[tomtom]

Thinking of getting a 'hybrid' bike - something a bit more roady than my MTB with road tyres... and after an hour or so of trawling, this ticked all the boxes:

http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_storeId_10001_catalogId_10151_productId_273257_langId_-1_categoryId_165534

I know its from Halfords... but good spec (like the disc brakes), good reviews.. any suggestions on any alternatives (as it is from Halfords after all..)
TT

[fatkid2000]

Got about £800 ?? - Cannondale Badboy

If you're going to ride it on a road -just buy a road bike - way faster and more efficient.

[Falling Down]

Dave Lamacraft (off here) just got a lovely Kona 29" wheel hybrid.  I was well impressed with the ride...

[Johnny Brown]

I know its from Halfords... but good spec (like the disc brakes), good reviews..

I was quite tempted by one too, a few months back. In the flesh it looked a bit chunky and crap though.

[tomtom]

Fair do's... cheers for the advice chaps..

[lagerstarfish]

I got a Gryphon Disc Spec on the bike to work scheme. For £180 I'm happy with it.

I live 2 mins walk from Halfords, so was prepared to be be giving them a hard time in person if anything went wrong. I've had no problems despite abusing the bike - riding forest tracks in Font with small child on the back and doing the same on the cratered "roads" of Sheffield.

The chunkiness of the bike was one of the factors that appealed to me, as was the double rimmed wheels (stronger) - made me feel safer about carrying a child plus my mass.

The Large size frame (biggest available) is not actually very large and with the seat at the right hight the handlebars were too low, so I got a stem riser to sort this. I wouldn't want a bigger frame (higher crossbar) because with a child seat on the back I have to step over the crossbar to get on, you might have different needs.

Come and have a go on mine when your over here - or I can pop it in the van and meet at the crag.

[SA Chris]

2011 bikes are due out any time, so there should be some good deals about. Worth checking the sale sections of Evans, Pauls, Chain Reaction, Wiggle, Alpine Bikes, etc etc for good deals on 2010 (or older) models.

[Norton Sharley]

imho mechanical disc brakes are utter crap, aren't as powerful as V brakes and require constant maintenence.  I much prefer V brakes to mechanical discs.

And don't buy a Snappendale unless you want to be on a constant search for spare parts.

[SA Chris]

What NS said, mechanical discs are to be avoided.

How much you prepared to spend?

[Dolly]

Why don't you just buy my winter bake in the FS sale section ? 

[SA Chris]

Is it a spicy sausage roll?

[Dolly]

 
Whoops - that what comes from not looking at what you're taping

[BB]

Whoops - that what comes from not looking at what you're taping

  Was that deliberate? If so, waddage is due.

[Dolly]

Was that deliberate? If so, waddage is due

Yep it was. All waddage humbly accepted 

[tomtom]

Why don't you just buy my winter bake in the FS sale section ? 

I would, but I'm 6'3"... Need a bigger frame...

[Dolly]

aaah I see
Have you had a look at the Pompetamine frames from On-one ?
http://www.on-one.co.uk/i/q/FROOPOMPET/on-one-pompetamine-frame

Will take 700c wheels and discs - loads of tyre clearance

[Dolly]

Sorry meant to post this link with pics - flat bars on it etc

http://www.on-one.co.uk/news/products/q/date/2010/05/18/pompetamine-alfine-commuter-cross-bike-build

[tomtom]

Looks cool, but it's 800 fuck alls...

Budget c.£300

[Stubbs]

If I recall correctly it's actually 320 fuck alls 

[tomtom]

If I recall correctly it's actually 320 fuck alls 

~ seriosuly - I could only find it for £799...

[Stubbs]

AH sorry you misunderstand me 1 fuck all is traditionally equal to £2.50 originating from the statement 'What's £2.50 - fuck all'.

I know that's not so much help on the bike front, if you're spending your dough rather than the works, have you tried Gumtree, normally some good stuff going on there, especially in Manchester I reckon! http://manchester.gumtree.com/cgi-bin/list_postings.pl?search_terms=bicycle&search_location=manchester&ubercat=1

[tomtom]

Thanks for all the info gents, - in the end I decided not to go with the Halfords schmalfords deal and got one of these instead. £335 - as the 2011 model is around the corner... It was the matt black and the better specced components that swung it 

[SA Chris]

Good stuff, where did you get it?

[tomtom]

Good stuff, where did you get it?

http://www.singletrackbikes.co.uk/
http://www.activesport.co.uk/  were £359  - had more sizes/stock/colours

If you want I'll post a mini-review when it comes....

[SA Chris]

Nah, just a passing whim.

Hope it serves you well.