Which hybrid bike to get?

[LBikes]

Hi all,

I'm a complete newbie to the cycling world, but have recently decided to start commuting to work as I'm sick of paying a fortune for delayed train services! I'll be doing a 10 mile return journey everyday, so 50 miles per week.

I'm looking at two bikes, and wondering if anyone has any guidance / opinions on which is the better bike?

The first is a Women's Trek 7.1 FX 2011 (http://www.evanscycl...d-bike-ec025532) and other is a Women's Ridgeback 2010 Velocity (http://www.tredz.co....-Bike_29917.htm) .

They both have a fairly similar spec (I think!) but the Ridgeback is considerably cheaper as it's last year's model. I've had a test run on the Trek and love how smooth the ride is, so hoping the Ridgeback is similar (I'll test in as soon as the bike shop gets it in stock!)

Any thoughts? Please help!

 

[LBikes]

Hi all,

I'm a complete newbie to the cycling world, but have recently decided to start commuting to work as I'm sick of paying a fortune for delayed train services! I'll be doing a 10 mile return journey everyday, so 50 miles per week. I'm 6 ft 1, 73 kg and looking at 20 and 21 in frames (my inside leg is 35in).

I'm looking at two bikes, and wondering if anyone has any guidance / opinions on which is the better bike?

The first is a Women's Trek 7.1 FX 2011 (http://www.evanscycl...d-bike-ec025532) and other is a Women's Ridgeback 2010 Velocity (http://www.tredz.co....-Bike_29917.htm) .

They both have a fairly similar spec (I think!) but the Ridgeback is considerably cheaper as it's last year's model. I've had a test run on the Trek and love how smooth the ride is, so hoping the Ridgeback is similar (I'll test in as soon as the bike shop gets it in stock!)

Any thoughts? Please help!

 

[XmisterIS]

IME, you need to go for the bike that fits you best. Bikes come in all different sizes and geometries, and so do people. I tried out a Trek and I hated it - didn't fit me at all. I ended up going for a Giant, which fitted me perfectly. As a result, I now have two Giants - one for the road and one for the trail. If you loved the Trek, perhaps you wouldn't get on so well with a Giant. Try as many as you can and go for the one that feels the most comfortable and easiest to pedal and steer. When riding one, ask yourself, "could I ride this for a long time and be happy with it?"

 

[MarkF]

If you are tempted by the Ridgeback price then for the same cash you can get a Dawes 201EQ, my good lady uses one of these for her commute, 40% road, 60% towpath (rough & smooth), included in the price are mudguards and a decent rack so you have cash spare for other gear, panniers lights etc.

It's her 2nd Discovery and I'm on my 4th, a bit staid so overlooked and undervalued IMO.

 

[ian turner]

Think you may be pushing the limits on the 21" frame with a 35" leg but then sizing is a dark art

 

[Bluebell72]

Hi L

I ride a Cube hybrid, and it's great - this is this year's version, mine's a couple of years older now.

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?PartnerID=79&ModelID=57197

Most of my miles are done on the weekend, and I'd advise that you look at the saddle - I bought my bike at a local shop, the guys told me to ride the saddle in, and if I didn't get on with it, I could bring it back, and they'd let me have other saddles to try until I found a model and a shape that I did get on with.
I had little idea about what I needed, but that's where the advice of a specialist shop really comes out on top.

Best of luck

 

[afl2]

As mentioned previously I would definatly get measured up first before deciding on any bike. once you know the size you need i would suggest having a look round either the shops/internet/mags etc and check the bikes that you like the look of are available in your size.
You may came across something else?
I ride a cube hybrid. As i am over 6 foot tall being measured ensured i had the right size bike and every time i use the bike everything is within reach and no stretching.
Measured means knowing the bike you will pick will basically fit you like a glove.

 

[fossyant]

My wife has this one, and it cost us the £450 a year ago.... and that was with £50 off..... It's a good bike, very happy with it.

I say very happy - my wife loves it, and I think it's good quality (bike snob alert) !

Pinnacle

 

[fossyant]

Ah, it's only the small in stock..not good for you. (But this is the one my wife has).

 

[XmisterIS]

Also make sure you get measured correctly - some bike shops will just measure your height or inside leg and tell you that you need so-and-so size of frame. Not necessarily so - the length of your body and arms is also a major consideration.

 

[ian turner]

Also make sure you get measured correctly - some bike shops will just measure your height or inside leg and tell you that you need so-and-so size of frame. Not necessarily so - the length of your body and arms is also a major consideration.

This thread is duplicated but with additional info about the OPs dimensions herewhich have me doubting that a 21" frame is large enough.

 

[LBikes]

Hi all,

Thanks for all your help an support! Seems like I still don't know what to do, although I'm going to test the bike tonight after work, so we'll see!

In terms of spec, am I correct in assuming that the bikes are quite similar?

Ian - sorry about the duplication, I'm totally new to the forum and didn't realise I should post 'Which bike questions' here!

I'm quite intent on getting a women's frame as the step through is a lot easier. The Trek is a 20" frame and it was sized ok.

 

[HLaB]

I've got an older Ridgeback Velocity and totally love the way it handles but be careful what suits one person might not suit another. Only think I can suggest is you take it for a test run.

Spec wise the trek has less gears but a slightly bigger range and the trek has a steel fork where the Ridgeback is Cro Moly. There is 2mm difference in the tyres but I think you'd hardly notice that. I think the Ridgeback is marginally better but again you need to try before you buy.

Good Luck.