Commuting bike for semi rough terrain for around 500£

[NotMe2]

I just did some research (don't tell my boss!), and came up with some promising cadidates... again....

I do not know if suspension forks in this price range actually make sense or if they are all rubbish, but they all have one...

http://www.tredz.co.uk/.Saracen-Urban-Cross-1-2017-Hybrid-Sports-Bike_98519.htm

http://www.tredz.co.uk/.Specialized-Crosstrail-700c-2017-Hybrid-Sports-Bike_95255.htm

http://www.tredz.co.uk/.Merida-Crossway-40-D-2016-Hybrid-Sports-Bike_81839.htm

http://www.tredz.co.uk/.Cube-Cross-2016-Hybrid-Sports-Bike_84671.htm

http://www.tredz.co.uk/.Merida-Crossway-40-D-2016-Hybrid-Sports-Bike_81839.htm

If I search for "cross" I find an overwhelming amount of hybrid bikes in my price range which fit the off road and street categroy, sorry for the numbers game here. Anybody with an idea about those or another one from this category?

Cheers!

 

[Cycleops]

The Charge Grater looks good, especially for the price. Would the lack of double chainset be a disadvantage for you?

I wouldn't bother with the fork suspension of the above bikes, it just adds weight,cost and does little for comfort. You can just take a bit of air out of the tyres if you want that.

The names 'dirt bike' 'gravel bike' adventure bike' is just a marketing bullsh*it, ignore it and look for the features you need. Essentially they are all CX bikes but altered in some way. Don't ignore the Halfords Boardman bikes which offer good value although the in shop experience can be variable.

 

[NotMe2]

Thanks Cycleops.

I don't think that the lack of the double chainset would be problematic for me. My previous bike did have more than twenty speeds, I ended up using only 3of them all the time.....

So again, I did some research.... and did narrow it down to the final (????) cadidates:

The bang for the buck:
http://www.tredz.co.uk/.Charge-Grater-1-2016-Hybrid-Sports-Bike_83284.htm

I like the look and the tyres but it comes with a fork suspension:
http://www.tredz.co.uk/.Saracen-Urban-Cross-1-2017-Hybrid-Sports-Bike_98519.htm

Boardman:
http://www.halfords.com/cycling/bikes/hybrid-bikes/boardman-hybrid-comp-bike


Last but not least the Voodoo marasa. I did read good stuff about this brand on the internet, espacially in connection with off road and mountain bikes and the bike itself looks nice. Looks like this might be the one which is the most "off road" according to the specs? People seem to love it according to the reviews at the shop.
http://www.halfords.com/cycling/bikes/hybrid-bikes/voodoo-marasa-hybrid-bike

Which one would you guys choose and why?

 

[Cycleops]

I'd say there's little in it on paper between the Voodoo and Boardman. I'd even favour the cheaper Voodo or Grater for its steel fork. Smoothed welds on the Boardman look better but it's a small point.

 

[al3xsh]

Try a giant roam - https://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-gb/bikes/model/roam.2/24997/90540/

I have a roam 1 for commuting (16 miles each way) and light off road and it is a nice bike. Pretty heavy though!

 

[Tin Pot]

I dont know why anyone would buy a CX bike, ever.

Simple, effective:
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/mobile/vitus-bikes-vee-1-city-bike-2014/rp-prod80999

I would also alternate riding and running to work that 5/6km.

 

[NickTB]

I dont know why anyone would buy a CX bike, ever.

Simple, effective:
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/mobile/vitus-bikes-vee-1-city-bike-2014/rp-prod80999

I would also alternate riding and running to work that 5/6km.

I have to say I agree.

after buying a Cannondale CAADX I would never go back to one. The riding position (For me) just didn't feel right. The Marin I have now is perfect

 

[Goggs]

If you've got £500 to spend there's this..

http://www.edinburghbicycle.com/products/marin-fairfax-sc4-belt-16

If you haven't there's this..

http://www.edinburghbicycle.com/products/marin-fairfax-sc2-ig-16

Both will be good bikes and do everything you want them to do.

 

[jefmcg]

Budget for some ergo grips with bar ends for comfort

Not necessary for 5 or 6 km, so not in initial budget. But if he loves it, then a good first addition after lights, tyres, luggage; when he wants to do longer rides

 

[vickster]

I can't ride any distance on round grips personally. Horrid skinny things! Ergo grips get fitted immediately on my flat bar bikes

 

[NotMe2]

Tin Pot,

Thanks for your suggestion, at the moment I am alternating between running and taking the bus, I will definetely continue the running once or twice a week

I do not know if a single speed bike would be fine for me. I never drove one, would need to testride it. I will try to find it somewhere here in Newbury. I definetely like the "no unnessecaritys" approach which results in sturdy parts and a decent price.

Goggs,
Thanks for your suggestions as well. I read good reviews about those two and the cheaper one is now my favourite. The same applies to this bike what I wrote above about Tin Pots suggestion, simple but no nonsense.

I will try to testride some of those!

 

[Cycleops]

Be aware that the two Marin bikes are only available in the 'small' size, according to them suitable for someone 5'1 to 5'5.

 

[NotMe2]

Yep, I also just saw that

I am not a huge person, but that might be to small for me. I am around 176cm tall. have to meassure my leg length...

 

[NotMe2]

Ok, seems like both bikes are not available on the whole internet in my size

 

[vickster]

Ok, seems like both bikes are not available on the whole internet in my size

Try your local bike shops? 176cm is around 5'9, you'd likely be looking at a medium or large depending on the bike. Get to some shops and sit on some bikes. Evans for example do testrides and will price match quite a few other retailers if you find a bike cheaper elsewhere online

If new to cycling and not sure what you want or the size, it can be best to buy in a shop rather than online. Given what you say in your opening post about being confused by all the options, this definitely would be the way to go imo, get out there, try some, find the right bike for you. There look to be several independent shops in Newbury plus presumably chains as well as Reading etc. Have you tried Decathlon?