Hybrid advice

[rb51]

Hi all

Need advice on a bike for OH.

Bascically looking for a bike to ride through villages, towpaths, nothing too adventuorus.

She will be starting into cycling, so she will be probably slow.

Therefore I have thought about a hybrid bike with front suspension, disc brakes and flat bar.

Checked few models on the net but difficult to choose from as I am not clued up on things to check. Basically trying to find the best cost x effective model to get for her.

Models I have found on the net:

Liv Rove 2 - http://www.winstanleysbikes.co.uk/product/78808/Liv_Rove_2_2016_Womens_Bike
Boardman MX Sport - http://www.halfords.com/cycling/bikes/hybrid-bikes/boardman-mx-sport-womens-bike
GT Transeo - https://www.evanscycles.com/gt-transeo-2-0-2016-women-s-hybrid-bike-EV240470
Trek Neko
Specialized Ariel Sport - http://www.tredz.co.uk/.Specialized-Ariel-Sport-Disc-Womens-2016-Hybrid-Sports-Bike_83862.htm

Comments are appreciated.

rb51

 

[vickster]

Have a look at the Whyte range too, discount cycles direct have them, often discounts on the older models

She should be the one to testride and choose however, don't buy off the net

 

[Pale Rider]

A suspension fork at this price point adds weight but little else.

However, many bikes have one and if the Mrs likes such a bike, there's no point in ruling it out.

I think you are on the right lines, something with a triple chainring at the front and tyres with a bit of width to them but not too much.

If you are persuaded about the fork, have a root around the Evans website for their Pinnacle Lithium - and other Pinnacle - bikes.

Quite a few have a rigid fork, and in other respects Pinnacles are usually good spec for the money.

 

[Arjimlad]

My wife's Liv Alight has been great for the sort of riding you describe.

http://www.tredz.co.uk/.Giant-Liv-Alight-3-Womens-2016-Hybrid-Sports-Bike_84079.htm

 

[Bonefish Blues]

I recommend this line often: https://www.evanscycles.com/pinnacle-lithium-3-womens-2016-hybrid-bike-EV244095
It'll do everything your wife wants, without the need for a suspension fork.

Whytes (above) are also great, but mudguards and wider tyres , both important additions, are a challenmge because of a lack of frame clearances.

 

[vickster]

I had no issue getting full mudguards fitted to my Cambridge (with 28mm rubber slugs, aka marathon plus), regarding wider tyres, 28s are ample for me.

 

[Bonefish Blues]

They come as standard with 28s, which is why I said wider tyres, which many prefer, especially over things like towpaths. I think 35s are a good all-rounder for many, especially returning cyclists.

We like our Whytes very much, but they are mean with clearances compared to most.

 

[Goggs]

My Cube tyres are 60mm!

 

[vickster]

Anything fatter than 28mm is too slow on roads and Tarmac paths, 32mm at a push

 

[Bonefish Blues]

Too slow for you perhaps, but I was reading the OP's requirements, hence the advice. Slightly puzzled at your choosing the M+ tyres if speed's important.

Things like Vittoria Hypers have little or no trade-off for their extra 120 tpi carcass cushioned loveliness that many seek. I suspect many many more cycling returners/newbies have been put off by discomfort than sloth.

My wife rides 32 front, 35 rear on her Whyte and loves it, I ride 28s, but will go for 32s at next change. I also love my Whyte.

 

[vickster]

Too slow for you perhaps, but I was reading the OP's requirements, hence the advice. Slightly puzzled at your choosing the M+ tyres if speed's important.

Things like Vittoria Hypers have little or no trade-off for their extra 120 tpi carcass cushioned loveliness that many seek. I suspect many many more cycling returners/newbies have been put off by discomfort than sloth.

My wife rides 32 front, 35 rear on her Whyte and loves it, I ride 28s, but will go for 32s at next change. I also love my Whyte.

I chose the tyres (on my last Whyte) because I wanted puncture protection and didn't know they were quite so slow . The new (to me) Whyte is still on the stock Maxxis but will be changed for some 28mm Vittoria Rubinos if they start to puncture

The OP talks about cycling through villages (I'm assuming on roads) and towpaths which are in my experience fairly smooth

 

[NorthernDave]

I've got the mens version of the Boardman MX Sport and love it. Fantastic bike and I can thoroughly recommend it.
Plus if you decide to buy from Halfords, get British Cycling membership first (£35) and get third party liability insurance and loads of other goodies plus 10% off everything at Halfords.

 

[Bonefish Blues]

(@vickster) Try the Hypers in 32 flavour on the Whyte - 13 quid at P X at the moment. All the cool kids on another Cycling Forum in the UK ride them. There's honestly little or no trade off

 

[vickster]

I've already bought the 28mm Rubinos with Evans vouchers

 

[rb51]

thank you all for all replies received...I need to think about dropping the suspension fork requirement...It looks like it will not add much comfort to the ride by the sounds of it.

Have been to local Halfords to ask about quick test ride on the Boardman (was considering one for myself too) but they do not do it. They said I might have a better luck on a bigger store, but not guaranteed.

I will try to go on Saturday to some places nearby and do some test rides before buying.

I have also saw some Merida bikes on few websites......It is so difficult to decide when there are so many choices.....

Could not find anything good on ebay on a 30mi radius....