Commuter bike for a beginner - some questions before deciding.

[natrapx]

Good Evening Everyone.

After a long day searching various forums and doing some research, I've narrowed down some options. I'm looking a hybrid as I like the flexibility from them, but correct me if i'm wrong with that as I will mostly be doing road commuting!

Anyway, so far i'm looking at two options.

The Boardman MX Sport at http://www.halfords.com/cycling/bikes/boardman-end-of-season/boardman-mx-sport-bike-2014 - £349 currently (and still in stock for the size near me)

The Voodoo Marsara http://www.halfords.com/cycling/bikes/classic-bikes/voodoo-marasa-hybrid-bike £314.99.

Right now the top pick is the Voodoo, as it is a rigid frame. Am I right in thinking that rigid is the way to go for road commuting over ones with suspension? I worry though at the same time that I may end up missing the suspension if I ever want to use it on some basic trails near us? (would never be serious off road, maybe just gravel/muddy paths etc.)

There also seems to be a difference in the brakes, with the Boardman being the mechanical disk and the voodoo being hydraulic. From what I can tell, hydraulic seems the preferable option, but are they so much better it makes the decision easier, or is there not much else in it?

Finally on the tyres, Voodoo are 700x40 whilst the boardman are 700x37. Again from my reading it seems like the lower the better, with a mid-high 20's being the most ideal size for road tyres. Should I be looking at getting the store to swap them over for something thinner? Or a thin set and a thicker set be good for different types of riding?

I'm sorry if these are obvious questions to you guys, but I want to get fitter and start riding, and there are so many specs and stats out there its hard to know where to start! Any other recommendations in the price range would also be much appreciated. I know Halfords are not the most liked, but seems the easiest place to start for the lower range. Can look at higher end when I get the bug

Many thanks

 

[13 rider]

Your conclusions are correct front suspension adds weight . The voodoo would be fine on gravel tracks . I bought a 13 hybrid from halfords (see avatar) with front suspension which rarely gets unlock so I just carry that weight about . Nothing wrong with the bikes Halfords sell its the shop build quality that varys shop to shop . It is worth checking out other shops Decathlon triban range well thought off . Youll know the bike when you see it go with your feeling . You probably get plenty of advise but you have make the Decision in the end . happy hunting . Out of the two on your list I go for the Voodoo

 

[steve50]

My preference would be the voodoo, as above suspension just adds weight. How long is your commute, the gearing on both bikes will be fairly low so you will not achieve fantastic speeds but if that is not an issue it's all good.

 

[natrapx]

It's going to be roughly 8 miles depending on the route. Going generally downhill on the way to work and uphill on the way back. Will be pretty much all country roads, so no real traffic but there will be some.

 

[steve50]

As a beginner the hybrid will suit you nicely especially with the gearing which will suit your uphill commute home, but I'm betting it won't be long before you want a proper road bike for the weekend

 

[biggs682]

It's going to be roughly 8 miles depending on the route. Going generally downhill on the way to work and uphill on the way back. Will be pretty much all country roads, so no real traffic but there will be some.

for road use i cant see a need for suspension at all , ask for a test ride for sure

As a beginner the hybrid will suit you nicely especially with the gearing which will suit your uphill commute home, but I'm betting it won't be long before you want a proper road bike for the weekend

the above is true as well . why not buy a road bike first

 

[grumpyoldwoman]

I have the women's Boardman MX Sport,you can lock out the front suspension. I find it a really nice ride and going up hills is a lot easier than my old bike.I've taken it along canal tow paths,small hills,roads and tracks and it's great on each.I don't find it that heavy but I came from an old Raleigh Vixen which was heavier anyway.I use mine alot for commuting too.
Can't speak for the Voodoo as I've oly looked at them and not tried one out.

 

[RoubaixCube]

It is worth checking out other shops Decathlon triban range well thought off .

+1 for Le Triban~

As a beginner the hybrid will suit you nicely especially with the gearing which will suit your uphill commute home, but I'm betting it won't be long before you want a proper road bike for the weekend

Hybrids seem to be a lot like that first bike your dad bought you as soon as you could stand. The never ending tears, The fear of falling over and cries & wails of "Daddy, I can't do it....!" as soon as the stabilizers come off.

