What hybrid bike?

[crdf]

I found it quite jarring to ride on some of the roads I had to use though, I was weaving all over the place to avoid pot holes and I noticed a lot of vibes on the back pathways.

I don't understand how the road bikers manage with all the holes, but they seem to manage them better then me, or I am very good at not missing them. Even the zig-zag no stopping lines feel like bumps to me.

 

[Liam8761]

Liam, based on the fact that you previously bought a bike and hardly used it because you were uncomfortable and you also have to take previous injuries into account, I wouldn't recommend buying anything without riding it first. Doing your own research or speaking to others can provide info on decent equipment and reliability but only you will know how a particular bike feels for you. I hate the thought of you wasting money or being put off cycling altogether by choosing the wrong bike

A good point but I'm concious of the fact that unless I buy one of the bikes I originally posted then I will probably have to order online and I don't really like the idea of just using the local stores for test rides and then buying elsewhere, pesky morals!


Taking everything into account and baring in mind what I've been told about the evils of front suspension I'm currently looking at the Ridgeback x3 recommended earlier

http://www.pedalscyclecentre.co.uk/m1b0s18p4834/Ridgeback-x3-2014

(not necessarily from this site)

Again though none of my local stores stock them so it looks like I'll have to try and figure out sizing myself and order online. This really is a shame as I was hoping to buy local to avoid this and to minimise any issues with build/setup, support etc but my local stores seem to only stock front suspension models. How hard/easy should it be for someone with very little knowledge or spannering skills to assemble things correctly?

Would this be capable of handling the occasional trips to the local woods/fields?

Any other thoughts?

Apologies for all the questions. I really appreciate all the input as I'm feeling a bit blind whilst looking at spending what to me is a very large amount so want to make sure I don't end up regretting it!

 

[vickster]

I don't understand how the road bikers manage with all the holes, but they seem to manage them better then me, or I am very good at not missing them. Even the zig-zag no stopping lines feel like bumps to me.

Carbon forks help

 

[crdf]

How hard/easy should it be for someone with very little knowledge or spannering skills to assemble things correctly?

I didn't manage. CS promised me the bike will be set up, it turned out that even the spokes were loose.

This really is a shame as I was hoping to buy local

Is it possible to ask them to supply you with a bike that is not in store/in their catalogue? And in the meantime you should try out the bikes with suspension. Even if you buy one without it is good to have tested both so you how they both feel.

 

[vickster]

A Ridgeback dealer should be able to source a Ridgeback model assuming the company has them. If they can't, order online and pay them to sort it for you

 

[Paulq]

<snip>
Taking everything into account and baring in mind what I've been told about the evils of front suspension I'm currently looking at the Ridgeback x3 recommended earlier

http://www.pedalscyclecentre.co.uk/m1b0s18p4834/Ridgeback-x3-2014
<snip>

Would this be capable of handling the occasional trips to the local woods/fields?

Any other thoughts?

Apologies for all the questions. I really appreciate all the input as I'm feeling a bit blind whilst looking at spending what to me is a very large amount so want to make sure I don't end up regretting it!

Definitely, it's a very robust bike but bear in mind it is not a full MTB so I wouldn't take it anywhere you would need an MTB for. Otherwise it's probably the most versatile bike I have ever had (that's a lot of bikes over the years).

 

[Pjays666]

hi I have a diamondback contraflow which has suntour lockout forks. I have only unlocked the forks twice in 2 years. Whether it is worth having them is a personal choice but I don't think I would go out of my way to find a bike with suspension forks again but you will have to make your own choice on that one.

 

[Liam8761]

So the x3 is looking more and more like it could be the one for me.

I can't find any info online as to whether it has eyelets to allow mudguards to be fitted though?

Could be a pain if not with the tyres being too wide for any of the clip on solutions I can find?

 

[I like Skol]

Looking at this image the back end seems to have 2 eyelets so should be good for rack and guards.

The fork dropouts have an eyelet in front and behind so well covered at this end also....

 

[Liam8761]

Cheers, can't zoom that far on the phone!

 

[I like Skol]

It's not quite as clear but the double eyelet appears to be duplicated on the brake caliper side

 

[Liam8761]

Thanks everybody for your help. Just picked up a Ridgeback x3 and fell in love on the ride home!

 

[dawn72]

Happy travels!

 

[Cyclist33]

I don't understand how the road bikers manage with all the holes, but they seem to manage them better then me, or I am very good at not missing them. Even the zig-zag no stopping lines feel like bumps to me.

Bear in mind that even leaving fit and position aside, not all road bikes are made equal and jarring feelings could be down to a great many variables.

Your carrera is a decent enough bike but there are some road frames that are famously comfy in your stated budget... Giant defy, cannondale synapse, felt z... Or I could state confidently the cannondale quick sl as very fast on roads but capable off road and preposterously comfortable.

Even tyres make a huge difference. Your weight, bike, wheels and riding style will have a bearing on what pressures to have your rear and front tyres. Post up these details and I'll offer a non professional opinion on what you could try. Sometimes under inflating tyres can make them even less comfortable than over inflating.

Finally, going away from drops isn't per se a solution for wrist and upper musculoskeletal problems. A bouncy hybrid that's too long will be just as problematic as a drop bar road bike, for example.

Finally finally, try before you buy, and get stretching and working out! Even a teeny bit of regular self-physio will make a big difference.

 

[Cyclist33]

Just spotted your x3 post.

I'll get me coat! Looks beautiful anyway