Advice for a hybrid bike

[tomtomato]

The other 10%?

Did you sort the trek yet?

The other 10% is pavement/grass/water/through shops/through Mc Donalds drive through etc.

Yes, I decided that Evans in Kingston is the closest shop, and most convenient for me. Also, they are open very long hours, including Sundays.
I tidied up the order on Sunday (took several attempts), and didn't include new tyres to keep it simple. Should be able to collect the bike this week. Exciting!

 

[Southside Mike]

I am sure Specialized bikes are well made, and of quality. You are right, it's not just about the version of the Shimano components being used.

However, Trek bikes seem to be well made too (at least the one I have seen and tried), so I have no specific reasons to pay more for a Specialized.

I do want a hybrid bike: I don't want a road bike (don't like the position), and I don't want a mountain bike (too slow).

I am riding 30% on the road, 30% on tow paths along the Thames, and 30% in parks.

I am not commuting with the bike, and typically only use it when the weather is dry, so I don't believe I need disk brakes either. They are heavier, and more difficult to maintain/fix. They also make the wheels a lot more difficult to remove. Since I won't be riding at high speed, or going down mountains, I don't think I need the breaking power either.

If I was commuting to work everyday on a bike, then I fully agree that disk brakes would be preferable.

You are probably right - for your purposes and where you live you don't really need disc brakes. But for the record they aren't more difficult to maintain and they certainly don't make the wheels a lot more difficult to remove.

 

[tomtomato]

My current bike has hydraulic disk brake. First, there is very little clearance/gap between the pads and disk, so it can take some time to adjust if touching, or wheels is moved slightly or the disk gets dirt. Secondly, I believe something has to be inserted to remove the wheel, else the mechanism gets compressed too much.

Disk brakes are very good, but they are not 100% better than v brakes, as they also have a few drawbacks, including weight. In term of maintenance, I am a lot more confident to be able to resolve issues with v brakes.

 

[Venod]

I do want a hybrid bike: I don't want a road bike (don't like the position), and I don't want a mountain bike (too slow).

My current bike has hydraulic disk brake. First, there is very little clearance/gap between the pads and disk, so it can take some time to adjust if touching, or wheels is moved slightly or the disk gets dirt. Secondly, I believe something has to be inserted to remove the wheel, else the mechanism gets compressed too much.

Sounds like you want a CX bike with mechanical disc brakes and flat bars, I ride a Cannondale Caadx with flat bars and Schwalbe Sammy Slicks good on and of road.

 

[vickster]

Or he'll be happy with the Trek flatbar he's chosen after due consideration?

There's cost and hassle involved with converting a bike into something else. I've done it for roadbike to flatbar

 

[tomtomato]

I have collected the bike today, and I am very happy. It's very high quality, well made, and so light!

The stock tyres have basically no thread, but I shall try them for a while. They are supposed to be puncture-resistant.

 

[tomtomato]

I have now done about 150 miles with my Trek fx 7.4 bike, and it has been a pleasure.

The bike feels very light and reactive. Some of the gears (middle) are sometimes jumping a bit when changing, but I guess it's a matter of adjustment when the bike goes back to the shop for its first service/check.

I have been surprised with the stock tyres (Bontrager AW1 Hard-Case Lite, 700x32c). Despite having no threading in the middle, they grip very well, and there is no issue on gravels or paths. I don't really feel that I have less grip than with the much wider Marathon tyres of my previous bike.

The bike is fairly stiff, but the handles and fork seem to absorb most shocks. I don't think I need (heavy) fork suspensions where I am cycling. The v-brakes are perfectly capable of stopping, so I don't think I require (heavy) disk brakes either.

Overall, I am very happy with this purchase.