Discussion
I know, probably one of the more common questions asked on this site!
But here's the deal. I play rugby, last game of the season is next weekend and wanting to get a bike for the commute just to keep a base level of fitness going. Its only maybe 3-4 miles, and on my old bike (trek something, got stolen over the winter...) it was taking somehwere between 10-15 minutes depending on my luck with traffic lights
Now, I guess the obvious one would be another hybrid, but im tempted to get something a little better? But I have a fear that i would probably bend a racing bike just by looking at it, so thought maybe a cyclo cross bike? Are they generally a bit more sturdy?
Getting it through the cycle to work scheme too, so the budget can go up to about £1k (already have helmet etc from the stolen bike)
So, any advice? Will a cyclo cross bike be overkill?!
But here's the deal. I play rugby, last game of the season is next weekend and wanting to get a bike for the commute just to keep a base level of fitness going. Its only maybe 3-4 miles, and on my old bike (trek something, got stolen over the winter...) it was taking somehwere between 10-15 minutes depending on my luck with traffic lights
Now, I guess the obvious one would be another hybrid, but im tempted to get something a little better? But I have a fear that i would probably bend a racing bike just by looking at it, so thought maybe a cyclo cross bike? Are they generally a bit more sturdy?
Getting it through the cycle to work scheme too, so the budget can go up to about £1k (already have helmet etc from the stolen bike)
So, any advice? Will a cyclo cross bike be overkill?!
It depends entirely on what else you want to use it for - you can commute quickly on just about anything. I've always been nervous about leaving expensive bikes out of sight, in the same place, every day so my commuters have been pretty low-key, usually a rubbish old frame but with bits that take the abuse (especially wheels) replaced with nicer ones. Over 3-4 miles the bike you ride isn't going to make a big difference to the time it takes.
The "hybrid" genre spans everything from shopping bikes with baskets right up to what are effectively road race bikes with flat bars. Cyclocross bikes seem to be having a comeback and can make very nice commuters as long as you're happy with drop bars. I see loads of people in London on Specialized Tricross and if you want to commute, do the roadie thing on the weekends with the possibility of going off tarmac occasionally it could fit the bill in one bike.
The "hybrid" genre spans everything from shopping bikes with baskets right up to what are effectively road race bikes with flat bars. Cyclocross bikes seem to be having a comeback and can make very nice commuters as long as you're happy with drop bars. I see loads of people in London on Specialized Tricross and if you want to commute, do the roadie thing on the weekends with the possibility of going off tarmac occasionally it could fit the bill in one bike.
I think thats what led to my previous bike being knicked - left in the office underground car park for months on end unmoved, contractors coming and going and one day the bike was gone. Although my own fault for being too trusting and leaving it unlocked I suppose..!
Part of the reason for going for a slightly pricier one is to make the most of the cycle to work scheme I suppose. It gets me 50% off, so have always been of the mentality of wanting 50% more, as opposing to saving 50%!
Out of interest, seen a lot of fixed gear bikes - can you just cruise on these without peddling, or are they literally fixed and your legs always have to be moving if the wheels are?!
Part of the reason for going for a slightly pricier one is to make the most of the cycle to work scheme I suppose. It gets me 50% off, so have always been of the mentality of wanting 50% more, as opposing to saving 50%!
Out of interest, seen a lot of fixed gear bikes - can you just cruise on these without peddling, or are they literally fixed and your legs always have to be moving if the wheels are?!
BermyAndy said:
I think thats what led to my previous bike being knicked - left in the office underground car park for months on end unmoved, contractors coming and going and one day the bike was gone. Although my own fault for being too trusting and leaving it unlocked I suppose..!
Part of the reason for going for a slightly pricier one is to make the most of the cycle to work scheme I suppose. It gets me 50% off, so have always been of the mentality of wanting 50% more, as opposing to saving 50%!
Out of interest, seen a lot of fixed gear bikes - can you just cruise on these without peddling, or are they literally fixed and your legs always have to be moving if the wheels are?!
a true fixie has no brakes and a fixed rear wheel thus you cant freewheel, so yes you have to keep pedalling (unless of course you want to stop) for inexperienced riders they are pretty scary. many singlespeeds come with a "flipflop" rear hub which is a fixed sprocket on one side and a freewheel on other. have a look at a specilaised langster http://www.evanscycles.com/products/specialized/la...Part of the reason for going for a slightly pricier one is to make the most of the cycle to work scheme I suppose. It gets me 50% off, so have always been of the mentality of wanting 50% more, as opposing to saving 50%!