Easy to start off with an quick to graduate from. I wish i had bought a more substantial hybrid when i started off... Not that my hybrid is bad though but I have seen better bikes for the money since i have delved deeper into the world of two wheels.

---

On a more important note... Neither bike seems value for money based on the hardware.
for an extra few notes more I would rather settle for a Triban Flatbar Road bike - I know its called a 'Flatbar Road Bike' but it can take 32mm tyres which puts it just under Hybrid territory as hybrids quite often run 35-38mm tyres.

My Triban runs 25mm tyres and i have taken it off road down some river/canal towpaths - While the Durano tyres cant handle proper muddy off roading - some rough towpaths are no problem providing you have tyres with decent puncture protection (such as Schwalbe Durano's)

The bikes that are linked aren't exactly light either - the Voodoo is the lightest at 12.7Kg, Boardman is 13.8kg. The Triban 520 flat bar puts both of them to shame weighing in at 9.750Kg.

You'll get a lot more enjoyment out of the Triban and you'll enjoy it more when it comes to climbing up inclines or going on very long rides as you're not carrying a lot of dead weight around that you cant do nothing about

 

[vickster]

You say you'll be doing mostly road commuting, buy the correct tool for that job, I.e. Slick tyres, 32mm is more than ample, 28mm would be better (I only ride 23mm myself), and no suspension. Also make sure if can take proper mudguards and potentially a pannier rack if going any distance or carrying more than a wallet and phone

Given your budget, the Triban flat bar is a decent suggestion (unless you have to buy from halfords for some reason)

 

[natrapx]

Triban looks pretty good for my needs, will head down to the store at the weekend and try that one out, along with the Voodoo and see which I prefer.

The only other thing that is a issue that just niggles the back of my mind, is would the Triban being a more dedicated road bike be less good if I wanted to take it on some slightly rougher terrain (i.e. canal tow paths, country footpaths etc.)? I'm going to be commuting through the countryside, not cities so there is a chance this may be involved when I find the route that works.

 

[13 rider]

Triban looks pretty good for my needs, will head down to the store at the weekend and try that one out, along with the Voodoo and see which I prefer.

The only other thing that is a issue that just niggles the back of my mind, is would the Triban being a more dedicated road bike be less good if I wanted to take it on some slightly rougher terrain (i.e. canal tow paths, country footpaths etc.)? I'm going to be commuting through the countryside, not cities so there is a chance this may be involved when I find the route that works.

Unless you are going to serious offroading a hybrid without suspension should be fine . Bikes are stronger than you think . Have a chat with the staff in the local Halfords or Decathlon if they are bikers they should now your route and how suitable the bikes are for the surfaces .
Good idea to try the bikes

 

[Profpointy]

Agree with above folk - don't want suspension for road, nor farm tracks / canal paths for that matter. It is actively a bad thing - adds weight, and robs money from other parts of the bike so will be a worse bike all round. I also understand that suspension on cheaper bikes is poor anyway.

For commuting, mudguards and panniers are good. Tyres - slick (ie smooth) tyres are what you want - maybe beteen 25 and 32 mm ideally - but smooth is the main thing.

I'm a great believer in drop handlebars but they don't suit everyone, and may be hard to find on a mudguarded and rack-fitted bike at your price point. Gearing tends to be too high on "road" bikes too

 

[steveindenmark]

My question would be. Do you really need front suspension?

It adds weight to the bike, more maintenence. Seals can leak, shocks can rust.

I would cross off front suspension.

 

[natrapx]

Sorry If i wasn't clear. I was looking at the Voodoo because of the lack of suspension, but what I meant to ask was would I regret a road bike tyres if I was ending up on some less than ideal surface? Road tyres are thinner, but give less grip on rougher ground?

 

[grumpyoldwoman]

Sorry If i wasn't clear. I was looking at the Voodoo because of the lack of suspension, but what I meant to ask was would I regret a road bike tyres if I was ending up on some less than ideal surface? Road tyres are thinner, but give less grip on rougher ground?

Simples - get a set of mountain bike tyres to give you both options.That's what I intend doing come pay day!