Advice for a hybrid bike

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vickster

Legendary Member
Check the trek website, maybe the Allant replaces the 7.x models? Or it's the range with disc brakes?

32mm tyres fine for towpaths I think :smile: Which ones are you riding in SW London?
 
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tomtomato

Regular
it's very unclear, even on their website. I can't really see differences in equipment, between the Allant and FX models (still sold). Some FX models also seem to have disc brakes.

I am riding between Kingston and Putney, or between Kingston and Walton on Thames. Also in Richmond Park.

Between Kingston and Putney: usually in good condition, but some areas have some stones/gravel or quite damages, like between Richmond and Kew.
Between Kingston and Walton on Thames: many trees, so the path can get muddy in the shadow.

In Richmond Park, the bike path is usually in good condition, apart from a few slops, with large cracks.

My current bike has 700x42c Marathon tyres, which are OK, but not rolling that great on roads. I think 700x35/38c would be the best compromise. The Boardman Hybrid bikes I saw yesterday had very narrow tyres. The MX (with suspensions) had Schwalbe 700x35C (not Marathon ones).

I think the Trex 7.4 FX (no suspension) would be a good choice, apart from the stock tyres, 700x32c, looking more for road use (from what I can see on the website). I guess the wheels could probably accommodate Marathon 700x35c tyres anyway.

Otherwise, the Trex 8.5 DS (with suspension and disc brakes) might be a better choice for paths, and has 700x38c tyres. However, the bike is more expensive, and heavier because of the suspension (I might need) and disc brakes (I don't need).

Time to go to Evans Cycles, and look at both, to see if I really need suspensions, or if a carbon fork is sufficient. I have the feeling that the type of tyres may make more difference than a front suspension, while cycling on paths.
 
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vickster

Legendary Member
Even the pressure of the tyres :smile:

I don't like marathon plus tyres, found them incredibly slippery but ymmv
 
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tomtomato

Regular
Well, I have now ordered the Trek Fx 7.4 from Evans Cycle.

It's quite light, well made, has integrated cabling, quality components, lighter v-brakes, and a carbon fork.

However, they will replace the stock road tyres by Marathon ones (32c), which should make it a perfect bike for road and paths.

I saw the Allant in another shop, and it looked identical to the Fx, apart from the disc brakes.

I also saw the FX 7.5, which was even lighter, but more of a road bike.
 
Even the pressure of the tyres :smile:

I don't like marathon plus tyres, found them incredibly slippery but ymmv
+1 on both points though I do have M+ tyres on all my regular commuters, as I don't want to see any time savings eaten up by puncture repair time. The slippiness is a bit of a concern at times but I've learned to be even more vigilant about avoiding drain covers etc in the wet than usual. :rolleyes:

Just a thought on the mention of tyre widths and "not rolling great" - that is really down to tyre pressure as @vickster says together with the particular rubber compound. Tyre width in and of itself will not have as great an impact as either/both of those two factors.
 
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tomtomato

Regular
Oh well.

Evans Cycle are just horrible!

I ordered the bike from Wimbledon yesterday, and ask them to also change the tyres to Marathon ones. Advice in the shop was good, and the shop is very large and nice.

Called today to confirm, and they said the bike would be delivered with stock tyres, and I would need to order the tyres separately, and come back later on...
Checked online and they don't have the Marathon tyres in stock anyway, so they couldn't have done what was agreed.
I told them to cancel the order, they said it can't be done on the phone. Luckily, only paid a deposit anyway.

I went to the Kingston shop instead. Shop is crowded, loud music, and nobody seems to be older than 20, nor specifically motivated either.
Told them I wanted the bike and new tyres, and was happy to pay for everything now, so that I could collect the bike ready to go. The guy (half asleep) took three attempts to locate the right bike on his system, and then ordered incompatible tyres (not 700c), and the bike in the wrong size... Will cancel the order tomorrow.

I am almost done with Evans Cycles, and will try and locate an independent dealer instead in the area...
 
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vickster

Legendary Member
Oh well.

Evans Cycle are just horrible!

I ordered the bike from Wimbledon yesterday, and ask them to also change the tyres to Marathon ones. Advice in the shop was good, and the shop is very large and nice.

Called today to confirm, and they said the bike would be delivered with stock tyres, and I would need to order the tyres separately, and come back later on...
Checked online and they don't have the Marathon tyres in stock anyway, so they couldn't have done what was agreed.
I told them to cancel the order, they said it can't be done on the phone. Luckily, only paid a deposit anyway.

I went to the Kingston shop instead. Shop is crowded, loud music, and nobody seems to be older than 20, nor specifically motivated either.
Told them I wanted the bike and new tyres, and was happy to pay for everything now, so that I could collect the bike ready to go. The guy (half asleep) took three attempts to locate the right bike on his system, and then ordered incompatible tyres (not 700c), and the bike in the wrong size... Will cancel the order tomorrow.

I am done with Evans Cycles, and will locate an independent dealer instead in the area...
Go to Pearsons in Sutton. I don't think their east sheen store does hybrids
Not open Sunday

Not sure who else sell trek locally...action bikes in sheen do

Why not just leave the stock tyres on? I've never had an issue for a lot of miles
 
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vickster

Legendary Member
Or you can do it yourself, good practice :smile:
 

ChrisV

Formerly CC2014
Location
Falkirk
It is possible though. The very first time I tried, I was on the verge of giving up, then my wife helped out and got them on. I'll send her round if you want!

They are much easier to get on now though if I'm swapping them. And using the method that you can see online somewhere makes it much easier.

Don't be put off by the thought of getting them on.
 

vickster

Legendary Member
Good point. However, I have read that the Marathon tyres have very rigid walls, and therefore are not the easiest tyres to put on, even for people used to it.
True mine were fitted by the LBS where I bought the tyres

Never liked the sluggish slippery things, I'd never have them again. Then all my bikes wear 23mm road tyres right now (the M+ were 28mm on a flat bar)

I wouldn't want to use M+ on the gravel paths in Richmond park or along the Thames. Would prefer to fix a puncture :ohmy:
 
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shouldbeinbed

Rollin' along
Location
Manchester way
Good point. However, I have read that the Marathon tyres have very rigid walls, and therefore are not the easiest tyres to put on, even for people used to it.
I've never had a particular issue with Marathons even 18 inch green guards (just under M+ in the solidity stakes) nor brand new winters. Even if there is something in the notion of them being beggars to fit, if you look upon it as good practice then once you can do marathons you can do anything. Changing tyres is a basic skill really, worth getting to grips with, its potentially a long walk or expensive taxi ride if you get caught out away from civilisation.

My worst experience by far has been with Vittoria Radonneur, I was left bleeding and the next day the neighbour asked if I was ok after hearing a lot of swearing while I fought with them.
 

gaz71

Über Member
Location
teddington
It sounds like you live quite close to me so you should give Moores Cycles a try.they are on the Kingston road about half a mile past Hampton Wick train station.Its my LBS and they are always very helpful.
 

vickster

Legendary Member
It sounds like you live quite close to me so you should give Moores Cycles a try.they are on the Kingston road about half a mile past Hampton Wick train station.Its my LBS and they are always very helpful.
Don't think they sell Trek? Specialized, Giant?
 
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