Hi Folks I need Help!

[Scott McKenzie]

Can anyone help me make up my mind?
I am looking for a hybrid bike for fitness purposes. Mainly for use on cycle paths hence the reason for a hybrid as opposed to a road bike. ( not keen on cycling on the roads in my area, too many boy racers and big trucks ). Basically I want a road bike but with better puncture protection for use on bike tracks. I have a budget of £300 to £400 at a push. I have narrowed it down to two. The first one being the Revolution Courier Race from Edinburgh Bicycle Co-Op at a cost of £249.99 or the disc model at £299.99 in the sale
The second is a GT Traffic 2.0 from Wiggle at £275 in their sale.
I live about an hour from Edinburgh so could go and collect the Revolutions but I like the look of the GT and the retail price is usually £550 so its a cracking deal. I would like to know your thoughts as I cant decide. Your help would be much appreciated.
Cheers
Scotty

 

[mcshroom]

Of the two, I would prefer the spec on the GT.

 

[Number14]

You are allowed to ride a "road" bike on cycle tricks/paths.
I've found that drop handlebars are more comfortable than the flat bars on a hybrid, even with bar ends fitted. The main advantage of a hybrid is the ability to brake/change gear without moving your hands, unlike on a road bike.

 

[MattHB]

Buy a roadie, as said, you can ride it pretty much anywhere anyway. I deeply regret not getting a roadie and buying a hybrid.

Unless the trails your going on are ROUGH, you really won't need one.

 

[Scott McKenzie]

Thanks for the replies. The tracks are quite rough and are interspersed with pavement ends. I think the thin wheels of a roadie may get a bit of a bashing. Not too mention the lack of suspension. You feel every rut and bump on a roadie. Thats why I was leaning towards a hybrid but still want to ride as quick as possible so a fast roller would be good. I also was looking for something around 8 or 9 speed as when I had bikes with 20 plus gears in the past I only ever used 8. Decisions, decisions!

 

[Scilly Suffolk]

From what you've written, I'd be buying the Revolution Courier Race (without suspension).

I wouldn't like to say which is the "best" bike, in terms of kit etc, but it does sound like the best bike for you.

The RCR is a good solid, sensibly thought-out bike without a load of cheapo extras to go wrong: if you don't want or need 20-odd gears then there is no point buying them, no matter how good the deal appears to be.

I doubt you need suspension for the sort of riding you've described and either way would think that cheap suspension is worse than no suspension.

You also shouldn't underestimate the value of building up a relationship with a bike shop: I wouldn't be surprised if the Co-op do you a good deal on lights, mudguards, clothes etc if you buy them at the same time as the bike.

However, an uncomfortable bike is no good to anyone: have a test ride on the RCR and if it doesn't work for you then you need to think again.

 

[Scott McKenzie]

Thanks Jimmy,
sorry I should have made it more clear. I did not mean buying a bike with suspension. Just a more comfortable riding bike on non smooth surfaces. I understand what you are saying with regards buying locally and building up a relationship as well. That was the bike I wanted but then I saw the GT in the Wiggle sale and it thru me a bit. Sorry for my ignorance but what speed is the Traffic 2.0?
Is it 9, 18 or 27 ???????

 

[Scilly Suffolk]

No, my mistake: the more expensive RCR has a disc brake not suspension. I still stand by my choice though.

The GT has three rings up front and a nine speed cassette, so twenty-seven in theory.

However, because of the chainline you won't be able to use all of them.

As the chain moves across the rings and cassette it is forced to run diagonally rather than in a straight line (which is the most efficient).

There are limits to how much it can handle, so you certainly couldn't use the biggest sprocket on the cassette with the biggest ring on the chainset and quite possibly the next biggest sprocket too.

Equally you would lose the smallest-to-smallest combination. You may not be able to use the largest and smallest sprockets with the middle chainring either.

