Advice needed

[Bond]

Hi, I'm new to cycling and at the moment im using an old mountin bike that my cousin left when he moved to Australia so I'm in need of getting a new bike as I have now become quite addicted to cycling lol. I've done a bit of research and I think I would be best suited to get a hybrid. Now my questions are,

When it says the bike can be used on trails, what type of terrain are the bikes actually capable of?

The second question is can anybody recomend a good Hybrid that is around the £300 mark please?

The reason I have picked a hybrid is because I will be commuting alot on my bike as well.

 

[515mm]

Hello and welcome to the forum.

A hybrid will be capable of tackling regular roads as well as non-metalled(i.e no tarmac) roads and paths but not anything muddy/rocky or terribly steep. Canal towpaths should be no bother at all

The best advice I can give you is to find a nice friendly bike shop that's local to you that has staff who are prepared to be helpful and appear enthusiastic about cycling. This will be far more valuable than getting a few quid off the price of last year's bike from an online store. Try talking to all the LBSs (Local Bike Shops) in your area and go with the most helpful. Well worth the effort.

 

[515mm]

As a guide - Trek and Giant do nice ones but the Meridas I've seen look particularly good value. Being able to test ride a choice of them and choose the one which feels most comfortable is 100% better than choosing one on specification. I'd ignore the make/model names and buy the one that fits you and your budget. If you're using it for work, have you heard of cyclescheme? It'll get you more bike for your money, if your employer signs up......

www.cyclescheme.co.uk/

 

[Bond]

Thanks for the reply. I have heard of cycle scheme but I'm a student and only work part time so I can't apply for it.

I have looked at a few Giant hybrids as well as Carera and boardman which all seem like good makes. The problem I have is that there are no bike shops near me and i have to go a bit further a field to find what im looking for.