Best hybrid (with suspension) for major charity bike ride

[The mad Welshman]

Hi all. I have gone through the forum and cannot find a reply close enough to the problem I have.

I shall be riding Hatfield, Herts, to Hatfield, Yorks, to Hatfield Herefordshire and back to Hatfield Herts later this year. You might guess that my charity is in Hatfield Herts...

My triathlon bike (a 2nd hand Te Quilo Quintana Roo) does not have the gear range (nothing to do with my fitness of course..) nor would I want to cannibalise it with panniers etc. My Claud Butler mountain bike is way too heavy and not high enough geared.

So, I thought a light weight, 24/27 geared hybrid (with suspension both ends for my poor old bones) would be the best choice - and there is the rub: choice.

There seem SO many options that I have not got a clue what would be best. Money/cost is an issue so I do not want to spend a fortune (which for me is anything over £300-400 for the bike as I do need to buy the accessories)

I would REALLY welcome any of your suggestions as to what would be the best compromise - and, re my wrists, do I need to not go for straight bars, given the distances I shall be cycling?

Many thanks

The mad Welshman

 

[Fab Foodie]

I'd agree with Mr Paul.

Avoid suspension, added comfort can come in many ways, in addition to Mr Pauls suggestions tyre size, pressure and make will make a real difference to a bikes comfort. Choose 700 x 28c as a minimum (but check that larger sizes may also be fitted).
I'd also echo the choice of say a Specialized Sirrus, or a Boardman hybrid or similar offerings from Giant or Trek. I'd personally go for a triple chainset-up, but the Boardmans gearing although a compact double chainset is very wisely organised with a very good low gear.
An alternative to straight bars + Bar-ends are butterfly bars - offering a range of hand positions and reach/aerodynamics, important over long rides. These are easily fitted to a hybrid.

 

[2Loose]

All modern bikes have varying amounts of suspension at both ends. It is called 'tyre'.

My rigid hardtail with 1.9inch tyres inflated to just the desired springiness was far more comfortable and suitable for road use than the suspension forked thing I replaced it with (which does a great job over tree roots, but is a bit marshmallow-like on the road).

 

[vorsprung]

The distance looks like about 700km
I take it that you are not doing it at audax pace, how long is it going to take you?

For £300 you aren't going to get a very good bike. I was gonna suggest a Dawes Vantage but these are £600
Just put slick tyres on your MTB.

 

[The mad Welshman]

My thanks to all so far and I will reply, properly, as a round up.

Re vorsprung's question. The trip is to take place over a week - two days to each location - so it is not too roughty toughty but, for sure, I am going for more comfort than some commentators suggest I need! And indeed it is about 700kms or so. It is interesting working out which way around the triangle to do this: Sustrans and the Met Office have been great with their help over such things as the usual wind direction... cos, knowing my luck, I would end up choosing to go the way around that gave me a headwind all the time!

If anyone has any thoughts on that, helpful comments would also be most welcome!

 

[Dave Davenport]

Full suspension does not equal comfort, probably the opposite on the road. A bike that fits you with some large'ish volume tyres definetely does.

 

[Zoiders]

Full suspension does equal comfort if it's a good full-sus bike but the only road full susser with 700 wheels I have seen is the Cannondale Scalpel and that's several grands worth and designed as a road trainer for cross country racers. Giant did once upon a time do a similar type of bike as well.

Forget the suspension, fit rigid forks to your MTB, possibly some largish slicks at a good pressure and then some butterfly bars. It will eat the miles up in comfort.

 

[MacB]

I'd echo the general concensus, £300-£400 isn't going to get you suspension that does anymore than add weight on the road, and probably wouldn't do much off road. But, if that's the way you want to go then I'd reckon the Spesh Crosstrail would be reasonable, front suspension only.

If this is a one off and you don't want to spend the dosh on a suitable bike, and I can quite understand that, then have you considered whether you could borrow one? As long as you're not asking for a friends mega £'s dream bike, and it's on a break it you pay deal, then I'd have thought you'd manage ok.

From what you've said it sounds like, though it's a long way, it'll be at a friendly pace and probably carrying supplies/gear. Finding someone with a Galaxy, or similar tourer setup, could be your answer.