Bike for commute Riverside 700 vs Cobalt 2 vs alternatives.

[jarnaiz]

Hi everyone,

I am looking at getting my first bike to use for commuting and riding around the city on the weekends (London). I am a male.

This means it will not only be used for commuting, but to kickstart a hobby too, as I have been using the Santader cycles for ~3 months for fun(not commuting).

I have looked at the 2 bikes below (both are on discount), but I am happy to hear other options:

• Decathlon - Hybrid Bike Riverside 700 - £399.99.
• Evans - Pinnacle Cobalt 2 Hybrid Bike - £429.99.

Please note that I can make use of the salary sacrifice arrangement (only) on evans.

Thank you.

 

[Spiderweb]

I would avoid the Pinnacle with the cheap and heavy front suspension fork. There are other Pinnacle, Trek or Cannondale fully rigid hybrids from Evans that would be better.

 

[Cycleops]

The above is standard advice on here as the suspension fork adds nothing to comfort while increasing cost and weight.

 

[jarnaiz]

Appreciate your messages, so is there any heavily recommended alternative for my use case at that budget?

I don't know too much in general, should I instead look for a road bike? Or continue to look for hybrids without suspension?

 

[Cycleops]

Have you had any experience riding a drop bar bike? If not try one, it will give you more hand positions than flat bars. For a commute you could use either although at that budget the choices won't be great quality.
The secondhand market is on its arse at the moment so bargains to be had as long as it's in good order and not had a huge amount of use. That's if you're happy with buying used. Sites like Gumtree can offer some great local deals.

 

[vickster]

I’d look at this Trek at Evans
https://www.evanscycles.com/brand/trek/fx-1-disc-hybrid-bike-939345#colcode=93934508

Or for a few quid more on C2W this
https://www.evanscycles.com/brand/trek/fx-2-disc-hybrid-bike-933287#colcode=93328719

When you apply for your C2W voucher, don’t forget to add on the funds for everything you might need including at least one high level lock if leaving anywhere in London, lights, mudguards, better pedals, tools, tubes, pump, maybe a pannier rack etc.

Another thing, if buying on C2W especially, make sure it’s insured for the full (with accessories) replacement value and that you check the Ts & Cs of the policy on locks, how to lock etc.
If commuting in London, I’d also recommend a legal cover and 3rd party indemnity policy from someone like LAKA ( they also do bike insurance)…in case someone hits you or you hit someone (or their car/property)

 

[PedallingNowhereSlowly]

I wouldn't recommend a road bike for commuting, not unless you really know what you are looking for. Many don't have mounts for mudguards and luggage, which you might find more useful. Yes, there are 'raceblades' that clip on, and seat post mount rear racks etc.. but for a bike used to ride too and from work, there are a few features on a bike I'd look out for:

• Hydraulic disc brakes; they work really well and when they are set-up right they are less periodic faff than rim brakes
• Non-suspension front fork - unless intending to take the bike on rocky trails
• Lugs for mounting a rear pannier rack and mudguards
• Fairly upright seating position so that it is easy to keep an eye out for pedestrians and traffic

There are some good deals around. This is a bit more expensive, but it comes with mudguards, rack and lights at least which will help get you started. That just leaves a rack and panniers to find. Lots of deals on last years bikes at local bike shops:

https://www.balfesbikes.co.uk/bikes...y__29107?currency=GBP&chosenAttribute=5258485

Have you found your local bike shop yet? Might be worth a visit. Better to support them then the likes of Frasers Group (Evans Cycles)

 

[vickster]

I actually far prefer commuting on a roadbike with the narrower bars, easier to negotiate/filter in traffic (but I add cross lever brakes for a more sit up position braking in traffic). 4 of my 5 bikes with drop bars can take full fitted mudguards and a pannier rack. Most modern non carbon ones with disc brakes will do the same.

