First 'adult' bike purchase!!

[jpaavfc]

Why not go for something like this

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=74444

Decent components, front sus, quite light, 700x32c tyres so you'll be able to give it some wellie. Just a suggestion. Good luck with whatever purchase you make.

 

[BrumJim]

I got bored running the marathon as it was a slow and steady pace and unless I was out with my friends (none of which are cyclists currently) would I be able to manage 3 hours or so, because I'd need a pub destination. I'd prefer to go out for an hour and utterly ruin myself instead!

You don't get bored cycling - scenery changes too quickly. I got bored training for a half marathon. If you think 3 hours as being 50 miles (OK, that's shifting a bit), and think of how far away from home 25 miles is, and how many villages and cafés you pass on the way, then you'll get a better idea. Also you'll find some cycling friends, either on here or amongst people that you already know, and when cycling it is fairly easy to keep a decent conversation, which helps the miles and hours pass by.
Yes, and part of cycling is the stops at cafés for cake. After all, you've earned it. We tend to leave pubs to the end of rides, or planning next ones.

I'm even more veering towards recommending a road bike now. You'll find a hybrid way too limiting for your character.

 

[Bluenite]

I got a hybrid because as every one knows, road bikes are evil. So i thought until i got one that fitted correctly.
Still love my Trek hybrid, he's never let me down (and still has the plastic on the frame) I use him for the chores and my roadie for fun.

 

[Cyclist33]

I'm happy to sit and "spin" and the Transeo is cheaper! I was just thinking back to when I last rode and when cycling up hill and I was putting pressure on the front, and the suspension offered 'give' so I won't be swayed on it I'm afraid.
I've considered second hand but I wanted some info on what I would be after first, and looking at brand new ones allows me to see the 'specs' - armed with this info I can venture to second hand, and I'd kind of know what to look out for, I'm relativley mechanically minded!




I got bored running the marathon as it was a slow and steady pace and unless I was out with my friends (none of which are cyclists currently) would I be able to manage 3 hours or so, because I'd need a pub destination. I'd prefer to go out for an hour and utterly ruin myself instead!

Just on the suspension issue, there seems to be a slight contradiction here, as if you're a sit-up-and-spin kind of climber - like me - you would be putting less pressure on the front so having "give" there should be less of a requirement. But in any event, the "give" you describe is known as "bob" I believe, and is essentially wasted energy so you will find it harder to climb and be more worn out in the long run.

Have you tried much riding uphill without suspension and with nice light carbon fork?

Stu

 

[roadrash]

+1 for carbon forks ... ditch the suspension, its wasted energy when riding on the roads.

 

[MartyJacko]

Hey guys, forgive my late response but my computer imploded and it was far too much effort to continue 'research' on my phone. I've been looking around and am going for non-suspension (yay!). I've shortlisted 5 and just wanted some view points... I'm sure they're all fine, but just wondered if a specific brand had a better quality associated or if some of the parts a higher quality (as it lists the components).

http://www.evanscycles.com/products/trek/70-fx-2012-hybrid-bike-ec031935#features

http://www.evanscycles.com/products/ridgeback/motion-2012-hybrid-bike-ec032043#features

http://www.evanscycles.com/products/saracen/urban-esc-2012-hybrid-bike-ec035320#features

http://www.evanscycles.com/products/pinnacle/lithium-one-2012-hybrid-bike-ec035870#features

http://www.evanscycles.com/products/dawes/discovery-201-2012-hybrid-bike-ec035274#features


Ignoring the price, I think the Trek one appears the best 'quality' but it's the only one I'd have to drive an hour to pick up and is the most expensive.