Is there an MTB-based hybrid for me? Or should I go custom?

[StaffCycler]

Hey peeps,

So I've been faffing around with different bikes for these last few months and I'm a bit fed up/confused with my current bikes. None of them are 'the one' and I don't want to own multiple bikes as my use-case is fairly set. I mostly ride on pavements, towpaths, bridleways, dirt tracks, single tracks and blue-rated mountain bike trails. I will be riding mostly up to around 10 miles per ride, with a few longer ones now and then. The riding is mostly urban/town with a little off-road.

I'm not fussed about going super fast, but something as light as a hybrid would be useful for the longer smoother rides. I would like something with flat bars (I can't get on with drops and hate the skittishness), a rigid fork, and 700c wheels that can take tyres from say 32c to 40c.

Ideally, I'd have a rigid 29r mtb with lighter cyclocross tyres - but does that exist? I'd like to spend around £1000 - but can stretch a little higher if needed.

Given my specifics, would it be better to just build my own? If so, what would be a good frame/fork combo to build onto?

Thanks for the help!

 

[vickster]

Cannondale Bad Boy? May not take fat enough tyres though, ditto the Whyte R7 hybrids

This too posh? http://www.planetx.co.uk/i/q/CBOOBBBFB/on-one-bish-bash-bosh-sram-rival-11-hrd-flat-bar

How about a Cotic road rat?
http://www.cotic.co.uk/product/roadrat

 

[NorthernDave]

Have you considered a Boardman hybrid?
If it wasn't for the fact you want a rigid fork, I'd say a Boardman MX Sport would meet your criteria. I've got one and love it.
MTB geometry, 700c 37 tyres, SRAM X5 gears, handles everything I've thrown at it, what's not to love?
That said, there are other models in the range that don't have front suspension that might be worth a look?

 

[velovoice]

I haven't checked for 29ers in their range, but I bet Surly have several models that might do what you want within that budget.

 

[StaffCycler]

Cannondale Bad Boy? May not take fat enough tyres though, ditto the Whyte R7 hybrids

This too posh? http://www.planetx.co.uk/i/q/CBOOBBBFB/on-one-bish-bash-bosh-sram-rival-11-hrd-flat-bar

How about a Cotic road rat?
http://www.cotic.co.uk/product/roadrat

Bad Boy was definitely on my list - I just need to confirm the tyre range and whether it's tough enough for the single track riding. Another was the Giant ToughRoad, but that seems out of stock in my size from most places. I'll check out the others, thanks

 

[StaffCycler]

I haven't checked for 29ers in their range, but I bet Surly have several models that might do what you want within that budget.

I've been looking at those. They tend to have massive tyres so I'm doing some research to see if they'll take lighter cx tyres. They do sell those in just frame and fork options which might be the way to go.

 

[StaffCycler]

That Planet-X is gorgeous... I think I need to look at this closer. Thanks, Vickster

 

[bonsaibilly]

You want one of these:

https://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-gb/bikes/model/toughroad.slr.2/25002/90531/

Or if you want to spend a bit more and get higher end gearing and free pannier racks there is a "1" as well.

Uses Giant's top grade aluminium frame material and I can vouch for its lightness and fun factor while being decidedly practical too.

BB

 

[StaffCycler]

You want one of these:

https://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-gb/bikes/model/toughroad.slr.2/25002/90531/

Or if you want to spend a bit more and get higher end gearing and free pannier racks there is a "1" as well.

Uses Giant's top grade aluminium frame material and I can vouch for its lightness and fun factor while being decidedly practical too.

BB

This is definitely on my radar -- but can't find a small in stock anywhere.

 

[bonsaibilly]

Pre-order...?

 

[StaffCycler]

Pre-order...?

It's definitely an option. Tredz has pre-orders for July 27th, so only a month to wait if I go that route. I have to say, though, that I'm loving the look of that Planet-X bike, silly name aside

 

[velovoice]

I've been looking at those. They tend to have massive tyres so I'm doing some research to see if they'll take lighter cx tyres. They do sell those in just frame and fork options which might be the way to go.

I have the Cross Check. Very versatile, can be built up just about any ol' way. I've got 32 width tyres (with mudguards) at the moment and could certainly fit 35 easily if not more, but not truly massive fat bike tyres.

 

[Bonefish Blues]

All you probably need, but perhaps not what you really want (but it is less than half the price of the PX Bibbity Bobbity Boo

https://www.evanscycles.com/pinnacle-lithium-6-2016-hybrid-bike-EV244092

 

[Fab Foodie]

Have a talk with Richard at oxfordbikeworks.co.uk
He will put together the bike you want.

 

[Venod]

Ive just built this its an On One Pickenflick frame from Planet X you could build it with flat bars and MTB gearing, it will come out at more than £1000 but not a lot more depending on what you build it with, loads of clearance for big tyres, but no mudguard/rack fittings, although not too hard to attach guards with a bit of thought.

http://road.cc/content/review/116607-one-pickenflick-cyclo-cross-bike