What hybrid bike is best?

[skyepo]

Hi fellow cyclists,
Hopefully someone will be able to help me make a better decision on which hybrid bike to get.
I went to evans cycles today and I had my eye on the Pinnacle neon 2 https://goo.gl/Yhj2hQ
but after explaining to the guy that I commute around Cardiff where it constantly rains and it can be quite leafy/muddy on the road he suggested the Pinnacle lithium 3 https://goo.gl/Q9Kczv and it has better brakes according to him!

I currently have a 20Kg mountain bike which is so uncomfortable to ride further than 1 mile in, and really isn't fit for purpose and a wasted investment. Can anyone share their wise words of wisdom?
I have a budget of £500 and unfortunately I'm a woman and i care what the bike looks like

Thanks in advance for anyone who takes their spare time to help me!

 

[vickster]

Try them, extremely easy to do so at Evans, need a dry day, photo ID, bank card and then you can go try them for as long as you want . See which you like most, no one can really tell you that

The disc brakes are useful in wet weather, check that the bike can take full length mudguards, to avoid getting a filthy streak up your back. Evans can advise and fit

 

[NorthernDave]

@vickster has it covered - try them both on a test ride and go for the one that suits you best

 

[sleuthey]

There are pros and cons to each bike but if it were me, and I were commuting in a city on tarmac, then I would personally buy the Neon 2. My decision would be based on the lower price, better quality gearing components, narrower tyres and personal preference for a 2X Chainset rather than a 3X. I guess some might be put of by the Neon 2 having Kenda tyres when the other bike has Continentals but I have had a good experience with the Kenda Kwest myself.

 

[Bonefish Blues]

The brakes have been covered, and for sure discs are the better all-weather stoppers.

Another thing to mention is tyres. The Lithium has significantly larger profile tyres when compared to the Neon. They will be more comfortable but roll slightly more slowly. They will provide surer grip both on and off road though. If you decided on the Neon, I'd suggest that you ask whether Evans will swap for a larger profile tyre, either 32 or 35c. It would make a difference to the comfort on city streets.

 

[13 rider]

Is your commute flat or hilly . The neon was higher gearing quicker but harder to pedal uphill where as the lithium has much lower gears so potentially slower but easier to get up any hill . The neon is also a 1 kg lighter which does make a difference in effort .Both bikes appear to have mudguards fixings
Take in all the points raised revist Evans and raise any questions you have then as @vickster says tests ride

 

[Bonefish Blues]

The kilo is accounted for largely by the disc brakes and bigger tyres. You'll seldom, at least on a commuter and recreational bike, use particularly high gears. Top gear on the Lithium is 95 inches which is certainly enough for all but very steep downhills (but gravity is great and free!). It has the lower years which, as said, may be useful on a commute, or on paths and trails.

At the top of your budget is another option: https://www.rutlandcycling.com/3683...uYKV5ejhYV1uG1skhzoD8azydDthwBrxoCezsQAvD_BwE

A lovely bike which my wife rides. I know Vickster rates them (Whyte hybrids), too!

Medium size cheap here: https://www.cyclesurgery.com/p/whyte-carnaby-2017-Q3214094.html

 

[skyepo]

Thanks to everyone, you all have great advice!
I didn't know i could test ride these bikes at evans, that would be awesome to do! Thanks for that!
Regarding the much larger tires on the Lithium, wont these make my commute harder and more straining? Sorry if these seem like silly questions but i really have no clue. My commute has one huge hill, but that's about it.. and usually i give up half way because its so steep Will slimmer tyres be unsuitable for slightly rougher roads/pavements?

 

[vickster]

Good shout on the Whyte at Cycle Surgery if it's the right size. It's got a 1x11 chainset which is great for flattish commuting but might not be suitable if hilly

IIRC a Medium ladies Whyte R7 is good for 5'5 to 5'8 or thereabouts (I had a men's medium Cambridge, and at around 5'10 it was too small for me)

These guys aren't local to you, but they can have some good deals on older Whyte models

https://www.discountcyclesdirect.co.uk/catalog/index.php?MF_ID=0&CG_ID=10&CS_ID=332&CSS_ID=0&RH0=showall&RH=57&P_MIN=150&P_MAX=1010&P_TT=2&sortorder=CI_Price+ASC&filter-brand=Go&mf_id[]=231

Or this is the men's version of the Carnaby, not as pretty but cheaper (if you aren't very petite)

https://www.discountcyclesdirect.co.uk/catalog/product.php?CI_ID=20754&Item='Whyte Whitechapel 2016 Hybrid/Commuter Bike'

or if tallish and want more gears

https://www.discountcyclesdirect.co.uk/catalog/product.php?CI_ID=21043&Item='Whyte Shoreditch 2016 Hybrid/Commuter Bike'

 

[rivers]

My wife has the Neon 2, she loves it. She commutes to various places in Bristol on it, as well as heads out on longer rides with me (up to about 45 miles). We have gone on tarmac as well as sand/gravel trails. If it suits, you can't go wrong with it.

 

[rivers]

Thanks to everyone, you all have great advice!
I didn't know i could test ride these bikes at evans, that would be awesome to do! Thanks for that!
Regarding the much larger tires on the Lithium, wont these make my commute harder and more straining? Sorry if these seem like silly questions but i really have no clue. My commute has one huge hill, but that's about it.. and usually i give up half way because its so steep Will slimmer tyres be unsuitable for slightly rougher roads/pavements?

The 28s on the Neon 2 will be fine. I have 25s on both of my bikes, which are proper road bikes, and I've gone cycling over some pretty rough terrain with them. I'm not so sure how huge you huge hill, but stick it in the small ring on the front and the big ring on the back and you should make it up. If you're concerned about rougher roads, you can fit wider tyres on the neon, i think they will take up to 40mm tyres

 

[skyepo]

The 28s on the Neon 2 will be fine. I have 25s on both of my bikes, which are proper road bikes, and I've gone cycling over some pretty rough terrain with them. I'm not so sure how huge you huge hill, but stick it in the small ring on the front and the big ring on the back and you should make it up. If you're concerned about rougher roads, you can fit wider tyres on the neon, i think they will take up to 40mm tyres

I think I've been convinced to get the neon at least I'll have the luxury to get bigger tyres should I need them! Thanks for the advice

 

[vickster]

Order through quidco online for cashback. Collect in store

If you happen to have lots of Tesco clubcard vouchers, you can double your money to use at Evans

Get Evans to fit the mudguards and any other accessories like a pannier rack

Enjoy your new bike

 

[Cycleops]

I'm sure you won't be disappointed with the Neon. The narrower tyres will make the bike feel more nimble and the gearing should be able to take care of that hill, it's also reasonably light.
Not sure what puncture protection those Kendas have but they should do you for a while.

 

[skyepo]

Order through quidco online for cashback. Collect in store

If you happen to have lots of Tesco clubcard vouchers, you can double your money to use at Evans

Get Evans to fit the mudguards and any other accessories like a pannier rack

Enjoy your new bike

I actually work for Tesco so I'm getting the bike through cycle scheme! will definitely get some mud guards though... Learnt my lesson scrubbing all my coat and trousers... And face! really excited to get my new bike through good advice!