Hybrid bikes

[toby27]

Hello,
Started a c2w scheme at work and looking for a bike for less than £500. My route is 70% farm lanes / dirt tracks and 30% road so I'm thinking hybrid is the way to go as it's too rough for road bike. Bad news is I have to do scheme through Halford and choice is limited.

Can anyone help?

 

[RoubaixCube]

Not a huge lot of choice for £500.

http://www.halfords.com/cycling/bikes/hybrid-bikes/boardman-hybrid-comp-bike

 

[13 rider]

Look at the 13 range .I am bias I have a 13 hybrid intuative alpha. There's several in the range under £500 .You need to decide if you need front suspension or not . I went with suspension but if I chose now I'd go for no suspension as you carry extra weight which I tend not to use . The 13 implicit range with out suspension would be my recommdation good hunting

 

[toby27]

Thanks 13 rider.

I've read a lot of debates about suspension being extra unnecessary weight but I do like the idea that it allows more flexibility than a rigid fork. Im not looking to break any time trial records and Bottom line is I want a bike that is fun and easy to ride that I can use for commute but also allows me to go off the black stuff without worrying.

 

[Red17]

If you are looking for front suspension have a look at their Voodoo range of mountain bikes.

I have a Voodoo which is a lot slower than my hybrid on the road, but more fun on the rougher stuff.

 

[hububalli]

What about a boardman CX? They have last years model on sale at the moment in your budget. I borrowed a cyclocross bike for a while and they are great, much prefer it to my hybrid. I am looking at getting one myself once I know what size.

 

[toby27]

Thanks Huballai Looks good but seems to have a few reoccurring faults. Surely there must be a bike that fits the bill for me. Why is this so difficult? lots of choice but very few genuine options

 

[vickster]

There are plenty of local bike shops that take halfords vouchers. Alternatively their helpline can get all sorts of other bikes
Google for the halfords c2w site and follow the employee link

 

[mustang1]

I take my cx bike (35mm road tires) off road occasionally. In the dry they are fine but in muddy conditions, not so much fun.

You.should consider what kind of tires you need as well. I found CX specific tires, while surprisingly good rolling on tarmac, puncture too easily. I stuck with slicms because only 10 mins of my 1h commute was off road.

MTB tires don't roll well enough on road. How long is your ride?

 

[NorthernDave]

http://www.halfords.com/cycling/bikes/hybrid-bikes/boardman-mx-sport-bikeboardman-mx-sport-bike

Comes in just below your budget, seems to fit the spec you want and, as an owner of last year's model, is a bike I'd recommend to anyone looking for a hybrid.
Fast enough on road, copes with everything I've thrown at it off road.

Join British Cycling (£33, I think), and get 10% off everything at Halfords too.

 

[vickster]

Possibly not with c2w but worth asking

 

[grumpyoldwoman]

http://www.halfords.com/cycling/bikes/hybrid-bikes/boardman-mx-sport-bikeboardman-mx-sport-bike

Comes in just below your budget, seems to fit the spec you want and, as an owner of last year's model, is a bike I'd recommend to anyone looking for a hybrid.
Fast enough on road, copes with everything I've thrown at it off road.

Join British Cycling (£33, I think), and get 10% off everything at Halfords too.

+1 for that make and model. Love mine!
Great for commuting and great for tracks too!

 

[toby27]

Looks like its the Boardman MX Sport then. Thanks very much everyone.