Which Hardtail hybrid for £450?

[NELondonSteve]

Hey everyone

I just received my Ride to Work voucher and I'm looking to buy my first new bike in around 15 years. The voucher is for £500 but ideally I'd like to save £50 (and the free £30 from Evans) for a decent lock and maybe some lights. I have no idea about specs so I would very much appreciate some advice. I've narrowed my search to these bikes for £450 -

https://www.evanscycles.com/cannondale-quick-cx-5-2016-hybrid-bike-EV239443

https://www.evanscycles.com/specialized-crosstrail-disc-2016-mens-hybrid-bike-EV212229

https://www.evanscycles.com/pinnacle-cobalt-2-2016-hybrid-bike-EV244100

This is £500. Would I notice a great difference for this -

https://www.evanscycles.com/norco-xfr-3-2016-hybrid-bike-EV243583

Thanks in advance.

Steve

 

[vickster]

Get yourself to Evans on a dry day. With photo ID and a bank card, test rides are very straightforward see which works best for you.

Specs are similar, the blue one looks best as it's not black but I think Promax brakes are pretty poor. The Norco has hydraulic discs which probably are worth the extra especially if being used in all weathers

You'll need your £50 as a minimum for a London proof D lock and secondary cable

Is there a reason for wanting suspension? Riding off road? If not, get a bike with rigid front fork for roads

 

[Pale Rider]

It may seem counter intuitive, but suspension forks at this price point add weight, maintenance complication, and very little else.

I've just bought a Pinnacle Lithium 4 from Evans which has a rigid fork, early days, but it's shaping up well.

Worth a look on their site, or on this thread.

https://www.cyclechat.net/threads/my-new-bike.198781/

 

[MarkF]

It may seem counter intuitive, but suspension forks at this price point add weight, maintenance complication, and very little else.

Agree with this, unless you have very bumpy commuting ride, they are a negative IMO. My commute is a real up and downer over 35 minutes, the last thing I'd want is suspension.

 

[NELondonSteve]

Hey everyone. Thanks for your replies.

Yes the commute will be a tad bumpy but also for weekend riding I felt I may need the suspension. I had a little ride on the pinnacle cobalt which was pretty decent but I decided on the Norco so will be picking it up in a few days.

Whichever one I chose would have probably been the best bike I've ever owned. Can't wait to get out and about.

Cheers