Looking for recommendations - Good hybrid bike for money?

airrunner · 17 Nov 2019 at 11:24

Hi all, I'm currently looking to buy a decent hybrid bike. Something that fairs decently on the roads and urban environments, but also can easily tackle dirt/gravel paths with no trouble. Looking to spent up to £650 looking for some guidance on what would be a great value for money option?

I have been looking at the cannondale quick 4
https://www.evanscycles.com/cannondale-quick-cx-4-2020-hybrid-bike-EV360883

I am thinking that front suspension might be a good option to go for. My friends hybrid without front shocks feels every imperfection in the road, although it is incredibly light.

Open to suggestions and thanks in advanced

UTmaniac · 17 Nov 2019 at 12:14

Lots could have to prices in Black Friday sales, but https://www.halfords.com/cycling/bikes/hybrid-bikes/boardman-hyb-8-6-hybrid-bike-red would be on my shortlist right now...
2x9 gearing (32/48 chainring with 11-34 cassette gives decent range)
Hydraulic brakes
~11.5Kg for a £600 hybrid is pretty light

https://www.halfords.com/cycling/bikes/hybrid-bikes/voodoo-marasa-mens-hybrid-bike--18-20-frames is a great spec for the price, with wider range 3x9 gearing.

Unless you anticipate regularly using your hybrid on rough ground, a low end suspension fork will add ~2Kg, the Marasa can take 50mm wide tyres and at lower pressures around 30PSI (depending upon your weight) can make moderate offroad more comfy.

airrunner · 17 Nov 2019 at 14:47

UTmaniac said:
Lots could have to prices in Black Friday sales, but https://www.halfords.com/cycling/bikes/hybrid-bikes/boardman-hyb-8-6-hybrid-bike-red would be on my shortlist right now...
2x9 gearing (32/48 chainring with 11-34 cassette gives decent range)
Hydraulic brakes
~11.5Kg for a £600 hybrid is pretty light

https://www.halfords.com/cycling/bikes/hybrid-bikes/voodoo-marasa-mens-hybrid-bike--18-20-frames is a great spec for the price, with wider range 3x9 gearing.

Unless you anticipate regularly using your hybrid on rough ground, a low end suspension fork will add ~2Kg, the Marasa can take 50mm wide tyres and at lower pressures around 30PSI (depending upon your weight) can make moderate offroad more comfy.

Appreciate the response, the boardman definitely looks like a great option. Only hesitation is not front suspension and I'm deliberating whether u would like to compromise. Thanks for your help

Saytan · 23 Nov 2019 at 09:17

Have a look at pinnacle stuff if you have an Evans near you. It's Evans house brand and offers super value

mattyfez · 24 Nov 2019 at 16:46

The issue with really low end suspension forks is that they are not very good, if you insist on having suspension forks something like the voodoo bizango at circa £600 is better, it's an Mtb, but you can put narrower slicker tyres on it and you get a decent air fork.

Low end coil forks aren't worth bothering with, they are heavy and don't work very well.
You'd be better off having solid forks and running fatter tyres are lower pressure.

tom_nieto · 11 Dec 2019 at 20:42

mattyfez said:
You'd be better off having solid forks and running fatter tyres are lower pressure.

I changed my commuter from from 700c 25mm to 32mm tyres and it's loads comfier and inspires a bit more confidence in the wet. I wouldn't bother with suspension unless you're doing a lot of off road riding.

Smokey Deza · 21 Dec 2019 at 16:52

https://www.halfords.com/cycling/bikes/hybrid-bikes/boardman-mtx-8-8-mens-hybrid-bike

Bought that in August. I cycle 10 miles to work through all kinds of terrain and it handles them superbly. I'm amazed I haven't had a single puncture yet.