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Looking for a new hybrid

by Stelee
Sun, Mar 13, 2016 22:49
8

Hi,

I'm looking for a new hybrid for a good mix of general commuting, longer distance trail rides and the occasional multi-day tour with panniers on the back.

Having looked around I've narrowed it down to two options, the Trek 8.5 DS or the Scott Sub Cross 20. 

None of my local bike shops have either in store, and I've struggled to find any reviews online, so I was wondering if anyone out there had experience of these or could offer any advice or opinions, or maybe even equivalent alternatives they recommend. Both roll in around the £800 mark.

https://www.evanscycles.com/trek-8-5-ds-2016-hybrid-bike-EV242067

https://www.evanscycles.com/scott-sub-cross-20-2016-hybrid-bike-EV253507

Thanks for any help or insight anyone can offer!

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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8 comments

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chrislee99777 | 8 years ago
0 likes

Discs are a good idea

Avatar
Stelee | 8 years ago
0 likes

To be honest, I want very impressed with the selection of hybrids on display at Evans, there were a lot of pinnacles, a couple of specialised, maybe one hoy that I remember seeing.

I always get distracted by the beautifully expensive road bikes when I go in there though. They did have a very good selection of nice looking cyclo-cross bikes in there, which would be tempting if I wasn't looking for something with a bit more relaxed geometry...

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iso2000 | 8 years ago
0 likes

+1 for a Hoy hybrid. Though if you have been to Evans (Hoy is exclusive to them), you may have already discounted them.

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Argos74 | 8 years ago
1 like

Change the parameters for your search. Lose the forks, add disc brakes, equip with quick rolling cross/gravel grinder tyres and panniers. Suspension forks add weight, and unless you're getting some serious air on your commute/trail rides, don't add much performance.

 

From the same shop, one of the Hoy hybrids, or GT Grade bikes would suit better for your stated purpose. Or have a poke around in that bit of the shop/web to see what takes your fancy.

Avatar
eadipus | 8 years ago
1 like

Discs are a good idea, they work better in the wet and mean the rims are doing one thing only rather than trying to be a breaking surface. Suspension forks on hybrids tend to be crappy and add a lot of weight.

I'd recommend riding a 29er MTB (can easily put slicks on it), a cross/gravel bike to try drops and a rigid flat bar hybrid to see what you like. A regular occurrence on forums is people buying hybrids against better advice and then selling them 2 months later for a MTB or drop bar bike when they realise what they really want from a bike.
Personally I use a cross bike for commuting and light trail riding and I find the options for more hand positions really useful.

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Stelee | 8 years ago
0 likes

Not wanting the thread to deteriorate into a rim vs disc brake royal rumble, in this case I probably would prefer disc brakes having petrified myself on some long descents crossing the Pennines on my road bike (with rim brakes) in the wet last summer.

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Stelee | 8 years ago
0 likes

Thanks for the suggestions, I'll check them out.

Yes, I will be using our cycle to work scheme. Although Evans wouldn't let me order the bikes in for a test ride until I have my cyclescheme certificate.

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Mungecrundle | 8 years ago
0 likes

Lack of disc brakes would be high on my 'not to like' list.

OP - Are you able to buy via the cycle to work scheme?

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