Out of interest, seen a lot of fixed gear bikes - can you just cruise on these without peddling, or are they literally fixed and your legs always have to be moving if the wheels are?!
no real maintenance issues and very reliable in the winter.
i can inderstand wanting to spend more but this seems to be ideal for what you want. they tend not to attract thieves either (though just about anything with two wheels is a target in bristol.....)
Another vote for a Hardtail mountain bike here. At 19st, you would be asking a lot of the road bike style wheels, and if you go for a MTB with road slick tyres or semi-slicks, you'll not be much slower anyway.
How tall are you? If you're quite tall, might be worth considering a 29er, a mountain bike but with 29in wheels instad of 26in. Something like this: http://www.evanscycles.com/products/specialized/ro...
Going for a MTB would allow you to bump up and down kerbs a bit more, without turning your wheels into pringles!
Kona tend to be reccommended by a lot of people for heavier riders, so might be worth a look.
Best bet is to get to a decent bikeshop (preferably one that's on your work's CTW scheme) and try a few different options out.
How tall are you? If you're quite tall, might be worth considering a 29er, a mountain bike but with 29in wheels instad of 26in. Something like this: http://www.evanscycles.com/products/specialized/ro...
Going for a MTB would allow you to bump up and down kerbs a bit more, without turning your wheels into pringles!
Kona tend to be reccommended by a lot of people for heavier riders, so might be worth a look.
Best bet is to get to a decent bikeshop (preferably one that's on your work's CTW scheme) and try a few different options out.
I'll add my 2 pence worth.....
If it's just 3-4 miles per day then I would go for something very basic without any suspension or fancy brakes.
I bought a Specialized Sirrus so I wouldn't have to use my Stumpjumper FSR on my commute to work and I couldn't be happier. It's very basic and simple bike without any suspension and carries some good quality V-brakes and a decent enough groupset. You also have 23c tyres meaning it's very fast on the roads and it doesn't scream out, "STEAL ME!".
The frame is very stiff and as a result, very agile and nippy which makes it a pleasure to ride. Coupled with a good Albus lock, some theft proof wheel axles and removable lights, it's perfect for the city. (I also replaced the pedals with after market ones as the stock ones are a bit cack).
My only regret is that I didn't spend that extra €100 to get the version with carbon forks. Since there is no suspension and the frame is aluminium, it can get a little bumpy on the cobbles but that's here in Vienna.
Highly recommended and a top bike! (It's also not so expensive).
If it's just 3-4 miles per day then I would go for something very basic without any suspension or fancy brakes.
I bought a Specialized Sirrus so I wouldn't have to use my Stumpjumper FSR on my commute to work and I couldn't be happier. It's very basic and simple bike without any suspension and carries some good quality V-brakes and a decent enough groupset. You also have 23c tyres meaning it's very fast on the roads and it doesn't scream out, "STEAL ME!".
The frame is very stiff and as a result, very agile and nippy which makes it a pleasure to ride. Coupled with a good Albus lock, some theft proof wheel axles and removable lights, it's perfect for the city. (I also replaced the pedals with after market ones as the stock ones are a bit cack).
My only regret is that I didn't spend that extra €100 to get the version with carbon forks. Since there is no suspension and the frame is aluminium, it can get a little bumpy on the cobbles but that's here in Vienna.
Highly recommended and a top bike! (It's also not so expensive).
Went to evans, and they put me straight to hybrids, and then ended looking at the charger tap?
Looked quite nice, but cant help feeling i would like the option of a drop handle bar? Even though i would probably spend most my time on the top flat bit gripping the brakes (if that makes sense...)
Looked quite nice, but cant help feeling i would like the option of a drop handle bar? Even though i would probably spend most my time on the top flat bit gripping the brakes (if that makes sense...)
Charge bikes are very "in" at the moment - no bad thing, IMO, I really like them.
Did you have a look at the Charge Plug? They come in many variants, with a choice of bar styles.
The bullhorn bars on the 1st option above could be a good compromise between drop bars and straights.
I very rarely ride the drops on my road bike, but ride with my hands on the hoods mostly. (As you suggest you probably would)
Did you have a look at the Charge Plug? They come in many variants, with a choice of bar styles.
