Which hybrid will be MUCH better than what I've got ?

[wiggydiggy]

I ... what?

I take it you mean front suspension fork? I'd argue unless you are doing serious offroad MTB type riding you are better off without.

Of course sorry lol !

Do you mind giving me some reasons why not? I've pretty much settled on the suspension front as having spent 2 years beent rattled on my Subway I decided a lockout fork is the way forward and have picked the bike but not yet bought it. Lockout for the commute and suspension for my trail riding at weekends.

Plenty of time to rechoose, but has to be sub £500 and one of the bigger brands (as need to source through C2W supplier) so Specialised/GT/Giant etc

Ps Also it can be anything from Halfords

 

[Ozzeh]

Suspension forks are generally heavier than rigid forks and if you're riding them locked out then you get no real benefit for lugging all that weight around with you whenever you're on the road. Carbon forks can absorb some small shocks and are certainly good enough to make riding on the road. They're much smoother than an equivalent rigid alu fork. Most canal path and gentle offroad style riding can easily be done with a rigid fork as well. Suspension only really helps in the rougher stuff.

Having said all that, if you want the ability for your front forks to absorb some decent knocks in pot holes and you are going to be doing a fair percentage of your riding in bumpy conditions then having rigid forks might not be for you. It will limit your choice of steed though as almost all road based hybrid bikes and all CX bikes will have rigid forks.

I'd suggest getting yourself down to your friendly LBS and asking them if you can do a test ride on similar models to see how you get on... So if you have a specialized dealer ask if you can try a Sirrus, a Tricross, and a Crosstrail. That will give you experience of the key different styles of bikes and help you make a decision regarding which type you really want. you might also want to try a 29" MTB whilst you're there.

 

[Jezston]

Suspension forks also suck your power out by absorbing some of that energy you put down into your pedals.

I agree that for some godforsaken reason bike manufacturers have a habit of putting dead straight rigid alu forks on hybrid bikes, which are about the least shock absorbant thing ever, but I'd still rather have a bit of judder than heavy bouncy power sapping front sus.

Curved, alloy, carbon anything will be much smoother than dead straight rigit alu. I have seen CX bikes with Carbon forks with these funny shock absorbing inserts in them - Specialised Tricross springs to mind - I'd imagine such things will be more than adequate at smoothing out your ride.

I'd ride down to a shop and try some out and see if not having suspension really does make your ride intolerable.

 

[wiggydiggy]

Cheers guys, very interesting reading.

As background I've been on my Carrera Subway for 2 years and ride a short road commute daily, with longer trail/road sessions for leisure e.g. I recently rode the Transpennine Trail which was never truly off road but a suspension fork would have eased my passing. I do also have my eyes on some rougher trails but lack the funds/space for a 2nd machine so was thinking 2nd set of tyres for this.

I can get to the LBS that will do my Specialised but there isnt any L in the LBS, the stockist I was going to use is the other side of the pennines!

So....Alternatively I can get to this one and compare these two bikes, I think they offer the difference that I'm trying to compare?

Rigid: http://www.chevincycles.com/m1b0s363p7530/MARIN_Belvedere_2012
Suspension: http://www.chevincycles.com/m1b0s363p7554/MARIN_San_Rafael_DS2_2012

So I can get to that LBS in the next few days and try it out, either that or go anywher and lie that I'm gettign one from there lol!

Ps I hate being in a quandry over a new bike, just when you think your out they pull you back in again

 

[Ozzeh]

Have a go on this if they'll let you:

http://www.chevincycles.com/m1b0s361p7474/WHYTE_Charing_Cross_2012

it's a CX machine with a carbon fork.

 

[wiggydiggy]

Have a go on this if they'll let you:

http://www.chevincycles.com/m1b0s361p7474/WHYTE_Charing_Cross_2012

it's a CX machine with a carbon fork.

Thats a lovely machine but it its precisely double my budget I'm locked in to £500 now as we have to make our C2W selection (or at least decide its value) several weeks in advance.

I just spoke to the chap at Chevin and he's going to pull a shortlist together for me.

 

[Ozzeh]

Ah, at that price point I think you'll struggle to find a CX bicycle with a carbon fork new.

The two you have listed should give you a good indication of the difference between a suspension fork and a rigid alu fork but see if they have a version of the Belvedere with a carbon fork too. It really does help to smooth out the bumps. I think the one up from the Belvedere is the Fairfax. It's slightly outside your budget but try it anyway. You may want to add the extra cash!

 

[wiggydiggy]

Ah, at that price point I think you'll struggle to find a CX bicycle with a carbon fork new.

The two you have listed should give you a good indication of the difference between a suspension fork and a rigid alu fork but see if they have a version of the Belvedere with a carbon fork too. It really does help to smooth out the bumps. I think the one up from the Belvedere is the Fairfax. It's slightly outside your budget but try it anyway. You may want to add the extra cash!

I think your right and any cx bike is out my budget, even if I could change it now I cant afford to pay more than what I am.

Just spoke to Kevin at Chevin cycles and he's also suggested

Trek
7.3FX http://www.chevincycles.com/m1b54s363p7338/TREK_7_3_FX_2012
http://www.chevincycles.com/m1b54s363p7343/TREK_8_3_DS_2012

Marin
http://www.chevincycles.com/m1b0s363p7529/MARIN_Larkspur_CS3_(2012)

And his other two were the ones I spotted already by Marin.

Sadly the nature of the C2W scheme means legally I cannot contribute more myself - I get taxed on the value at end of year you see - so its hope for a sale or take what they have.

Thanks very much for the tips, carbon forks will have to go on the shopping list for 2013 I think as I tend to do the C2W every other year

 

[Ozzeh]

How much is the boardman team hybrid? That has carbon fork...

 

[Cubist]

Dave 7 said he wanted the bike to ride in canal towpaths and Pennine Trail. I'd suggest the Cube Nature series. Go for the Cross Pro. Well in budget, reasonably lightweight, (11.3 kg) short travel lightweight suspension fork.
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=72889

I hear what you are all saying about forks, but road-bike style hybrids may not be robust enough.

 

[jay clock]

My only comment would to avoid suspension (!) - sucks power, and from what you said will not be needed for the type of cycling you plan

 

[wiggydiggy]

How much is the boardman team hybrid? That has carbon fork...

Too much sadly as if I go Halfords I'd get £60/70 free accessories which even at their prices is a reasonable amount.

Dave 7 said he wanted the bike to ride in canal towpaths and Pennine Trail. I'd suggest the Cube Nature series. Go for the Cross Pro. Well in budget, reasonably lightweight, (11.3 kg) short travel lightweight suspension fork.
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=72889

I hear what you are all saying about forks, but road-bike style hybrids may not be robust enough.

Same goals here just half the budget!

There is another supplier I can use which does Cubes - The Bike Tree, Sheffield - unfortunately their website is info only so its a trip out to go and look there.

Plenty of time mind, budget may be set but not buying till January.

What do you mean about robustness? They won't snap or something will they

 

[wiggydiggy]

Sold!

Went into Chevin cycles, very helpful and agreed for my riding a rigid fork will be best. Have gone for the Marin Belvedere, they kindly let me put a tenner down on the 2011 one they had in sale for £449 so when the voucher comes in Jan I'll have £50 left over for some kit.

http://www.chevincycles.com/m1b0s363p6951/MARIN_Belvedere_2011

Thanks to all for the advice

 

[Peteaud]

looks very nice

 

[wiggydiggy]

looks very nice

It is I got to sit on it, then had to walk away till January lol

Looking forward to trying a 28" wheel, and the frame is a lot lighter than my 'Sub.