Seriously confused

[bororider]

As I explained here > http://www.cyclechat.net/threads/hello-from-sometimes-sunny-peterborough.136242/
I have just taken up cycling on a bike that is so unsuitable for me so am now looking for a new bike

I have it in my head that I should get a Hybrid bike but something is niggling away at me to go for a road bike.

I initially had a budget of £200-£300, having looked on Halfords website and seeing a few in that price bracket, however I have now increased that to £400 ish.

I went to Halfords and although I liked a couple of the Carrera bikes I felt like it was just a sales pitch, talking about the after sales packages etc.

I've had a trek around some local bike shops and had narrowed my list down to about a dozen hybrid bikes. One shop recommended the Claud Butler Urban 100 and a Python Quantum 8000, both for well under £300
Another had a Diamondback for £200 and said it was their best seller. I was a bit taken aback expecting them to try to sell me the most expensive bike they had, not the cheapest.

I then tried another shop who were very helpful and let me try a couple and so I think I am going to use them, which narrows my options down to Giant, Trek & Ridgeback

Now I know nothing about bikes so my list is purely down to price and not spec, simply because I don't understand it all.

From Ridgeback I have noted the Rapide Velocity & Velocity SE, they also have Comet and Motion a bit cheaper
Trek 7.0 fx & 7.1 fx
Giant Roam 3/4, Escape 2/3


Now I appreciate only I can ultimately make the decision but if anyone could steer me towards or away from any of those mentioned that would be great, or any alternatives

I am riding for fitness really atm, but would like to go as far and as fast as I can, with me being the weakest link in the chain. Will a Hybrid accommodate this?

Sorry for the long post

 

[Raging Squirrel]

I got a hybrid for the same reason, settled on a Boardman rather than something cheap.then I got a road bike and it was sooooo much easier and faster to ride.

Tbh I'd disregard the ridgeback from the list and stay to trek or giant

 

[vickster]

I'd get a road bike, certainly nothing with suspension if speed is the aim

For £430, you can get the triban 5 road bike from decathlon, sti shifters, carbon fork.

 

[Hill Wimp]

Road bike, its soooo much better and soooo much faster.

 

[Rickshaw Phil]

My brother has the Trek 7.1fx, and apart from a couple of niggles (didn't like the saddle or the tyres) gets on with it very well.

If a road bike is what you want though, the Triban 5 suggested above is probably the best spec you'll find for the money.

 

[bororider]

This is just it, I really don't know.

Just got this niggling voice in the back of my head saying go for the road bike.
Most of my riding will be on the road, but some will be on cycle paths. Also fancied going to some of the nature places which will be a lot of gras and tracks I'm guessing which is why i thought a sporty hybrid may be a better option

 

[vickster]

Do you think you'll be in a position to buy a road bike in a year...perfect n+1 opportunity

 

[bororider]

I'd like to think so yh.

 

[Hill Wimp]

I know very little about bike spec but aren't cyclo cross bikes meant for that sort of thing with bigger tyres for the paths and off road ?

 

[biggs682]

@bororider i always have a couple of road bikes for sale you are more than welcome to pop over and try one just for the experiance to see what you think about road bikes

 

[vickster]

You'll have a better idea of what type of riding you are doing and if you need more than one bike. You can ride a road bike on rougher paths, just need to slow down a bit. Which you'll do anywhere to be considerate to other users who have priority

I wouldn't discount the ridgebacks, they make very good fast hybrids, probably get a better spec too than the more expensive treks

 

[EltonFrog]

Test ride both types of bike to see which riding position you like the best.

 

[vickster]

Hillwimp - yes but even the cheapest cx bike with basic spec is £600+ new

Also be heavier and slower than a good fast hybrid

 

[Hill Wimp]

@bororider i always have a couple of road bikes for sale you are more than welcome to pop over and try one just for the experiance to see what you think about road bikes

Bororider, Biggs682 offer sounds like a great idea. Ive always wanted to have a go on a really expensive bike to see what all the hypes about and to be able to see the difference in the types.

 

[bororider]

I tried one of each yesterday, albeit for a very short distance, and preferred the positioning on the hybrid, but I have only ever had a mountain bike so I'm used to being in the upright position anyway.