Hybrid bike advice

[alt126]

Hi,

I am looking for a new hybrid bike. I would use it mainly for daily commuting on road, some paving roads (1 mile + traing + 3 miles) but also for triathlon next year but just as beginner and 20k distance... my budget is 400 max.

I have seen a few but the ones I like most are:

http://www.halfords.com/cycling/bikes/h ... -comp-bike
http://www.merida-bikes.com/en_gb/bikes ... -6050.html
http://www.decathlon.co.uk/triban-500-f ... 22664.html

any good? any others I should check?

Thanks in advance!!

[andrewk]

Of the three I would choose the Boardman, best brakes (hydraulic discs) of all three and apparently a bike with a good reputation.The spec seems sensible and IMO good value, overall a nice bike.
The Merida has mechanical discs which I'm not keen on because they require frequent adjustment whereas hydraulic discs are self adjusting as well as more effective. However the Merida does have the lowest low gear of the three which may be important depending on your hill climbing ability and how hilly your route is.
The Decathlon bike is basically their road bike with drop bars swapped for flats. Whereas it should be the fastest of the three it will likely be the least comfortable and most puncture prone due to the skinny tyres. In addition I hear that Decathlon suffer a high number of warranty claims with regard to the Triban 500's front wheel but that other than that its a good bike.

[alt126]

Thanks very helpful!!

any other you would recommend? specialized? giant? or those are too expensive!!

Thanks

[alt126]

another quick question... is there any outlet shop for bikes? I got my current merida very cheap from a local shop because it was from the previous year...

[Paulatic]

another quick question... is there any outlet shop for bikes? I got my current merida very cheap from a local shop because it was from the previous year...

This http://www.bikesales.org.uk/ might help you.
Thinking of a Giant, this compares on price to the Boardman.
http://www.rutlandcycling.com/311688/pr ... black.aspx