Hi all. I know it’s probably not really what you lot are into, but I’d like some advice on a suitable hybrid for the commute to work please. Only 6 ish miles each way, but I live at the top of Shooters Hill so there’s always an uphill return journey! Plum Lane is going to be my preferred route home, so it’s fairly steep... I’ve seen a couple of 7 geared bikes that I like the look of, but will that be enough or should I be looking at something else? Thanks 👍🏻
What's your budget? 7 gear doesn't seem enough, nit that I'm am expert
Budget is up to a grand. Hoping that’s enough to get me something decent for commuting / family days out.
That is a good budget for entry level, you can do well for less google best entry llevel road bikes and a reputable publication will come up. There are also bike2work/cycle schemes where you get a loan from your workplace and pay off pre tax, have a look https://www.bike2workscheme.co.uk/ . It claims to get you 20 - 40% off, you can also get peripharies through this so if you are just starting off you can get lights,helmut, gloves etc.
Be aware that there is a shortage of everything at the moment partly due to people taking it up during COVID. Also remember to buy what is right for you, 6 miles isn't far so you don't need top of the range. Cycle shop workers are salespeople too and ethy will try to get you to upgrade everything. Pointless getting super light weight stuff if you are overweight (like me).
I’ve got the RC 520 and I love it. Best thing about it (other than the mad value for money) is the tyre clearance. I’ve got big boy 35mm tyres on mine now, basically turning it into a gravel bike. If I put 25mm on it it’s a road bike again.
I’ve got the RC 520 and I love it. Best thing about it (other than the mad value for money) is the tyre clearance. I’ve got big boy 35mm tyres on mine now, basically turning it into a gravel bike. If I put 25mm on it it’s a road bike again.
A man of fine taste clearly!
As @Cordoban Addick rightly points out, the cycle to work scheme is brilliant for this price range as you will be well within the limit and get yourself kitted out with other stuff to.
There are widespread issues with supply, as cycling seems to have gone crazy since COVID (I was quoted a month to get a bike back if I took it in!) but the roadbike version (pictured) is currently in stock at Decathlon Surrey Quays in various sizes as it is their most popular bike, and really seems like a nice piece of kit to me.
Hi all. I know it’s probably not really what you lot are into, but I’d like some advice on a suitable hybrid for the commute to work please. Only 6 ish miles each way, but I live at the top of Shooters Hill so there’s always an uphill return journey! Plum Lane is going to be my preferred route home, so it’s fairly steep... I’ve seen a couple of 7 geared bikes that I like the look of, but will that be enough or should I be looking at something else? Thanks 👍🏻
What's your budget? 7 gear doesn't seem enough, nit that I'm am expert
Budget is up to a grand. Hoping that’s enough to get me something decent for commuting / family days out.
And what's your level at? Are you happy to have to have front gears and rear gears? Or do you just want to worry about rear gears?
Level is very much a beginner in terms of road cycling, but I’m happy to get something that will be the most beneficial and learn how to use it the most effectively as I go along.
For the under £1k price range, I think (and am happy to be corrected) that Decathlon are often one of the best for value, and for your price range you can get something very, very nice.
I would recommend looking at these two. Shimano 105 (all of the mechanical parts of the bike are in a manufacturer's "category") is the perfect "benchmark," under that just isn't as good (although can be perfectly fine!), above that you are just paying for weight reductions.
The key difference between those two bikes I posted is that one is the flat bar hybrid you are talking about, but the other has the "drops" and is a proper road bike.
£850, and in my opinion, very good value for money.
Hi all. I know it’s probably not really what you lot are into, but I’d like some advice on a suitable hybrid for the commute to work please. Only 6 ish miles each way, but I live at the top of Shooters Hill so there’s always an uphill return journey! Plum Lane is going to be my preferred route home, so it’s fairly steep... I’ve seen a couple of 7 geared bikes that I like the look of, but will that be enough or should I be looking at something else? Thanks 👍🏻
What's your budget? 7 gear doesn't seem enough, nit that I'm am expert
Budget is up to a grand. Hoping that’s enough to get me something decent for commuting / family days out.
And what's your level at? Are you happy to have to have front gears and rear gears? Or do you just want to worry about rear gears?
Level is very much a beginner in terms of road cycling, but I’m happy to get something that will be the most beneficial and learn how to use it the most effectively as I go along.
For the under £1k price range, I think (and am happy to be corrected) that Decathlon are often one of the best for value, and for your price range you can get something very, very nice.
I would recommend looking at these two. Shimano 105 (all of the mechanical parts of the bike are in a manufacturer's "category") is the perfect "benchmark," under that just isn't as good (although can be perfectly fine!), above that you are just paying for weight reductions.
The key difference between those two bikes I posted is that one is the flat bar hybrid you are talking about, but the other has the "drops" and is a proper road bike.
£850, and in my opinion, very good value for money.
