Which Hybrid Bike!!

[Wolfy]

Hi I'm looking to purchase a new hybrid bike for commuting to work approx 20 miles per day on public roads and some cycle paths. I've been looking at the gents Claud Butler Legend 07, looks a nice bike! I need reliability as well as comfort. I'm willing to pay around the £250 mark.

I've just got back on my old mounting bike, having had a cyatic nerve problem in my neck for 14 months, and its not that comfortable!

All your help on choices would be most appreciated, or is the Claud Butler the Rolls Royce of bikes!

 

[youngoldbloke]

Hi I'm looking to purchase a new hybrid bike for commuting to work approx 20 miles per day on public roads and some cycle paths. I've been looking at the gents Claud Butler Legend 07, looks a nice bike! I need reliability as well as comfort. I'm willing to pay around the £250 mark.

I've just got back on my old mounting bike, having had a cyatic nerve problem in my neck for 14 months, and its not that comfortable!

All your help on choices would be most appreciated, or is the Claud Butler the Rolls Royce of bikes!

- err ........ NO. If you are looking to buy the best you will have to increase your budget somewhat - maybe a Trek 7.9fx

 

[mark barker]

Are you looking for new or second hand? I've found buying a bike very personal, and was pointed by many towards a bike that I really didn't like the feel of. If you can try them out then thats going to be the best way to decide, and most local bike shops are happy enough to let you have a try if they believe you're serious about a purchase. I'd guess that riding position and a smooth ride are going to be more important than component levels. If so, I'd look out for a front suspension fork and maybe a suspension seat post.

 

[mcshroom]

- err ........ NO. If you are looking to buy the best you will have to increase your budget somewhat - maybe a Trek 7.9fx

It may not be a Rolls, but it will be a sturdy enough bike. You can actually get the 2010 version for about £250 online at present.

I have a Claud Butler Classic (two down from the Legend) as one of my bikes, and it performs it's task well enough (including as a snow-tyre shod commuter this winter).

Unless you are going to be heading seriously off-road then the suspension on the front will be dead weight as it will be locked out most of the time. They don't do much to get rid of road buzz so generally I would advise against them. (oh and I've just noticed that the 2007 version isn't listed as having a lock-out

However in your budget there aren't that many bikes around especially with a cassette rear hub and for £250 the spec is generous.

Alternatives to look at (if you are after a hybrid) are things like
the Specialized Globe Vienna 2 (£250 but add extra for mudguards/pannier as they don't come as standard) or
Dawes Mojave (£225 and solid front fork but has an older 7sp freewheel rather than a 8sp cassette)

 

[Wolfy]

Hi guys thanks for your thoughts. I will be looking for a comfortable ride along with sitting upright as much as possible.

I would like the bike to come with mudguards etc, I can't see the point of spending more money on accesories when it already comes with them!

Also please take into account that I will be doing a 60 mile sponsored bike ride on this new cycle.

I'm fully aware that the budget is on the low side, but may be able to stretch to another £50!

Keep your thought coming please, appreciate all your help.

 

[Mike!]

Bikes are a personal thing. I went and tried a trek 7.5fx and a sirrus comp yesterday, I found the trek uncomfortable and the front end a bit skittish. The sirrus however was very solid and comfortable.

Listen to suggestions but please do go and try before buying!

 

[Broadside]

My wife has a Globe Vienna 2 (or it might be the 3). For the low price they are very nice bikes - I normally ride a Specialized Secteur Sport road bike, but i popped to the shops on her bike today (even though it is hideously small for me) and it always surprises me how comfortable and smooth it is to ride.

 

[billy1561]

I have a Claude Butler and i got it mail order because it was cheaper. It is an excellent bike and has been very reliable however, i do wish i had tried one first at the Lbs as it is not the comfiest bike. Posibly due to being out of the saddle for 30 yrs plus. I find the seat is uncomfy but is improving with each ride but the handlebar gave my forearms a lot of ache so put a stem riser on to get a more comfortable ride but i still suffer from pins and needles of the hands on anything over 3 miles.
BUT, having said that i really like it and always enjoy my commute and social riding. I would highly recommend a visit to your local bike shop.