700x35c Hybrids

[Sam Kennedy]

I figured what I need is a Hybrid with 700x35c tyres (thats 35mm right?)

That way I can just buy a knobbly 35mm tyre for when I want to go on rougher tracks.

I have my eye on a Mongoose Crossway 350, but obviously there is more than one 35mm hybrid

What would be the best 35mm Hybrid I could get for £350, what brand names are good and bad?

Is it true if bikes have names like 'Massacre' 'Killer' 'Slaughter' etc.. that they are generally worse quality bikes?

Sorry for starting 2 'which bike should I get' threads, if your a mod feel free to delete my older post titled 'which type of bike is best?'

 

[Gerry Attrick]

When you say "rougher tracks", bear in mind hybrids are only usually tough enough for canal tow paths, surfaced trails etc. They are not designed for single track or anything like that.

 

[Bigtwin]

What you need is a hybrid with clearance for fat tyres. Most, if not all will take 35mm, but they may no do it with mudguards fitted.

What you can do with it depends to a large extent on the quality of the wheels. Cross bikes have 700c wheels of high quality and can take harsh treatment. Cheapo bikes don't and won't.

As a rule of thumb, smaller wheels are stronger, so if you are planning to do more rough stuff than road, you'd probably be better off with a MTB - you can always fit slick road tyres to it for the tarmac, and it will hold up better off road.

As a very good rule of thumb, you will get a very average new bike for that money; you'll get a lot more for your buck going used.

 

[Sam Kennedy]

I wont be going over anything too rough, even though I may have to find alternate way to get to different places. There are only a few sections on my local cycle path which are quite rough, but obviously I'll take them slower. And the sections are only maybe 20-30ft, so hopefully I would be okay, I still have plenty of time to make a decision.

 

[simon_brooke]

I figured what I need is a Hybrid with 700x35c tyres (thats 35mm right?)

That way I can just buy a knobbly 35mm tyre for when I want to go on rougher tracks.

Provided it has V or canti (or disk) brakes, it doesn't need to have 35mm tyres fitted; it just needs enough clearance in the front forks and seat and chain stays to allow 35mm. In any case you may find 32 or even 28 better, as 35 is pretty wide and hence pretty draggy.

What would be the best 35mm Hybrid I could get for £350, what brand names are good and bad?

Is it true if bikes have names like 'Massacre' 'Killer' 'Slaughter' etc.. that they are generally worse quality bikes?

More or less inevitably, yes.

The co-op's Revolution Courier Race would be worth a look.

 

[Rhys_Po]

Try the Specialized sirrus range. Bought one myself last year ... have never regretted it.

 

[HJ]

When you say "rougher tracks", bear in mind hybrids are only usually tough enough for canal tow paths, surfaced trails etc. They are not designed for single track or anything like that.

Stick to your road bikes, enough of this snobbery, hybrids vary widely some are easily strong enough for "rougher tracks", you just have to have nerve to ride one...

Or get a cycle cross bike...

 

[Gerry Attrick]

Stick to your road bikes, enough of this snobbery, hybrids vary widely some are easily strong enough for "rougher tracks", you just have to have nerve to ride one...

I'll have you know, sir, that I am the proud owner of a Pinnacle Stratus II, complete with suspension forks......oh yes. How's that for one-downmanship?

 

[Sam Kennedy]

In any case you may find 32 or even 28 better, as 35 is pretty wide and hence pretty draggy.

But would 28mm tyres be suitable for bumpy/gravel tracks?

 

[Gerry Attrick]

I answered a similar query in another post, but 28mm equates very nearly to the old standard 1 1/4 inch wide tyres commonly fitted to 27 inch wheels over twenty years ago. I rode those tyres over hundreds of miles of canal towpath without significant problems. In those days, puncture protection didn't exist. The only caution I would give is that if you intend to carry a heavy load, then 32mm would be better.

 

[upandover]

I've ridden my flat bar road bike on many bumpy.gravel tracks etc, without any difficulty on 25mm tyres. I like my 28mm cross tyres better for that of course, but both work well.

 

[Sam Kennedy]

Is a few bottles of water, a foot pump, and some food in a backpack classed as a heavy load? Or do you mean if I'm transporting concrete slabs or something?

 

[Gerry Attrick]

No I was really referring to panniers with camping kit etc.

 

[Bigtwin]

a foot pump

??????

 

[Sam Kennedy]

Incase I get a puncture.