Jameshow
Veteran
Boardman's aren't too bad tbh not like Cannonfail maddux....
Advise for a Hybrid in the 300-500 price range
- Thread starter choffan
- Start date
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Boardman's aren't too bad tbh not like Cannonfail maddux....
Jameshow
Veteran
What size do you need?
https://www.evanscycles.com/brand/c...&ranSiteID=AqjbTxMPHY4-Cz_YUqYiM.8ZKU8O3Basng
Be quick!!
https://www.evanscycles.com/brand/c...&ranSiteID=AqjbTxMPHY4-Cz_YUqYiM.8ZKU8O3Basng
Be quick!!
vickster
Legendary Member
Jameshow
Veteran
Carbon fork👍👍👍
vickster
Legendary Member
mustang1
Legendary Member
- Location
- London, UK
I agree with all the "uh oh, Cambridge, keep the bike as cheap as possible". But at the same time, most bikes will be good as long as they are well maintained; I'm not a fan of bikes that aren't well looked after. I'm not talking about keeping the frame clean, by all means get that dirty, but the drivetrain has got to be in good condition, even if it's a really low end Shimano.
I'm also a big fan of locks, lots of GOOD quality locks. But I'm also not a fan of carrying all those locks (although if I had to, then I would, and have done multiple times). So we have to really balance this between cheap heavy bike, versus more expensive lighter bike. But TBH, £400 +/- £100 quid, most bikes will be almost similar in weight. The more expensive Trek is defo a better ride than a Carrera (I know, I have bikes of both those price ranges).
I don't think it's a good idea to claim on house insurance if the bike is stolen because that only increases the premium on the house insurance. I would leave that for more expensive claims and look into bike-specific insurance (of which I have no experience but the fine folk of cc have a wealth of knowledge, just search for it).
So, which bike do I recommend? Ugh, the heart wants a Trek FX2 but the Carrera makes more financial sense, and it is still a great bike. I have a Carrera Purva (27.5" wheels) and upgraded the tyres to Schwalbe Marathon although I reckon the standard tyres would have worked for me for a long time. IDK too much more about your situation except you're in Cambridge so I guess it's a vote for Carrera from me, plus ATLEAST TWO good quality bikes locks of DIFFERENT types (so the thief is less likely to use the same cutting tool on two different types of locks) and think about bike specific insurance.
EDIT: oh yeah, generally agree with the others about not needing a suspension fork although I have ridden suspension fork Giant and also some super-low-end "mtb" around NY and both bike were rather comfortable. Argh but it makes the bike heavier, maybe that'll get boring real quick, and like the others said.... it'll be even more of a theft magnet. Mmmh actually now I'm wondering if I actually even answered your question, OP! Sorry about that.
I'm also a big fan of locks, lots of GOOD quality locks. But I'm also not a fan of carrying all those locks (although if I had to, then I would, and have done multiple times). So we have to really balance this between cheap heavy bike, versus more expensive lighter bike. But TBH, £400 +/- £100 quid, most bikes will be almost similar in weight. The more expensive Trek is defo a better ride than a Carrera (I know, I have bikes of both those price ranges).
I don't think it's a good idea to claim on house insurance if the bike is stolen because that only increases the premium on the house insurance. I would leave that for more expensive claims and look into bike-specific insurance (of which I have no experience but the fine folk of cc have a wealth of knowledge, just search for it).
So, which bike do I recommend? Ugh, the heart wants a Trek FX2 but the Carrera makes more financial sense, and it is still a great bike. I have a Carrera Purva (27.5" wheels) and upgraded the tyres to Schwalbe Marathon although I reckon the standard tyres would have worked for me for a long time. IDK too much more about your situation except you're in Cambridge so I guess it's a vote for Carrera from me, plus ATLEAST TWO good quality bikes locks of DIFFERENT types (so the thief is less likely to use the same cutting tool on two different types of locks) and think about bike specific insurance.
EDIT: oh yeah, generally agree with the others about not needing a suspension fork although I have ridden suspension fork Giant and also some super-low-end "mtb" around NY and both bike were rather comfortable. Argh but it makes the bike heavier, maybe that'll get boring real quick, and like the others said.... it'll be even more of a theft magnet. Mmmh actually now I'm wondering if I actually even answered your question, OP! Sorry about that.
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That's amazing, thanks. So this one dominates all other bikes posted so far it seems
Reynard
Guru
- Location
- Cambridgeshire, UK
That's right!! And I live close to grafton. A visit is obliged
Reynard
Guru
- Location
- Cambridgeshire, UK
You may as well duck into Decathlon while you're there...
If nothing else, you'll be able to pick up your sundries in there at a decent price. Their own-brand stuff is actually pretty decent.
I think I never crunch more than a 10km a day.
That is 6 miles of flat but sometimes windy riding. An expensive bike wont be any faster in practice than a decent cheap bike. For me, the more significant factors are reliability, esp of tyres, and the time required for lockup/unlock which can contribute more than any speed related time differences.
I have set my city bike up for grab and go riding. The panniers have decent locking quick release hooks, the lights are permanent dynamo hub fixings so faffing around is minimised.
If you do buy a shiny new bike, you negotiate for extras such as lights, spare inner tybe, pump, etc rather than cash discount. Dont forget to budget for accessories and clothing:
Lights
Lock
Full length, bolt on mudguards
Rear luggage rack
Mini Pump
Basic repair kit
Helmet
Gloves/mitts
Bright, reflective jacket
Waterproofs
Luggage ( panniers, basket etc)
What's the security like where you will lock the bike and where will you store it at home? If while at work it's going to be left all day locked to a public rack, then a cheap beater with a decent but not too expensive lock or two... and an expectation it might well disappear at some point. Or a folder and take it with you. If you have secure storage or can take it inside your work premises etc then it's a different equation.