That’s great, thank you. I’d be able to push to £1,500 for something that was going to last me, but because it’s only going to be a bike with a flat bar I’m not sure if it’s worth going too mad with something that might not necessarily be a proper road bike.
It needs work on a couple of levels really, as my wife will also be getting something similar for days out (although not as many gears as we’d probably be going along flatter routes with the kids).
You can’t go wrong with a Specialized Sirrus in that price range. I’ve used them as my commuter, shopping and medium trip bikes. Within your price don’t forget locks, lights, pump, panniers, helmet and clothing.
Hi all. I know it’s probably not really what you lot are into, but I’d like some advice on a suitable hybrid for the commute to work please. Only 6 ish miles each way, but I live at the top of Shooters Hill so there’s always an uphill return journey! Plum Lane is going to be my preferred route home, so it’s fairly steep... I’ve seen a couple of 7 geared bikes that I like the look of, but will that be enough or should I be looking at something else? Thanks 👍🏻
What's your budget? 7 gear doesn't seem enough, nit that I'm am expert
Budget is up to a grand. Hoping that’s enough to get me something decent for commuting / family days out.
And what's your level at? Are you happy to have to have front gears and rear gears? Or do you just want to worry about rear gears?
Level is very much a beginner in terms of road cycling, but I’m happy to get something that will be the most beneficial and learn how to use it the most effectively as I go along.
For the under £1k price range, I think (and am happy to be corrected) that Decathlon are often one of the best for value, and for your price range you can get something very, very nice.
I would recommend looking at these two. Shimano 105 (all of the mechanical parts of the bike are in a manufacturer's "category") is the perfect "benchmark," under that just isn't as good (although can be perfectly fine!), above that you are just paying for weight reductions.
The key difference between those two bikes I posted is that one is the flat bar hybrid you are talking about, but the other has the "drops" and is a proper road bike.
£850, and in my opinion, very good value for money.
Hi all. I know it’s probably not really what you lot are into, but I’d like some advice on a suitable hybrid for the commute to work please. Only 6 ish miles each way, but I live at the top of Shooters Hill so there’s always an uphill return journey! Plum Lane is going to be my preferred route home, so it’s fairly steep... I’ve seen a couple of 7 geared bikes that I like the look of, but will that be enough or should I be looking at something else? Thanks 👍🏻
What's your budget? 7 gear doesn't seem enough, nit that I'm am expert
Budget is up to a grand. Hoping that’s enough to get me something decent for commuting / family days out.
And what's your level at? Are you happy to have to have front gears and rear gears? Or do you just want to worry about rear gears?
Level is very much a beginner in terms of road cycling, but I’m happy to get something that will be the most beneficial and learn how to use it the most effectively as I go along.
For the under £1k price range, I think (and am happy to be corrected) that Decathlon are often one of the best for value, and for your price range you can get something very, very nice.
I would recommend looking at these two. Shimano 105 (all of the mechanical parts of the bike are in a manufacturer's "category") is the perfect "benchmark," under that just isn't as good (although can be perfectly fine!), above that you are just paying for weight reductions.
The key difference between those two bikes I posted is that one is the flat bar hybrid you are talking about, but the other has the "drops" and is a proper road bike.
£850, and in my opinion, very good value for money.
That’s great, thank you. I’d be able to push to £1,500 for something that was going to last me, but because it’s only going to be a bike with a flat bar I’m not sure if it’s worth going too mad with something that might not necessarily be a proper road bike.
It needs work on a couple of levels really, as my wife will also be getting something similar for days out (although not as many gears as we’d probably be going along flatter routes with the kids).
You can’t go wrong with a Specialized Sirrus in that price range. I’ve used them as my commuter, shopping and medium trip bikes. Within your price don’t forget locks, lights, pump, panniers, helmet and clothing.
Talking about cycle to work, does anyone here have any experience in setting one up or changing a scheme that's used?
I started a new job back end of last year and as soon as my probation is over I plan on getting a new bike on the scheme. Problem is the one at our current place is only through Evans. Obviously I'd rather not use them but I also read yesterday about how they're now forcing employees onto zero hour contracts. I was going to speak to HR and see if it's possible to use one of the other schemes that can be used at various shops but how easy is it to change schemes? Are they tied into the scheme with Evans for a certain time period?
So yeah not desperate to use them but equally kind of hard to turn down the savings of cycle to work.
That's my problem. They are the only close by 'chain' and they do a reasonable entry level road bike (Pinnacle 3 is what I am thinking of), that does Cycle2work. Lots of smaller shops have it but their entry level bikes are £300+ more expensive for what appear to be/are rated lesser bikes, their peripherals are also bloody expensive. I haven't bought it yet but I guess I will get the service that I pay for!
Talking about cycle to work, does anyone here have any experience in setting one up or changing a scheme that's used?
