Down to 2 choices of hybrid

[Ube_Astard]

I am looking at these 2 hybrid bikes for mainly road use and am a newbie at what components to look for. Please can someone consider the specs for me and make a recommendation.

http://www.boardmanbikes.com/hybrid/hybrid_comp.html

http://www.luvbikes.com/products.php?plid=m1b8s22p4039&rs=gb

A local shop has said they would sell me the Ridgeback for £430 but that I would need to hurry as the price will go up in a week or so as the 2010 bikes are due. I wonder if I was just told that to hurry up the sale though. Will the 2010 bikes really make the 09 ones dearer, or will there be a 2010 storm normally be around the same price? There was a cycle shop in Warrington selling the 09 storm for £350 but have no stock and say Rigdeback have no stock either so there will not be any more. Is it likely that the Warrington shop sold theres at that price anticipating the 2010 stock? Anyway, is the Storm preferable to the Boardman, or are they both decent bikes and its just choose one?

Ive just noticed the Dawes here
http://www.bikeoutlet.co.uk/products/Dawes_Discovery_401_Gents_2009-418-19.html
that im pondering too.

 

[RedBike]

Normally when shops start getting new models in they reduce the price of their 09 models to clear them out. It is possible that in a few weeks time you wont be able to buy the 09 model and the 2010 model is more money; but I doubt the 09 will increase in price.

The two bikes you've linked to have a fundermental difference in wheel size. The Boardman has 700c wheels while the Ridgeback has 26" wheels. In theory this should make the Boardmand better for roads andt the Ridgeback better for trails. As for the Dawes IMO you don't need (or want) suspension until you're riding trails that are probably better off ridden on a MTB.

The Boardman is probably the better bike. However, Halfords can e really hit and miss. If you don't feel comfortable making minor repairs at home then go for the Ridgeback and the support of the local bike shop.

 

[Ube_Astard]

Thanks very much for your input Redbike, its really appreciated.

 

[HJ]

Have you ridden both all the bikes? If yes which one do you like the best? If no, then I would suggest that you find a good Local Bike Shop (LBS) which will let you try them out before you buy, more than anything else this will tell you if the bike is right for you. If you do go for the Boardman remember you don't have to get it serviced at Hafrauds, any good LBS can service a bike...