I agree on using an LBS (and Balfes are very good), however, he’s supporting his own finances using C2W via Evans rather than supporting Mike Ashley per se
With the Trek equipped, you’re paying a premium for the mudguards, rack and basic lights over the standard version. You definitely want removable lights if leaving a bike on the streets in London.

 

[Devonhills]

I’m in the process of choosing a bike myself at the moment. Had lots of good help on here and then gone to my local bike shop and had good assistance, tried a couple bikes etc.
Now I won’t get the cheapest price there for a bike but the help is invaluable so I would recommend your local shop if it’s any good. You’ll find out when you go there!

 

[jarnaiz]

Hi all, thanks for all your comments, I will be taking a further look at the evans recommendations and C2W extras later today. Also today I am planning to head to my LBS after work ("Whitechapel cycles" I think is the one) to see what they recommend.

Thank you all! This was very helpful.

 

[Kingfisher101]

I'd go for a Specialized Sirrus or a Carrera Subway or something like that? I've commuted on hybrids and on road bikes and what I've found is that on a hybrid you are more upright and that I was moving my hands around less on the bars. Obviously everyone is different regarding personal preferences etc.
That Trek Equipped is a very good shout, it has everything a commuter would need.
Also where are you leaving it? I wouldn't be leaving anything decent locked up on street whilst I was at work. It will be stolen.

 

[jarnaiz]

where are you leaving it?

I have underground parking at work, and it will come into my apartment.

Have you found your local bike shop yet?

I would recommend your local shop

I have been to my local bike shop today, and they've only got one hybrid within my budget. This is a Teman Pro-3.0 - 300£. I got to try it and it felt good. Would you recommend this brand/model for the price? Or should I really look for Trek, Cannondale, etc...

The secondhand market is on its arse at the moment

I will be keeping an eye on it!

Lastly, when I tried the Decathlon Riverside 700 - 400£, it gave me a very good impression, even though it has suspension, it can be locked, and am unsure if I will at some point soon head for some adventure riding. Would this be a bad deal? Weight wise I have been using the Santander cycles for a while, and this is pretty much half the weight.

Thank you all for your help! I will hopefully have made my decision before the weekend!

 

[Cycleops]

I have recollections of Teman bikes being of rather low quality
The one big advantage of buying from Decathlon is their guarantee. I think the frame is a lifetime and even the components are one year I think.
After the Santander bikes you must feel like the chains have been lifted from your legs riding the Riverside. Go for it if it suits you. Would also be suitable for adventure rides as well with a little reduction in tyre pressures.

 

[PedallingNowhereSlowly]

If you are buying a bike for transport, reliability is key. The problem with low end stuff is that it's often designed for occasional riding rather than regular or daily riding. Unfortunately buying bikes isn't really like buying cars, where the cheapest cars are often as reliable as much more expensive cars. But, then again, price isn't really the only indicator of reliability with bikes.

I don't think I'd recommend the Teman. I can't really find any reviews for it, but it's has the cheapest components on it. I think it's going to be more suited to the occasional rider. I think if your budget is tight, the Decathlon Riverside 700 is a fine choice. But buy the time you have added accessories to it that make it suitable for commuting, you have spent almost as much as what the Trek can be bought for, and that has hydraulic disk brakes which are more powerful and, except for when they need bleeding, less fuss than cable actuated disk brakes.

The main reason I recommended that Trek is because it is as turn key as any bike can be, with the extras it comes with. It's also the lightest of the three, weighing 0.6 kg less than the Riverside even though it is equipped with mudguards/rack/lights etc..

Here is another option at a good price; even features a Shimano hub dynamo powered lights:
https://www.bycicle.net/en/biciclet...ective-888818723591.html#/9180-frame_size-xxs

I can't vouch for bycicle; I've never used them.

 

[Cycleops]

Another thing to remember with budget bikes is that the supplied tyres will have poor puncture resistance. Plan on replacing them early on or earlier if you get fed up fixing punctures.