First time buyer advice...

[mjr]

Thanks for that explanation. I'll just answer the question and refute some suggestions.

I fail similarly fail to see why the Pinnacle's handlebars would need replacement with "comfortable" ones?

They're flat handlebars which are notorious for putting the hands in an unergonomic position and straining things on bumpy urban roads. Many riders add bar-ends to offer a better second alternative position and some change to swept bars of some sort that offer multiple hand positions, with the main position (with the brakes/shifters) being more ergonomic.

A rack and mudguards can be added at purchase for models of the buyer's choice which suited her needs. That would make the bike somewhat heavier, but one would suggest still significantly lighter than the type of bike you are suggesting.

I suggest that unless you're adding lightweight low-capacity racks and flimsy mudguards, there isn't much between a hybrid and a roadster, despite roadsters having the reputation for being heavy. My own hybrid weighs in between my lightweight roadster (solid guards but low-capacity rack) and my main roadster (even more solid guards and a passenger-carrying rack) all within about 2kg.

Gear ranges, yes, a hub gear's wider than the P1, but the bikes you list are at a more elevated price point so of course we're not comparing like-for-like. Let's have a look at the Pinnacle 3, still at a pricepoint below the models you cited: https://www.evanscycles.com/pinnacle-lithium-3-womens-2016-hybrid-bike-EV244095

Not far enough below to pay for the missing mudguards and rack, though, so effectively comparing a more expensive hybrid and still not like for like.

OP, hope that helps, as I indicated, this might not be the type of bike for you, but might be worth a look, especially if you want a model that has the capability to take you cycling elsewhere than the urban jungle.

I think roadsters have much more touring-friendly features than those hybrids.

 

[SavageHoutkop]

The test ride I did was my actual commute from whalley range into the city centre

Doesn't help you *right now* but there are plans afoot to make a better cycle lane Chorlton -> City Centre in the near future.

 

[licklelilli]

Doesn't help you *right now* but there are plans afoot to make a better cycle lane Chorlton -> City Centre in the near future.

Maybe it doesn't help right now but it's good to know! Thank you

 

[licklelilli]

Wider tyres will feel more comfortable and as Bonefish Blues says you can can run them at a lower pressure which will give you an even softer ride. There is a trade off though between comfort and increased pedalling effort but it's not that great but you'll find a medium which is right for you. You really need to get yourself down to a good LBS or even Halfords and try a few bikes then you can gauge for yourself.

I had a supremely comfortable hybrid with 37c tyres (quite big) but it also had a hydraulic sprung seatpost which might help you.

I went to Cycle Republic and Halfords to ask for advice but to be honest both really weren't at all helpful. The guy in Halfords just didn't seem to care so I felt awkward asking questions. Better in Cycle Republic but still weren't really coming up with suggestions even though I'd said I had no idea what I was looking for. But armed with bits of info from here i'll definitely pop back in and have another go

 

[mjr]

Cycle Republic and Halfords are the same company. I would have suggested Edinburgh Bicycle Co-op but I understand they've closed their Manchester store at the end of its lease last month. There must still be a good local bike shop in Manchester, surely?

 

[Cycleops]

Halfords can often be like" Darren is the real expert on this but he's not here on Fridays or Monday's". At least you'll have a bit of knowledge now that'll probably amaze them. Unfortunately there's still an attitude amount some that selling a bike to a female is easy as they don't understand much about it. Good luck.

 

[licklelilli]

Cycle Republic and Halfords are the same company. I would have suggested Edinburgh Bicycle Co-op but I understand they've closed their Manchester store at the end of its lease last month. There must still be a good local bike shop in Manchester, surely?

Yeah I'm aware they're the same company but I don't like to tar the bad service of a particular shop over the whole company. So I just tried a different store. There is another specialised bike shop in NQ that I may try. I just felt a little intimidated by the "serious specialised" bike shop when I clearly haven't a clue so thought I'd go more run of the mill Halfords.

 

[licklelilli]

Halfords can often be like" Darren is the real expert on this but he's not here on Fridays or Monday's". At least you'll have a bit of knowledge now that'll probably amaze them. Unfortunately there's still an attitude amount some that selling a bike to a female is easy as they don't understand much about it. Good luck.

