Fast Hybrid? Giant Rapid v Boardman Hybrid Team

[tekton23]

Hi,

I'm looking for a fast hybrid bike for a 10 mile each way, daily London commute. I haven't had a new bike for 12 years or so as have been happily pedalling a Marin Fairfax, which I love. I'm looking forward to having disc brakes!
The new bike must have a larger 50 crankset, good fixings for a rack and carbon forks.

I have looked at the following:

Trek Zektor £675
Whyte Portobello £799
Marin Fairfax SC3 £650
Giant Rapid 1 (becoming very tempted by the top range 0!) £875-999
Boardman Team Hybrid £700

I couldn't see any options from Canondale or Specialised, in terms of what I'm looking for. My top two favourites from the list above are the Boardman or the Giant Rapid. The Boardman appears to be great value, although I'd likely swap the tyres for 28's. Any thoughts on these options? Anyone riding either of these? The Giant Rapid 0 is another £300 compared to the Boardman, what would the improvement be if I did decide to splash out?

Thanks,

T23

[Bonefishblues]

Consider something that will take a 32 or 35 profile tyre when 28s prove discouragingly uncomfortable over London streets

That was serious advice BTW. As to the bikes, I only know the Whyte, which is lovely, but clearances are tight, so in the light of my above advice, not the wisest choice. As to the others - go and visit Evans or similar and ride them. You'll know the right choice.

[Scunnered]

Consider something that will take a 32 or 35 profile tyre when 28s prove discouragingly uncomfortable over London streets

Have you considered the Pinnacle Neon? https://www.evanscycles.com/pinnacle-neon-4-2017-hybrid-bike-EV275613

[tekton23]

Thanks for your replies.

I take the point on the tyres, but I do like the 28's having ridden them for a good few years now, I am happy to stick with them.

I haven't seen the Pinnacle, thanks, it's a good looking bike and fits the spec I'm after!

I do like the hollow crank of the Boardman and the Giant Rapid 0. It's a slight preference over then other type of crank (for example on the Pinnacle), as I've been told it's a lot stiffer. Otherwise, it is quite a close call to be honest, that will rely on test rides.

Is there anything in the specs of the Boardman, Pinnacle or Giant Rapid that particularly sets one bike above the others? Or perhaps more trust in the brand i.e. is Giant preferable to Boardman or Pinnacle?

T23

[tekton23]

The Giant Rapid 0's price just went down by £50, which helps!

[firestarter]

I've got the boardman it's lovely, very comfortable and smooth. I've got 35mm schwalbes on it guards and a rear rack. If you join British cycling you get 10 percent off too. I I Highly recommend it

I also have a pinnacle mountain bike and they are a well made / brand despite being non mainstream