The bullhorn bars on the 1st option above could be a good compromise between drop bars and straights.
I very rarely ride the drops on my road bike, but ride with my hands on the hoods mostly. (As you suggest you probably would)
If it's just commuting, drop bars will be a waste of time. Especially for just 3-4 miles.
You're better off getting a quality hybrid that will work well for both short and long distances. As mentioned in the previous post, the Specialized Sirrus gets my vote.
I looked at many including Giant, KTM (big here in Austria), and Trek. The Sirrus was just leagues ahead in terms of nimbleness, value and sheer good looks!
http://www.specialized.com/gb/en/bc/SBCBkModel.jsp...
As mentioned though, if you can afford it, get the Sirrus Elite as you get the carbon rear stays and fork which make the ride far more comfortable. Otherwise the Sirrus Sport is superb.
You're better off getting a quality hybrid that will work well for both short and long distances. As mentioned in the previous post, the Specialized Sirrus gets my vote.
I looked at many including Giant, KTM (big here in Austria), and Trek. The Sirrus was just leagues ahead in terms of nimbleness, value and sheer good looks!
http://www.specialized.com/gb/en/bc/SBCBkModel.jsp...
As mentioned though, if you can afford it, get the Sirrus Elite as you get the carbon rear stays and fork which make the ride far more comfortable. Otherwise the Sirrus Sport is superb.
Beanbag - Specialized Salesman of the Year! 
only joking, I've got a spesh Full susser, and love it.
They are nice looking bikes, definitely also worth a look. Is it only Evans that you can use through work? Can you use Halfords? I know they have a bad rep in general, but the Boardman bikes are definitely worth a look. I've got a Boardman road bike, and it's great. Their mountain bikes are the best spec for the money, and they also do hybrids.
only joking, I've got a spesh Full susser, and love it.They are nice looking bikes, definitely also worth a look. Is it only Evans that you can use through work? Can you use Halfords? I know they have a bad rep in general, but the Boardman bikes are definitely worth a look. I've got a Boardman road bike, and it's great. Their mountain bikes are the best spec for the money, and they also do hybrids.
littleandy0410 said:
Beanbag - Specialized Salesman of the Year! only joking, I've got a spesh Full susser, and love it.
only joking, I've got a spesh Full susser, and love it.
Everyone says that! I've just tried many bikes and Spesh are always top of my list in terms of handling, feel and looks.I've got two Specialized bikes now. Stumpy FSR and Sirrus and next year I plan on an S-Works Enduro SL, but we'll just have to wait and see...especially since the missus wants that wedding next year....
Then again there is Santa Cruz but that's just sheer wishful thinking....
Take a look at the cannondale bad boy. Should be a strong/quick enough all rounder for your needs. Looks cool aswell!
http://gb.cannondale.com/bikes/09/ce/model-9BR1.ht...
http://gb.cannondale.com/bikes/09/ce/model-9BR1.ht...
PooPoo said:
Take a look at the cannondale bad boy. Should be a strong/quick enough all rounder for your needs. Looks cool aswell!
http://gb.cannondale.com/bikes/09/ce/model-9BR1.ht...
I had a go on the 2008 model of these. It's a lovely bike but very limited with the single speed gears. I took it out for a spin and was knackered within moments having to pedal very fast to keep up speed or put too much effort in to climb the hills.http://gb.cannondale.com/bikes/09/ce/model-9BR1.ht...
The Bad Boy 700 would probably be a better option:
http://gb.cannondale.com/bikes/09/ce/model-9BRD7.h...
I also found however the Cannondales were very pricey hence I went for the spesh with an almost identical spec apart from the discs.
If I had the money at the time....I would have got the Bad Boy. It does look very cool!
Thanks for the suggestions chaps
I think the specialized http://www.evanscycles.com/products/specialized/si... and the Tap http://www.evanscycles.com/products/charge/tap-200... are front of the list at the moment.
I think only the specialized has the carbon forks, and am i right in thinking that they will be a bit more forgiving on the ride (london roads arent great!) because of the flex?
Also, the 2 clearly have very different frames, with the tap seeming to be a bit more upright - how does this translate into ride? Actually, scrap that question as Ill just test ride them and see how I get on... but that Tap does look mighty nice!!
