Looking for a good hybrid bike

[samx]

Hello all,

I'm new to cycling and have been recently researching bikes. I've spent about 2 weeks searching online but because I don't know anything about the different specs, I couldn't come to a decision.

I'm looking for a bike that falls within a budget of about 350-400 pounds (without the accessories). The other day i tested out the Pinnacle Lithium 4 2018 at evan's and it felt alright but the price was over my budget.

Compared to the Pinaccle Lithium 4.
https://www.evanscycles.com/pinnacle-li ... e-EV275574

Are these bikes better or worse?
https://www.startfitness.co.uk/cycle/da ... -3393.html
https://www.startfitness.co.uk/cycle/da ... -3394.html
https://www.rutlandcycling.com/bikes/hybrid-bikes/marin-fairfax-sc-3-2017-hybrid-bike-black_375036
Missed (Size oos)
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/fuji ... prod166354
https://www.rutlandcycling.com/bikes/hy ... ack_382375

Which of these bikes would be the best value for money. I also need to be good for hills and winter.
Please don't ask me to test ride because there aren't great options to choose from where I live.



-- Update:

I did some more research
https://www.sprocketscycles.com/ridgeba ... OeEALw_wcB (this one is 17", slightly small for me (i'm 175 cm), so not sure if it's worth the risk)

https://www.bikester.co.uk/kona-dew-plu ... 37731.html a bit over my budget but can consider
https://www.cyclesurgery.com/p/marin-fa ... olour=1933 the fairfax c3 2018, I missed the 2017 model for 314. Is the 2018 model worth the 135 extra pounds?
what about this
https://www.goodbikegear.com/252/produc ... -grey.aspx
This one looks decent but has a front suspention
https://www.goodbikegear.com/259/produc ... -blue.aspx

Btw, is there a reason why nobody has recommended the Dawes bikes?

[Cyril Haearn]

I would really want to test ride, sorry

Getting a suitable machine is more important than getting one soon. In your situation I would take a trip to somewhere where I could test ride. There are plenty of opinions on these fora too, just search

Wait a few hours and others will post opinions here

[Bonefishblues]

To answer your question, I'd be choosing between the two bikes at Rutland.

If your hills are relatively small/short and your riding's on road, I'd be tempted by the Genesis, but bear in mind that whilst it's (arguably) the most stylish and is well equipped out of the box, the 1x9 gearing's not very low if you're dragging up a decent hill.

If that's a factor, or you're venturing off road to some degree, get the Marin, fit mudguards, and ride off into the sunset.

[Spinners]

When I was a cycle commuter I thought my Giant Escape 3 was ace. Good looking and great value for money.

[samx]

I would really want to test ride, sorry

Getting a suitable machine is more important than getting one soon. In your situation I would take a trip to somewhere where I could test ride. There are plenty of opinions on these fora too, just search

Wait a few hours and others will post opinions here

Thanks but unfortunately i couldn't find any of these bikes where i live, especially the Fairfax which caught my interest the most.

[Bonefishblues]

I would really want to test ride, sorry

Getting a suitable machine is more important than getting one soon. In your situation I would take a trip to somewhere where I could test ride. There are plenty of opinions on these fora too, just search

Wait a few hours and others will post opinions here

Thanks but unfortunately i couldn't find any of these bikes where i live, especially the Fairfax which caught my interest the most.

Just check with Rutland (who I found very good when we bought from them a couple of times, incidentally) that you can fit mudguards and away you go

[samx]

To answer your question, I'd be choosing between the two bikes at Rutland.

If your hills are relatively small/short and your riding's on road, I'd be tempted by the Genesis, but bear in mind that whilst it's (arguably) the most stylish and is well equipped out of the box, the 1x9 gearing's not very low if you're dragging up a decent hill.

If that's a factor, or you're venturing off road to some degree, get the Marin, fit mudguards, and ride off into the sunset.

Thanks for your reply. Seems like the FairFax is a good choice.