I'm not saying that the GT isn't a good bike, but from what you've written I think a robust, reliable bike is going to suit you best. The GT may be a good buy (but I would treat "list prices" and the like with a pinch of salt), but if you don't need and won't use the extra kit then it's just an added complication to maintain.

Buying your bike from the same shop that will maintain it isn't everything and the Co-op aren't exactly on your doorstep, but it is something to consider: Wiggle aren't going to be much use when you pop a spoke or need a service and they aren't going to do anything on the price just because you're a loyal customer.

Don't apologise for not knowing something, we all started out the same and anyway who doesn't like to show off their knowledge!

 

[Scott McKenzie]

Thanks again Jimmy.
Your knowledge is very welcome. It would be easier if online sites told you the speed for Novices like me though!
If I do go for the Revolution, do you think its worth paying the £50 extra for Disc Brakes?
Yeah the truth is, if and when my bike needed maintenance I would go locally to a bike mechanic rather than travel the hour up to Edinburgh. Once I have bought the bike the chances are I would not be back however if there was a problem in the first few months then it would be easier to get it fixed under warranty rather than having to send it back to Wiggle in Pompey.
I like the look of the GT still but the Revolution seems to tick all my boxes.

 

[gary in derby]

just a thought, ive just got a specialised tricross. would something like that be an option? though you would have to up your budget a little.

Gary

 

[Scilly Suffolk]

More than welcome; what little I do know, the majority of it I have learned from here: ears and eyes open etc etc.

No I don't think the disc brake is worth the extra. Cantilever brakes have fearsome stopping power and, again like suspension, I would think that budget disc brakes are going to be more trouble than they are worth.

However, this is my personal opinion. Mountain/hybrid/off-road bikes aren't really my thing (although I renewed my love affair with cycling on a "hybrid"), I'm just giving you my "general" opinion which is based, as much as anything else, on experience of everything from washing-machines to take-aways: you get what you pay for.

The last line of your post is quite telling: I think you have a gut feeling that the RCR is the bike for you, but (quite rightly) you are checking out the alternatives.

It is my, very personal opinion, that you will get more for your money if you go for the RCR and spend what you've saved on extras (mudguards, lights, pump and some clothing) rather than on disc brakes and extra gears.

As your experience grows (that is to say once you've got some miles in) you will be in a better position to know what it is worth spending more money on.

Bonne route!

 

[Scott McKenzie]

Hi Gary that would be an option and looks like a good bike but unfortunately I just dont have the extra cash needed just now. Maybe for my next bike. Thanks for your input though!

 

[Aperitif]

Of the two, I would go for the Revolution. EBC have a good rep. and are a popular store. When I read the OP, a Spesh Tricross was in my mind at first...big fat 32mm Marathon + tyres, rendering it bulletproof against all the road crap you are likely to encounter...next time. No reason not to slowly upgrade the EBC bike as budget permits - the important thing is confidence and learning about your ride. The 'next bike' urge will follow in due course!
Good luck.

 

[Scott McKenzie]

Cheers Jimmy,
never tried disc brakes so was unsure whether it was a worth while upgrade although I have never felt unsafe with cantilever.
I am still undecided though. ( I'm hopless ) Just having second thoughts with regards whether 8 speed will be enough. I live in the Scottish Borders which is very lovely but very hilly. My last bike was a Specialized Crossroads Sport and although more often than not I did mainly use just the 8 middle gears it is sometimes nice to have the option. I am getting older now as well. Also with regards the sell on value, I presume the GT would hold its value a little better than the RCR being a more expensive bike to begin with and a bigger brand. I know what I am like have something for a year or so and then want to upgrade to bigger and better. My wife despairs!

 

[Scott McKenzie]

Thanks for your input Martin. Much obliged. Gotta make my mind up soon as the sales end this weekend. Its very difficult choosing a bike from a laptop. Idealy I would buy one form my local bike shop but they only stock Merida.