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Really need some advice on choices for inexpensive(ish) hybrid/commuter bike!

by onyourmarksgetsetgo
Sun, Aug 02, 2015 22:08
11

Hi all,

Okay so i need a new bike and i have been doing a lot of research but i have reached that point where i have so much information and choices that i can’t make a decision! Any help/advice would be gratefully received.

My Requirements

A hybrid or city bike capable of holding a pannier rack, with mudguards, chainguard etc - something comfortable (i often wear my work clothes)!. Riding to and from work 3 to 4 times a week. 4 mile round trip.Often do it twice a day ( can go home at lunch). Not really going to use the bike for much else.

How much can i afford?

Well the less the better but i realise that it can be a false economy - i now know what a BSO is (and i believe i have bought one in the past!) so with that in mind between 180 and 300 quid (including all the bits and bobs above)

The shortlist - I have a series of options below

Option 1

Activ (Raleigh) Oakland - £195
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Activ-Mens-Oakland-City-Urban/dp/B00I06ZGJ6
A local mechanic has offered to purchase and set this up for me properly. It seems reasonably well equipped and includes quick fire shifters (which i like) but is it worth it? Will it break after a year? Doesn’t have any of the features of the dearer bikes further below but maybe they are not necessary?

Option 2

B’Twin Hoprider 300 £179
http://www.decathlon.co.uk/hoprider-300-city-hybrid-bike-id_8307664.html#
Decathlon have these on sale right now.(usually £230). I really like that it has dynamo lights, the shimano altus gear set is nice as is the double rimmed wheels. and alot of people seem to think these are good value bikes. The downside is that it is gripshift and a number of people have commented on the clunkiness of the gears changing.

Option 3

Raleigh Pioneer 2 - £289
http://www.raleigh.co.uk/ProductType/ProductRange/Product/Default.aspx?p...
Had a sit down on one of these at local shop. They look really nice, clearly more expensive, have nice picture resistant tires and straps the rack as well as adjustable handle bar stem, comfortable seat and nice handle bar rests. but is this all cosmetic guff?

Option 4
Raleigh Loxley - £299
http://www.halfords.com/cycling/bikes/hybrid-bikes-and-classic-bikes/ral...
only available at Halfords - looks very similar to pioneer 2. In fact is there any difference at all apart from a slightly better seat? Has some good reviews on halfords website.

Option 5
Claud Butler Odyessy - £299
http://claudbutler.co.uk/cycle-range/range/claud-butler-hybrid/cb4034-2014
again sat down on one at shop. Seems nice, bit heavier than pioneer 2 i think but very similar. The suspension seems like it might not last though. I think it had quick release wheels which personally i don’t care for!

Option 6
Revolution Streetfinder '15 - £299
http://www.edinburghbicycle.com/products/revolution-streetfinder-15?bct=...
It looks like a pretty good hybrid made by the Edinburgh Bike Co-op. They claim to only sell bikes that are good quality etc but it doesn’t have any reviews.

Option 7a & 7b
Jamis Commuter 1 2015 Hybrid Bike - £240
http://www.evanscycles.com/products/jamis/commuter-1-2015-hybrid-bike-ec...
Jamis Commuter 2 2015 Hybrid Bike - £299
http://www.evanscycles.com/products/jamis/commuter-2-2015-hybrid-bike-ec...

On sale at Evans. Both look very simple and seems to fit the bill. Good reviews. I know nothing about Jamis bikes though!

Option 8
B'TWIN Elops 740 £350
http://www.decathlon.co.uk/elops-740-dutch-style-city-bike-id_8303290.html
Possibly out of my price range but i like the hub gear and fully enclosed chainset. Looks very low maintenance and has good reviews.

If you're new please join in and if you have questions pop them below and the forum regulars will answer as best we can.

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11 comments

Avatar
Kindie | 9 years ago
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I had a Streetfinder a few years ago, good solid bike but very heavy. Eventually changed over to a road bike as Edinburgh is seriously 3D and I found being able to go faster up hills has meant I actually ride my bike much more often.