By the way, I can also take advantage of the cycle to work scheme and save 25% if I buy from cycles uk, tredz, evens, or chainreaction.
the Fairfax is 315 pounds + 150 for accessories, I'll be paying 465 pounds (cyclescheme inapplicable)
If i use the cycle to work scheme, i can purchase a bike for 500 pounds + 150 accessories, that's 650 but with the 25% discount I'll be paying 487.50 pounds. Do you think i should just go for the fairfax or would i get a better bike if I use the cycle to work scheme?

Sorry for asking too much, i'm just lost in all this as i have no knowledge whatsoever when it comes to purchasing a bike. I wish it was as easy as buying a computer.

[Bonefishblues]

TBH I'd just buy it from the lowest cost supplier (and I'd be on the phone to a Rutland store which has your size in stock asking for a 'bundle' price for bike plus kit etc).

Why? Because whilst ostensibly you save 25%, there's a little kicker of HMRC residual value cost on ownership transfer which tapers over 4 years after you've stopped paying for your bike, explained here:
https://www.cyclescheme.co.uk/employers ... mrc-update

That's my personal opinion, but your circumstances might be such that you prefer to go that route and spread the purchase cost.

[samx]

TBH I'd just buy it from the lowest cost supplier (and I'd be on the phone to a Rutland store which has your size in stock asking for a 'bundle' price for bike plus kit etc).

Why? Because whilst ostensibly you save 25%, there's a little kicker of HMRC residual value cost on ownership transfer which tapers over 4 years after you've stopped paying for your bike, explained here:
https://www.cyclescheme.co.uk/employers ... mrc-update

That's my personal opinion, but your circumstances might be such that you prefer to go that route and spread the purchase cost.

I just went to purchase the FairFax to only discover that my size is now out of stock. omg, it was in stock the moment i posted this thread

[Bonefishblues]

TBH I'd just buy it from the lowest cost supplier (and I'd be on the phone to a Rutland store which has your size in stock asking for a 'bundle' price for bike plus kit etc).

Why? Because whilst ostensibly you save 25%, there's a little kicker of HMRC residual value cost on ownership transfer which tapers over 4 years after you've stopped paying for your bike, explained here:
https://www.cyclescheme.co.uk/employers ... mrc-update

That's my personal opinion, but your circumstances might be such that you prefer to go that route and spread the purchase cost.

I just went to purchase the FairFax to only discover that my size is now out of stock. omg, it was in stock the moment i posted this thread

What's your size? We'll find you one

[samx]

TBH I'd just buy it from the lowest cost supplier (and I'd be on the phone to a Rutland store which has your size in stock asking for a 'bundle' price for bike plus kit etc).

Why? Because whilst ostensibly you save 25%, there's a little kicker of HMRC residual value cost on ownership transfer which tapers over 4 years after you've stopped paying for your bike, explained here:
https://www.cyclescheme.co.uk/employers ... mrc-update

That's my personal opinion, but your circumstances might be such that you prefer to go that route and spread the purchase cost.

I just went to purchase the FairFax to only discover that my size is now out of stock. omg, it was in stock the moment i posted this thread

What's your size? We'll find you one

medium, my height is 175 cm. Thank you so much
btw, all i want in a bike is to be relatively lightweight, have disk breaks, can be ridden in winter and good for hilly roads.

[Bonefishblues]

Nope, I think that you've missed the last one there. That's the trouble with being average iyswim!

2018 models are already down to 449 I note, and they will likely fall further if you are prepared to wait. Alternatively, as mentioned by another poster, other bikes are available which would suit you.

[samx]

Nope, I think that you've missed the last one there. That's the trouble with being average iyswim!

2018 models are already down to 449 I note, and they will likely fall further if you are prepared to wait. Alternatively, as mentioned by another poster, other bikes are available which would suit you.

Lucky me :/ I'm hating myself right now for not buying the fairfax when i had the chance to. Anyways, I'll keep looking until I find something. Thanks for the help

[samx]

I've update the post