mudguards are very very handy to have for commuting. Otherwise you'll have loads of dirty water sprayed up your backside and back and up into your face and into your shoes and socks, whenever the ground is wet. Essentially commuting without them in normal clothes is impossible whenever it's raining, which is obviously a lot in Ireland in autumn and winter.

You can get around not having them by wearing a waterproof jacket, trousers and shoe covers, when it's raining but really mudguards make life an awful lot easier and more pleasant while commuting by bike.

I personally prefer a rack and pannier bag (the type that clip onto the side of your rack) too while commuting, not the fastest option but by far the most comfortable and easiest way to carry things. But a good backpack will also do the job - the only downside being a sometimes sweaty back but the upside being you will probably be faster.

yeah just watched a few videos on fenders and they seem to be a must. I'll defo try get smaller ones . not sure about panniers though, maybe once i have a bit of cycling experience...

LennoxR

Highcontrast1 wrote: »

yeah just watched a few videos on fenders and they seem to be a must. I'll defo try get smaller ones . not sure about panniers though, maybe once i have a bit of cycling experience...

Yeah not as essential as mudguards. But still handy.

Carawaystick

Highcontrast1 wrote: »

I've a lot to learn. Do the mudguards make a big difference :eek:

Front mudgards make all the difference in the rain, to you,
rear mudgards might help those around you

Carawaystick

Diemos wrote: »

I have to disagree, the stopping power is not close.
Check out the GCN video on them if you doubt me.
I've never had any maintainence issue, just replaced the pads when needed.
They are expensive but I think they are totally worth it.

To me they are like not owning a mobile, can you get along without one, sure, but as soon as you have one, you won't go back.

I've been on 2 hire bikes with disks and they were nowhere as good as my v-brake mtb
both wouldn't lock up back wheel.

LennoxR

Carawaystick wrote: »

Front mudgards make all the difference in the rain, to you,
rear mudgards might help those around you

Not sure I'd agree with that. Of the two I'd say the rear mudguard is more important for keeping you clean and dry. Best to get both though.

TychoCaine

Highcontrast1 wrote: »

how? please, do tell , I'll be onto to them during the day and hopefully pick up the bike after work if they have it in stock.

Ask! Traditionally retailers have always been willing to give discounts. The sticker price has extra margin built in to allow for this, and for the people buying through 3rd party cycle to work management schemes who take 10% off the top. If you're a cash buyer, or your employer is paying by check, then they're making twice as much profit as normal. Cube have *9* dealers in Dublin. Make a few phone calls. I've personally bought bikes off 2 of the dealers on Cube's list and haven't paid full retail either time.

JaMarcus

I'm looking at one of the older Boardman hybrids - the 2014 team one. What are people's thoughts on it as a first time commuter buying his first bike in - oh I don't know - 15 years? It's second hand but seems as new.

beauf

If you can use the cycle to work scheme its not worth going second hand. Unless you want to keep it for a more expensive bike.
If you don't have cycle to work available.

2nd hand its all about condition. I find a lot of used commuters have been abused and been through all weathers.

JaMarcus

beauf wrote: »

If you can use the cycle to work scheme its not worth going second hand. Unless you want to keep it for a more expensive bike.
If you don't have cycle to work available.

2nd hand its all about condition. I find a lot of used commuters have been abused and been through all weathers.

Can't use the cycle to work scheme I'm afraid, but as you said - when I am able to use it, I'll go for a better, new bike. This purchase is my first foray into cycling since I was a kid so I don't want to break the bank.

Condition wise, its only been used a handful times so it's practically as new. My only concern is that with hydraulic disc brakes, is there anything I should look for in a 4 year old bike that hasn't been used?

beauf

I'd get it serviced by your local bike shop. Give it the once over. you

Type 17

Carawaystick wrote: »

I've been on 2 hire bikes with disks and they were nowhere as good as my v-brake mtb
both wouldn't lock up back wheel.

Sounds like they weren't adjusted properly - both v-brakes and discs can lock up any wheel in any situation with any weight behind them, but when out of adjustment or contaminated, any brake (but especially discs) will be awful.

For the OP, discs provide more power and better modulation, but v-brakes still provide enough power for all situations.

In the wet, discs are a bit better, but good v-brakes with good pads are still perfectly fine.

An advantage of hydraulic disc brakes is that they self-adjust as the pads wear, which of course means that cable-discs and v-brakes need more maintenance to keep things sharp as the pads wear.

TL;DR: If you can afford to splash out a bit more, get hydraulic discs for better power and modulation, and slightly lower maintenance, but if you prefer to distribute your budget elsewhere, get decent v-brakes and enjoy the better lock/rainwear/whatever...

Highcontrast1

UPDATE I picked up a Cube SL Road yesterday. I was surprised to find out that almost all shops in Dublin don't have new medium hybrids for sale. You have to order and wait 3 weeks for most brands.

Aside - I cycled to work and back this morn --- and me backside is so sore! Is this normal? Should I continue cycling through/seek medical help??

Thanks

LennoxR

Highcontrast1 wrote: »

UPDATE I picked up a Cube SL Road yesterday. I was surprised to find out that almost all shops in Dublin don't have new medium hybrids for sale. You have to order and wait 3 weeks for most brands.

Aside - I cycled to work and back this morn --- and me backside is so sore! Is this normal? Should I continue cycling through/seek medical help??

Thanks

I would say cycle through. Your back side will toughen up!
But if the pain lasts more than a day or two, you might want to look at adjusting your saddle height and position on the bike. And it's possible you might want to invest in a more comfy saddle.

Bigus

Highcontrast1 wrote: »

UPDATE I picked up a Cube SL Road yesterday. I was surprised to find out that almost all shops in Dublin don't have new medium hybrids for sale. You have to order and wait 3 weeks for most brands.

Aside - I cycled to work and back this morn --- and me backside is so sore! Is this normal? Should I continue cycling through/seek medical help??

Thanks

This is why cyclists wear cycling shorts / leggings , they have padding which acts like a second saddle. Wear them under other clothes if you don't like the look.

ml100

TychoCaine wrote: »

Highcontrast1 wrote: »

how? please, do tell , I'll be onto to them during the day and hopefully pick up the bike after work if they have it in stock.

Ask! Traditionally retailers have always been willing to give discounts. The sticker price has extra margin built in to allow for this, and for the people buying through 3rd party cycle to work management schemes who take 10% off the top. If you're a cash buyer, or your employer is paying by check, then they're making twice as much profit as normal. Cube have *9* dealers in Dublin. Make a few phone calls. I've personally bought bikes off 2 of the dealers on Cube's list and haven't paid full retail either time.

Looking at getting a Giant kids bike, tried a fews dealers and none the would give a discount, looking at sending 350-450 and was getting nothing off list price , is this normal no competition between them?