I am still keen on the idea of 'riding on the hoods' as someone put it, but I guess the more sensible option is to go with the hybrid and put some bar ends on
Work are still deciding on the scheme as a concept, but I dont think it really matters which one we use, it was just that I have only looked at the evans website, and as such that is the one I had looked into
I think the specialized http://www.evanscycles.com/products/specialized/si... and the Tap http://www.evanscycles.com/products/charge/tap-200... are front of the list at the moment.
I think only the specialized has the carbon forks, and am i right in thinking that they will be a bit more forgiving on the ride (london roads arent great!) because of the flex?
Also, the 2 clearly have very different frames, with the tap seeming to be a bit more upright - how does this translate into ride? Actually, scrap that question as Ill just test ride them and see how I get on... but that Tap does look mighty nice!!
I am still keen on the idea of 'riding on the hoods' as someone put it, but I guess the more sensible option is to go with the hybrid and put some bar ends on
Work are still deciding on the scheme as a concept, but I dont think it really matters which one we use, it was just that I have only looked at the evans website, and as such that is the one I had looked into
Ah, ok, it's got an 8-speed hub. Evans don't make that very clear on the website, do they!?
You could change the bars no problem, the shifter could be fitted to another bar. The grip/control part of bars are all the same size, the only part that differs is where the stem bolts on. Either oversize (31.8mm) or standard (25.4mm I think).
Have a look at ergon grips if you want bar ends - they do ergonomic grips with integrated bar ends. (the shop may even change them for you at time of purchase if you ask.)
Also, the Charge bikes have steel forks, so will be more forgiving than alu ones, removing some of the noise and "zing" from the ride. Not sure if they're as good as carbon though.
You could change the bars no problem, the shifter could be fitted to another bar. The grip/control part of bars are all the same size, the only part that differs is where the stem bolts on. Either oversize (31.8mm) or standard (25.4mm I think).
Have a look at ergon grips if you want bar ends - they do ergonomic grips with integrated bar ends. (the shop may even change them for you at time of purchase if you ask.)
Also, the Charge bikes have steel forks, so will be more forgiving than alu ones, removing some of the noise and "zing" from the ride. Not sure if they're as good as carbon though.
BermyAndy said:
Thanks for the suggestions chaps
I think the specialized http://www.evanscycles.com/products/specialized/si... and the Tap http://www.evanscycles.com/products/charge/tap-200... are front of the list at the moment.
I think only the specialized has the carbon forks, and am i right in thinking that they will be a bit more forgiving on the ride (london roads arent great!) because of the flex?
Also, the 2 clearly have very different frames, with the tap seeming to be a bit more upright - how does this translate into ride? Actually, scrap that question as Ill just test ride them and see how I get on... but that Tap does look mighty nice!!
I am still keen on the idea of 'riding on the hoods' as someone put it, but I guess the more sensible option is to go with the hybrid and put some bar ends on
Work are still deciding on the scheme as a concept, but I dont think it really matters which one we use, it was just that I have only looked at the evans website, and as such that is the one I had looked into
Good choice on the Spesh! I think the specialized http://www.evanscycles.com/products/specialized/si... and the Tap http://www.evanscycles.com/products/charge/tap-200... are front of the list at the moment.
I think only the specialized has the carbon forks, and am i right in thinking that they will be a bit more forgiving on the ride (london roads arent great!) because of the flex?
Also, the 2 clearly have very different frames, with the tap seeming to be a bit more upright - how does this translate into ride? Actually, scrap that question as Ill just test ride them and see how I get on... but that Tap does look mighty nice!!
I am still keen on the idea of 'riding on the hoods' as someone put it, but I guess the more sensible option is to go with the hybrid and put some bar ends on
Work are still deciding on the scheme as a concept, but I dont think it really matters which one we use, it was just that I have only looked at the evans website, and as such that is the one I had looked into
The Tap looks nice but not ideal for easy commuting. With a position like that, it'll be heavy on the arms and if you are carrying a side bag, it'll be falling off your back every two seconds making life very uncomfortable.
However try them, and I suggest you take your usual work gear (bag for example). It'll give a better example of how easy it is to ride with this stuff.
You are however very right with the Spesh and the carbon forks. It's my biggest regret not getting this however I was buying two bikes at the time (one also for my missus), and my budget simply didn't stretch to this model and my missus's bike.
You'll also find the Spesh comes with comfort grips which are great around town but I don't think it's so easy to attach side bars, or you'll have to change the whole grip.
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