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daviddb | 9 years ago
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Panniers a must if only to carry around a pair of good solid bike locks which will have cost you perhaps two thirds of the cost of the bike.

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onyourmarksgetsetgo | 9 years ago
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I agree i think pannier racks will continue to serve me well like they have in the past. Local shops are okay, but sell the Claud Butler and Raleigh variants in my price range.
It seems that neither the Jamis Commuter 1, 2 nor the Hoprider are available in any of the relevant stores nearby.
I am about 5ft 9in but with relatively long legs (inside of 31in). I generally prefer a very big bikes - my last was an enormous dutch made bike. I would be tempted by the 'large' hoprider and the 19in Jamis (although there is a bargain Jamis 21in which is sorely tempting).

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onyourmarksgetsetgo replied to onyourmarksgetsetgo | 9 years ago
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Well, I stopped prevaricating and plumped for the Hoprider. Picked it up from Decathlon today. One of the guys set it up and actually took his time adjusting the derailleur. Time will tell what it is ultimately like, but so far so good.

Here is to Monday's ride to work...

Avatar
DaveE128 | 9 years ago
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The most important thing is to get a bike that fits you well. If it doesn't fit, it will be horrible to ride no matter how good a bike it is. This means going to a good shop unfortunately, or taking along a knowledgeable friend.

I think that panniers are a good choice and use them for my commute except when I take an MTB for fun. The panniers are a lot more comfortable and you will arrive without a sweaty back!

Decathlon's BTwin bikes are often great value, but they aren't a specialist bike retailer so you may not get good advice on fit.

Test riding is really the best way to see what you like riding, but not all retailers allow this, unbelievably! Also, if you're mail-ordering this isn't an option so getting one that fits can be trickier.

I agree the Jamis 2 and the BTwin look like the best options from those you've linked.

Also see if you can find a local independent (ie non-chain) shop, usually (though not always!) they will give better advice and have more time for you, but you may have to spend a few quid extra.

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onyourmarksgetsetgo | 9 years ago
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Thanks for the comments so far guys. Has given me food for thought. Firstly I think i will pop along to my neareast Decathlon (15 miles) and Evans (30 miles) and give some of the bikes a whirl.

The more i have read i quite like the look of both Jamis bikes.

Secondly I think i will investigate the flat bar road bikes there is one at Decathlon (triban 500). It really isn't far, but i was thinking i would prefer a more upright position and i will generally be using cycle paths.

Any suggestions for where to look for second hand trek fx or specialized sirrus other than ebay?

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antonio | 9 years ago
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Value for money, the Decathlon Hoprider is unbeatable, £179.00 for a fully equipped bike. Try pricing a hub dynamo front wheel on it's own, even without the lights and you will soon realise just what a bargain the bike is.

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onyourmarksgetsetgo replied to antonio | 9 years ago
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Thanks Antonio - re: Hoprider 300 - i was just not sure how whether all the comments about the gears mean i should just avoid!

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jollygoodvelo | 9 years ago
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On that budget for a new bike I'd go for either the Jamis 2 or one of the Decathlon options.

If I might offer some advice - 4 miles may sound like a long way to start with but you'll soon find it's actually nothing. Do you really need panniers? They're extra weight to carry around (not that you'll be racing on any of those bikes). You could use a small rucksack to carry lunch or whatever.

Actually in your position I would probably look at a flat bar road bike (Decathlon have a range) or pick up a secondhand Trek FX or Specialized Sirrus. £200 buys one in good condition and leaves money over to buy a rack if you need one, a full service at a bike shop, some lights and reflective kit.

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Beefy | 9 years ago
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Test ride and get the one which feels best, if no test ride available then I would wonder why unless mail order.

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CXR94Di2 | 9 years ago
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What makes a nice ride reliable in my humble opinion. Is a nice positive gear shifts and good brakes. Brake should come with thumb shifters not the rotary gear selector. Rim brakes can be improved with better quality pads.

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