What bike?

[Glasgow44]

A female friend of mine would like to buy a hybrid for general fitness and to get out and about. New preferred. Any recommendations? Thanks in advance

 

[biggs682]

See @baby-boop-boops thread about choice of two Treks in same section

 

[sleuthey]

See @baby-boop-boops thread about choice of two Treks in same section

+ the other umpteen threads raised on this topic over the past few years found using the search function.

 

[vickster]

See @baby-boop-boops thread about choice of two Treks in same section

Or Whyte
Best thing to do is for her to go to a few local shops to see what’s available in her budget (which is?)

 

[Dogtrousers]

There is lots of choice, and she's unlikely to be disappointed whatever she gets.

But maybe there's something specific about her or how she wishes to use the bike that may sway the decision, or at least rule out particular bikes.

A few things to think about are:

How hilly it is where she plans to ride? If very, then be sure to have a good low bottom gear (but most hybrids do anyway)
Does she plan to carry anything? Make sure it has mounts for a rack. Again, I think most do, but worth checking. (or maybe a bike that comes with a rack).
What surfaces is she planning to ride on. More off-road calls for bigger tyre clearance. Say 35mm. Again, most hybrids are OK in this regard.

And also one thing to bear in mind is that some hybrids come with front suspension. If she's considering this then maybe she should reconsider. It's heavy, it's another thing to go wrong, and she probably doesn't need it.

 

[Glasgow44]

Or Whyte
Best thing to do is for her to go to a few local shops to see what’s available in her budget (which is?)

£400

 

[vickster]

£400

Decathlon or Second hand more likely. The Treks are more.

 

[Glasgow44]

Decathlon or Second hand more likely. The Treks are more.

My thoughts too

 

[vickster]

My thoughts too

So why ask

Go Outdoors is another option for new potentially eg https://www.gooutdoors.co.uk/16185414/polygon-path-2-urban-bike-16185414
or possibly Vitus depending on size
https://www.chainreactioncycles.com/vitus-mach-3-vr-urban-road-bike-claris-2021/rp-prod195698
but realistically closer to £600 is a budget for new

 

[Cycleops]

Dead on budget and includes dynamo lights, mudguards and rack:
https://www.decathlon.co.uk/p/city-bike-elops-500-step-over-grey/_/R-p-305016?mc=8526940&c=GREY_BLUE
Also available in a step through frame.
Warranty with Decathlon is excellent and you’re bound to have a branch near you if help is needed post purchase.
Don’t be tempted to buy a model with suspension fork.

 

[DCBassman]

and you’re bound to have a branch near you

123 miles away...

 

[Hebe]

just adding in Formebikes - they sell via some local bike shops. I haven’t seen one in real life but they have a pretty steel step through-ish and some hybrids in budget

https://formebikes.co.uk/bikes/by-style/leisure.html?product_list_order=low_to_high

 

[Cycleops]

123 miles away...

I have two within 25 minutes cycle here in Accra.

 

[T4tomo]

Dead on budget and includes dynamo lights, mudguards and rack:
https://www.decathlon.co.uk/p/city-bike-elops-500-step-over-grey/_/R-p-305016?mc=8526940&c=GREY_BLUE
Also available in a step through frame.
Warranty with Decathlon is excellent and you’re bound to have a branch near you if help is needed post purchase.
Don’t be tempted to buy a model with suspension fork.

Daughter had one of those for uni, added a rear basket to the rack for transporting of books / cider from Aldi. Its now back in my bike shed.

It was very well put together