First Hybrid Bike and I hate it HELP!!

[mjr]

My hybrid came with a poor saddle choice which seemed to "buck" me off with every small bump. Switching that helped, as did running wide tyres at near the Bicycle Quarterly 15% drop figures. It's still not great at speed over rough ground but it can do it at 12-15mph rather than 20.

 

[Truth]

I am very happy with my Boardman Hybrid Comp but I do tend to feel vibrations too.
I was a bit reluctant to run the tyres at a lower PSI than 90 , after reading it can cause punctures, but may well try it now.

 

[gavgav]

I have a hybrid and I love it, however I've nothing else to compare it with. I do desire to have a road bike as well, but funds simply don't allow it at the moment

 

[shouldbeinbed]

700 x 28. It's almost in flat bar road bike territory and will react to lumps and bumps more like a seat like a razor blade roadie than a sit up and beg cruiser.

+1 to those suggesting lower tyre pressures, I'd maybe even consider wider tyres if they'll fit properly.

I don't like to do the knee jerk anti Halfords thing (never had problems with my local one) but there are some horror stories of badly set up bikes or glaring errors made there, I would suggest you find your local reputable lbike shop (LBS) or bike mechanic and have them check it over and offer some set up advice before spending out on anything too drastic.

You could let people on here know where you are and ask for recommendations to be sure you get a good person, or maybe someone on here nearby able to give you a bit of help.

 

[MarkF]

Someone once told me "If you buy a hybrid, you will either get a road bike or an MTB within six months or never ride again." I have no idea whether this is true or not.

I'd guess it's total bollocks. I gave up my road bike and MTB for a hybrid 7 years ago, I often buy a road or MTB on a whim, then sell them on (lack of use) pretty quick.

 

[potsy]

Hybrids are for losers

 

[NorthernDave]

To be fair, if its a new bike from Halfords (that they've assembled / PDI'd) and the OP is having problems with it, then it needs taking back to them to check and resolve any issues (if any are found).
Halfords often take a slating on here, sometimes it's justified and sometimes it isn't, but on this occasion they need to be given an opportunity to at least check the bike before the OP takes it anywhere else.

 

[leedsmick]

Me and my wife both bought our first Mtb's from Halford. Mine has been spot on, hers had a few teething issues but I have to say they were brilliant at sorting then out. Take it back and let them try solve the issues

 

[growingvegetables]

Someone once told me "If you buy a hybrid, you will either get a road bike or an MTB within six months or never ride again."

I'd like to agree.












After 15 years on a hybrid, 5-6000 miles a year. Not wanting a road bike or an MTB. Just wanting a bike that did a bit of both.

And replacing it with a tourer. A hybrid ... but better!

 

[jonny jeez]

i have just bought a Boardman sport Hybrid, after a lot of research I purchased one,according to the spiel it's supposed to be for "roads and light trails" it's horrendous !!! Any small bump or even paint which divided path from cycle path vibrates through the bike, my questions is how to I stop this, would suspension work?or different tyres?, I really love cycling to and fro but this is really putting me off, any helps would be greatly appreciated, thanks

I would hang in there. Road bikes and hybrids are far more twitchy...or responsive (depending upon your previous experience) than wide bared, fat rimmed MTB's.

It's part of the appeal. Also the rigid frames and forks will feel a lot more jarring than an MTB. Again, it's part of the appeal.

Eventually you will find that the sensation of feeling the paint on the road, feeling every bump and one day feeling the smooth hummm of the high pressure tyres purring along a road....is a delight.

Try to give it time and also perhaps just accept that it's not an MTB and embrace the difference...it's a nice bike, it deserves a chance.

 

[Apollonius]

This is probably all about the tyre pressures. Makes a huge difference.

 

[Badwolf]

Thanks for all the feedback, I been persevering (still no likey) I got the bike from Peterborough halfords, dunno about tyre pressure (more confusion for an old man) and I think the seat has to go, last time I had all that banging up and down I had company.

Oh and I don't think bending me arms is going to help, I could bend over and kiss me Chakras and it would still rattle the bones of me

 

[mjr]

OK, I'll say it: some Aluminium bikes give very harsh rides, especially the sportier ones. Have you test-ridden a steel one? Did you test-ride the Boardman before purchase?

 

[Pale Rider]

OK, I'll say it: some Aluminium bikes give very harsh rides, especially the sportier ones. Have you test-ridden a steel one? Did you test-ride the Boardman before purchase?

Agreed, I would add cheap ally bikes are especially harsh and horrid.

Not that there's anything wrong with the OP's Boardman, I suspect most of us would get on with it OK.

 

[Venod]

Tyre size and pressure make a big difference to comfort, also relax arms and legs, learn to absorb the terrain through your body, a higher cadence helps over rough stuff.