Hybrid

In a similar vein to the Genesis Croix de Fer recently tested, Charge's Filter Hi is a do it all commuter, light tourer and part time crosser. Drop bars, discs, huge tyre clearances, mounts for mudguards and rack all tip a nod to the mile muncher who's happy to keep the pedals spinning whatever the weather.

Bamboo Bikes (whose MTB was featured on Road.cc previously http://road.cc/content/news/59090-tech-round-bamboo-bikes-dynamo-phone-c...) launched their new 2013 models on Friday last week. There's some more road.cc friendly stuff there now: a cyclocross bike and a hybrid.

They wrote up the event on their site http://www.bamboobike.co/2013/01/20/post-launch/

I've been toying around with the idea of converting my flat-bar hybrid (which I use for commuting) to drop bars. Primarily because I'd like to press it into service as a winter road bike, as it has full mud-guards. The bike is a Ridgeback Comet, which has a Shimano triple front and 8-speed rear. I've looked around the net, and there seem to be a few considerations and options, and I'm wondering what people think.

Great bike for commuting or getting around town. It's seen light use over the last two years (getting to uni and back), plus a couple of sportives. Just been completely stripped down and serviced, with a brand new bottom bracket fitted. Also replaced the tyres only last year.

First to see will buy - this is a fantastic city bike! Frame size medium (55cm). I'm 5'10 and it fits me well. Price is negotiable (within reason). I'm in Bristol and would prefer local pickup/drop off within reasonable distance.

Thanks for looking

Here are the Giant full specs...

I am selling my Marin Mill Valley ALP bike having recently upgraded to a road bike.

The Marin is 18 months old and has been used to commute a short distance to work.

It has always been looked after and well maintained. There is a slight graze to the top tube that is minimal but other than that the bike is in A1 condition. The only addition to the original spec is Continental Sport Contact Tyres. This is a 2010 model with 22" frame, carbon forks and seat stays.

Marin Mill Valley ALP Bike (2010)

I have a hybrid bike and I'm getting more and more into road cycling so, being unable to afford a new bike I am gradually upgrading parts bit-by-bit. My latest consideration would be to replace the flat bar with drop handlebars. Does this sound feasible? I'd need to buy new brake and gear levers but would I be able to use the existing cables? Do I need anything else?

or....

Do you think I should prioritize something else? I have already put on some 23c tyres and SPD pedals and seen some really significant improvements in speed and efficiency.

A new bike marque to the Road.cc office, this one. The unisex Halcyon Akita is billed as a 'hybrid trekking' bike, with the emphasis on value for money. At £300 it's pitched at the same market as Edinburgh Bicycles' Revolution hybrids, and the lower end offerings of some of the big brands. It has a lot to live up to.

We’ve been patiently (OK not so patiently) waiting for a women’s specific bike to come out of the successful Boardman stable for quite some time, and here it is. So, was it worth the wait? Well, in a nutshell, yes.