Recommend a sporty hybrid

[joestifff]

Currently go out twice a week on my old giant racing bike. It’s 20 years old. Each ride is roughly 20 miles. Has 23mm tyres and curly bars. It’s a lovely thing. Was cheap 15 years ago at £150 and has done me well.

I’ve put up with the bars. But never loved them. Always much preferred flatter bars with easier to reach brakes etc.

I am by no means a racer. I got out for enjoyment. Don’t really track times. Not interested in beating last time and just chuck on a hoody and shorts. No Lycra here. Even stick to a pair of high tops to ride in!!

But I enjoy it. But after 1,000s of miles I still think I’d prefer a hybrid. But maybe on the sporty end. Not a gravel bike.

I’ve looked at new and second hand. But not sure. New I can get through cycle scheme. Second hand obviously cheaper but less choice.

Bike I’ve seen and kind of interested in:
Merida Speeder 500
Giant fastroad
Cannondale quick 1
Specialized sirrius 4.0

So does anyone ride such things? Any recommendations? I want something good but not bank breaking.

Any tips much appreciated.

[OutInTheShed]

I sometimes meet a few people with hybrids.
Different people have different ideas about what a hybrid is all bout.

For the kind of riding that many people seem to like hybrids for, you could consider either a CX bike with flat bars or maybe a 'semi-old school' mountain bike with suitable tyres. A hardtail with 27 gears, a front fork that doesn't weigh a ton and tyres biased towards road can be a pleasant thing to ride on roads, tracks, bridleways. A CX frame and fork with flat bars and mountain bike gears is great up to the point you wish you had front suspension.

You could do worse than a modest mountain bike, disc brakes, 27.5 wheels 2 x 10 gears. My mate has one which cost him £250 in covid, probably worth £150 now, plus you'd want tyres for £40 or so?

Or maybe sort the bars with brake levers more accessible from the top or those 'auxillary levers'?

[Craikeybaby]

I've got an Orange Speedwork - it is a flat bar gravel bike, but built up with MTB components. I paid £450 for it second hand, and it is a fun bike to ride, I bought it for commuting, but take it out for fun too.

[Doofus]

I have a Whyte Shoreditch, which is definitely a street rather than gravel bike, but it has decent tyre clearance, is light and accelerates well.

[plfrench]

Saw these recently and didn’t realise there was a flat bar gravel bike niche, but seems to fit what you’re thinking of…



https://www.scott-sports.com/gb/en/product/scott-s...

[BunkMoreland]

plfrench said:

Saw these recently and didn’t realise there was a flat bar gravel bike niche, but seems to fit what you’re thinking of…



https://www.scott-sports.com/gb/en/product/scott-s...

"flat bar gravel bike"

We just call that a rigid mountain bike like we used to ride in the 90s!

fking manufacturers and their idiotic naming bks!

[mike9009]

Hi, I have an 11 year old version of this ...

https://www.halfords.com/bikes/hybrid-bikes/boardm...

Currently on offer. Mine has been superb over the years but has been semi retired now. ( I have succumbed to an ebike but use it far more regularly for my commute) Light weight, comfy, fits your description.

Let's to have a decent set of components too.....