Back to cycling, what to buy?

[andrewws]

I have just decided to upgrade from my old Carlton Cobra (1970!!) and have been looking at the choices available around the 400-600 pound mark.

My initial thoughts were to go with a Boardman Comp Hybrid, but you run the risk of the Lottery that is Halfords.

I want the bike for mainly road use, but also countryside tracks occasionally.

What would the assembled masses recommend as I am sure someone has gone through the same exercise? I have looked at Felt, Canyon and the like but like the Boardman they are all at the bottom of the range (does that really matter if its a good bike?). Also been advised to go for an upmarket Carrera but its that Lottery again.

What do I do?

[anonymous-user]

Mrs Pablo bought a Pinnacle Neon Two from Evans recently, pretty much for the same thing as you describe, mostly road but the occasional unsealed surface too. have to say, i'm really impressed, weighs about 23 lbs and is nicely spec'd for the money.
defiantely worth a look.

[wiggy001]

I was in a very similar situation a few weeks back and since then have been getting back into cycling on a Specialized Sirrus Elite 2012 (£500). The 2013 model has just been launched at £150 more than I paid though, but you should still find 2012 stock available.

I don't really have anything to compare it to, but the advice I was given and followed was to buy the bike that feels best for you (so try them all). At this price range, all Hybrids will have similar components etc, so not worth worrying about massively.