Which kind of bike..

digger1985 · Derestricted Danger Joined: 15 Mar 2012 Karma :

Following a shed fire and a theft, I now find myself without a bike and I'm really missing it. I want to buy a new bike and was just after some help on what kind to get.
I will primarily be using the bike for commuting (road or canal towpath depending on my mood) but will also use it for fitness/recreation (road and a bit of off road, but probably more road). I've always had mountain bikes but not sure if I should be looking for a hybrid? Any benefits of the hybrid other than the faster road speeds? Or should I go for a mountain bike for the versatility? Not really built for road bikes, and I'm not careful enough with bikes for a road bike to last too long (always bumping up and down curbs etc).
Thanks in advance!

Jambon · Borekit Bruiser Joined: 05 Oct 2012 Karma :

A cyclo-cross bike could be a solution?
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AndyB1989 · Scooby Slapper Joined: 04 May 2011 Karma :

really it depends on the off road that you want to do. would you describe yourself as a fair weather cyclist or do you enjoy going out and getting muddy ?

an "agressive hybrid" is a good solution have a look at the
scott sportster
giant roam
merida crossway
dawes discovery xo range

obviously there are more these are just the ones im most familiar with / we stock in my bike shop

the hybrid will have the advantage of bigger wheels so faster rolling on the road , higher gearing , generally slightly more upright riding position but downsides of a lack of mud clearance a skinnier tyre so less grip in the loose a longer wheelbase so less capable in twisty bits.

so if you want to do more involved offroad and go out in the wet and muddy conditions and find some fun singletrack then go for a mtb.
i would say if you are close to or over 6ft look at 29ers
giant revel 29er is good value for money at 449 benefits of a 29er are its a mountainbike with massive wheels so same gearing as a normal mtb but faster rolling easier on climbs not quite as "nimble" but better at rolling over obstacles on the route like logs , roots , branches , rocks etc

if you have any questions about specific bikes drop me a pm

hope this helps

digger1985 · Derestricted Danger Joined: 15 Mar 2012 Karma :

AndyB1989 · Scooby Slapper Joined: 04 May 2011 Karma :

the giant revel 29er 0 is very similar spec to the specialized same fork same brakes same drivetrain and very similar geometry,

If you can find anyone with a 2013 giant talon 29er at a good price they they are worth snapping up the frame quality on last years talon 29er FAR surpassed its retail price so if you can get one at a discount do it and upgrade the drivetrain as you go.

also worth looking at marin's 2013 range they have priced themselves much more competetively this year and also look at merida but i doont think you will find a merida at that £500 ish price point.

G · The Voice of Reason Joined: 02 Feb 2002 Karma :

After getting a 700c non-suspension hybrid, I liked it enough to get another better one. Did have a proper bouncy mountain bike for the dirty stuff.
Unfortunately the original which I was using for general shopping has now been stolen.

I think I would prefer a 'proper' road bike for distance stuff, rather than my hybrid which now more resembles a tri bike on the bars (aero bars + bar ends).

If I ever have the money (and perhaps live in a less scum-home place), I will consider a Specialized Tricross which is supposed to be a pretty good 'do it all' bike (including light off road thanks to the cyclocross part), and relegate the Charge Scourer to the 'town bike'.

digger1985 · Derestricted Danger Joined: 15 Mar 2012 Karma :

AndyB1989 · Scooby Slapper Joined: 04 May 2011 Karma :

spare set of wheels isnt as easy as it sounds just pointing out chains and casettes wear into each other so you would need to swap the casette over each time you want to swap wheels over.

digger1985 · Derestricted Danger Joined: 15 Mar 2012 Karma :

So in that case would you say that the dual purpose tyres would be a better option Andy? Do you have any experience with them? Or should I just try the stock tyres for a bit, how much slower would they actually be compare to a road tyre?

AndyB1989 · Scooby Slapper Joined: 04 May 2011 Karma :

i would say a good quality xc tyre would be what you are after maybe a shwalbe nobby nick for the current conditions and a rapid rob in the summer obviously theres loads of tyre choices out there have to say ive been very impressed with the current shwalbe options also the continental rubber queens.

dont go for a dual purporse / semi slick as they are next to useless off road.

Spudda · Nova Slayer Joined: 17 Jul 2012 Karma :

FWIW Ive got these on mine https://www.decathlon.co.uk/26x20-saguaro-rigid-bead-red-id_8210820.html

Worked well on a muddy off road trail the last 3 times Ive been out and I havent had an issue on the road to and from

You can also fit them for traction or turn the tread around for road
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digger1985 · Derestricted Danger Joined: 15 Mar 2012 Karma :

Right, I made my mind up - I ordered the Specialized Hardrock 29er the other day, so should hopefully get it in a week or so. Ordered it from Tredz.com as they do 0% finance and also got a tenner off! Also my local shop couldnt get them in for a month and Im impatient! Thanks for your help guys!