Very true, hence me trying to find out a little before committing to something. I'm not the stereotypical airhead though and am confident armed with the bits of info gained from here i'll find what I need

 

[Tin Pot]

Probably doesn't fit your criteria but I've always thought these look great

 

[Goggs]

I'm not sure if this is a man's bike, unisex or if there's even a difference. It's a lot of bike for the money though..

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

 

[Goggs]

Probably doesn't fit your criteria but I've always thought these look great

That's a hot looking.. bike.

 

[Bonefish Blues]

Thanks for that explanation. I'll just answer the question and refute some suggestions.


They're flat handlebars which are notorious for putting the hands in an unergonomic position and straining things on bumpy urban roads. Many riders add bar-ends to offer a better second alternative position and some change to swept bars of some sort that offer multiple hand positions, with the main position (with the brakes/shifters) being more ergonomic.


I suggest that unless you're adding lightweight low-capacity racks and flimsy mudguards, there isn't much between a hybrid and a roadster, despite roadsters having the reputation for being heavy. My own hybrid weighs in between my lightweight roadster (solid guards but low-capacity rack) and my main roadster (even more solid guards and a passenger-carrying rack) all within about 2kg.


Not far enough below to pay for the missing mudguards and rack, though, so effectively comparing a more expensive hybrid and still not like for like.


I think roadsters have much more touring-friendly features than those hybrids.

Again, I'm not sure our debate is terribly helpful to the OP, but for the record...

You said the P1's bars would need replacing. Hundreds of thousands, millions indeed, of people get along with them just fine. So might the OP - that's what test rides are about, so let's not assert, let's raise a possibility at best.

Reference weight re we talking about the roadsters you cited as possibilities? They are significantly - or in one case massively heavier than the Lithiums of either flavour, even with guards and rack fitted. I think you used the phrase reference the much cheaper P1 that the rider would "feel the pain of the cost savings..." - I'd suggest not half as much as the pain from trying to ride something of that weight along - as an example the Duchie is 19kg (which they say is lightweight...) that's a lot to heft around. I suspect the Liv is lower, due to its alloy construction, but can't see a weight quoted, and Giant is coy.

I wasn't really thinking about touring when talking about other cycling pursuits - what I had in mind was perhaps riding off road trails, but no, I can't agree with the "more touring-friendly features" statement either. Above all a touring bike has to carry a load, and have suitable gearing with reasonable weight, plus be comfortable over long(ish) distances. For that we need a rigid frame - absolutely not what an open roadster sports, by definition. Gearing, well more and wider is definitely better, so I'll take the Pinnacle thanks. Comfort, well that's down to the individual, bike set-up, and the contact points, so either could be the one.

Mudguards and rack - decent quality, fitted at POP - let's not over-egg it, lets say 50-60 quid or so. Takes the P3 to say £430 - exactly on a par, or below the models you linked.

OP, sorry if this is a distraction, but the info may indeed prove useful, perhaps. Traditional roadsters have their place, but are intrinsically more limited than hybrids in terms of versatility IMHO.

 

[Reynard]

Thanks for this. I'm five foot and have severe Rheumatoid Arthritis so a lighter bike may be better, this could definitely be an option. I'll take a closer look. Really appreciate the suggestion

You're welcome, hun xxx Hope you can find what you're looking for without too much hassle.

 

[cyberknight]

A bit over budget but you could consider an isla bike or you can get a frog bike in alloy for your budget .

https://www.frogbikes.com/lightweight-kids-bikes/hybrid-bikes/frog73.aspx
or
http://www.decathlon.co.uk/700-boriginal-hybrid-bike-id_8349591.html
My wife is 4 foot 7" and rides a 24 " wheeled bike

 

[SavageHoutkop]

There are local bike shops, but not sure what they carry price-range wise. There's Bicycle Doctor in Rusholme, Ken Foster's in Chorlton, Withington Cycles in (waitforit) Withington. We also have a Decathlon in Stockport, which has previously been recommended for good value entry level ranges.