Hybrid for the Mrs

[livpoksoc]

I posted about this a little while ago, but will be hesding out today to look in on a couple of LBS.

The Mrs will want flat bars, tyres suitable for road/gravel/grass, discs aren't a necessity and would like to put it on the turbo when it's raining.

I've had a look on a couple of sites and there's plenty of options on for hybrids, but all seem to come with 8 gears on the cassette. What's the approach if you wanted to buy a bike, but get a different groupset? Was just thinking I use a shimano 11 speed rear and have my tur o tyre fitted to a spare rim and cassette and was wondering if most bike shops will let you change the groupset to match?

 

[13 rider]

Changing the group set on a brand new bike will increase the cost I can't see a shop doing it for free. If the wheels are the same size I would think you could put the 11 speed wheel on the bike for turbo use if you put it one gear in the middle of the cassettes and don't change it and you should be alright ask at the lbs
My mate has a specailized sirus and it appears to be a good bike for the money . 8 speed triple so vast range of gears .
But let the other half decide to get the bike she wants not the one you think she should have

 

[Spiderweb]

Absolutely nothing wrong with 8 speed.
What is your budget?

 

[livpoksoc]

<£500, Suppose I could save the money buying a second rear wheel and cassette if push came to shove.

Fair point on letting her decide, she hasn't had a bike since her teenage years, and I only really know anything about roadies and it's limited at best.

 

[NorthernDave]

Mrs ND has a Carrera Subway One and loves it. I can see why as it's a cracking bike for the money, although it might not be right for your wife as it's a bit slanted towards the MTB end of the hybrid spectrum. I'm sure that you could put it on a turbo trainer if you wanted though.

Boardman are 'refreshing' their range for the summer, so there might be some bargains to be had on their outgoing range of hybrids - they're great bikes for the money normally, so if you could do a deal and live with the previous colour scheme it's possibly worth a look? Even at 'normal' prices they'll have something to suit your needs at sub-£500.

Both brands are only available at Halfords though.

 

[Bonefish Blues]

Whyte Carnaby solved this conundrum in our case. Slightly over budget, but we got Rutland Cycles points to the value of £50 with hers. It's much loved.

Or if this fits...

https://www.discountcyclesdirect.co...I86oYEcpFnpxTt6LBcJQSL4LdxoC27vw_wcB#variants

 

[Shortandcrisp]

Nothing wrong with 8 speed. I have a Specialised Sirrus with an 8-speed triple. In some respects I prefer it to my other bikes that are 10 speed on compact chain rings.
The Sirrus is a good bike by the way.

 

[vickster]

+1 for Whyte

Or one of the Trek 7.x models, more road oriented but not skinny tyres

Or something like a Boardman hybrid?

 

[livpoksoc]

Thanks all for your input. Went to Hargroves and got one of these 20% off the list price: http://www.hargrovescycles.co.uk/bi...re-pro-black-2017-hybrid-bike-46915.html#Tab4

Most importantly, she liked it. In terms of getting it into a turbo trainer, the guys in the shop assured me it was possible but I'm not 100% sure what size slick tyres would go onto the rim. If I can pick up a budget brand tyre that goes on there, then we're all set.

Anyone got any ideas on how to work out (other than trial & error) what the smallest tyres that rim? It's a Cube ZX20.

 

[NorthernDave]

Most importantly, she liked it.

This is the important bit. Enjoy!

 

[Drago]

I like the thread title - seems a fair swap.