I started a new job back end of last year and as soon as my probation is over I plan on getting a new bike on the scheme. Problem is the one at our current place is only through Evans. Obviously I'd rather not use them but I also read yesterday about how they're now forcing employees onto zero hour contracts. I was going to speak to HR and see if it's possible to use one of the other schemes that can be used at various shops but how easy is it to change schemes? Are they tied into the scheme with Evans for a certain time period?
Depending on the company you work for, it is possible to change schemes and as far as I'm aware there is no official tying into a scheme (e.g I don't think x business has to sign a contract then spend 3 years with y scheme).
I have experienced customers changing schemes so they can buy bikes/parts from our shop in the past, however from memory these people either worked for smaller companies or were self-employed.
I think it will come down to if your HR is arsed to change scheme or if changing scheme will have any affect on other people in your company who are still paying off their cycle to work scheme.
Usually the efficiency and experience of going through the cycle to work scheme will largely be dependant on your employer, the HR and how strict they are with what you can spend the voucher on.
Talking about cycle to work, does anyone here have any experience in setting one up or changing a scheme that's used?
I started a new job back end of last year and as soon as my probation is over I plan on getting a new bike on the scheme. Problem is the one at our current place is only through Evans. Obviously I'd rather not use them but I also read yesterday about how they're now forcing employees onto zero hour contracts. I was going to speak to HR and see if it's possible to use one of the other schemes that can be used at various shops but how easy is it to change schemes? Are they tied into the scheme with Evans for a certain time period?
Try Cycles uk in Creek road Deptford. i’ve only ever browsed in there but the two young fellas were very clued up (one roadie and a mountain biker) and helpfull..
Talking about cycle to work, does anyone here have any experience in setting one up or changing a scheme that's used?
I started a new job back end of last year and as soon as my probation is over I plan on getting a new bike on the scheme. Problem is the one at our current place is only through Evans. Obviously I'd rather not use them but I also read yesterday about how they're now forcing employees onto zero hour contracts. I was going to speak to HR and see if it's possible to use one of the other schemes that can be used at various shops but how easy is it to change schemes? Are they tied into the scheme with Evans for a certain time period?
Depending on the company you work for, it is possible to change schemes and as far as I'm aware there is no official tying into a scheme (e.g I don't think x business has to sign a contract then spend 3 years with y scheme).
I have experienced customers changing schemes so they can buy bikes/parts from our shop in the past, however from memory these people either worked for smaller companies or were self-employed.
I think it will come down to if your HR is arsed to change scheme or if changing scheme will have any affect on other people in your company who are still paying off their cycle to work scheme.
Usually the efficiency and experience of going through the cycle to work scheme will largely be dependant on your employer, the HR and how strict they are with what you can spend the voucher on.
Hope this is accurate and helps!
Also fuck Cashley.
Very helpful cheers. We are a fairly small company so I'll have a chat whenever I can and see what they say. Might even mention about the reddit post and how that ties into us trying to be more socially responsible.
Talking about cycle to work, does anyone here have any experience in setting one up or changing a scheme that's used?
I started a new job back end of last year and as soon as my probation is over I plan on getting a new bike on the scheme. Problem is the one at our current place is only through Evans. Obviously I'd rather not use them but I also read yesterday about how they're now forcing employees onto zero hour contracts. I was going to speak to HR and see if it's possible to use one of the other schemes that can be used at various shops but how easy is it to change schemes? Are they tied into the scheme with Evans for a certain time period?
Try Cycles uk in Creek road Deptford. i’ve only ever browsed in there but the two young fellas were very clued up (one roadie and a mountain biker) and helpfull..
Used to go there until Marco left. After found it had no respect for potential customers. Glad it seems to have improved.
Hi all. I know it’s probably not really what you lot are into, but I’d like some advice on a suitable hybrid for the commute to work please. Only 6 ish miles each way, but I live at the top of Shooters Hill so there’s always an uphill return journey! Plum Lane is going to be my preferred route home, so it’s fairly steep... I’ve seen a couple of 7 geared bikes that I like the look of, but will that be enough or should I be looking at something else? Thanks 👍🏻
What's your budget? 7 gear doesn't seem enough, nit that I'm am expert
Budget is up to a grand. Hoping that’s enough to get me something decent for commuting / family days out.
And what's your level at? Are you happy to have to have front gears and rear gears? Or do you just want to worry about rear gears?
Level is very much a beginner in terms of road cycling, but I’m happy to get something that will be the most beneficial and learn how to use it the most effectively as I go along.
For the under £1k price range, I think (and am happy to be corrected) that Decathlon are often one of the best for value, and for your price range you can get something very, very nice.
I would recommend looking at these two. Shimano 105 (all of the mechanical parts of the bike are in a manufacturer's "category") is the perfect "benchmark," under that just isn't as good (although can be perfectly fine!), above that you are just paying for weight reductions.
The key difference between those two bikes I posted is that one is the flat bar hybrid you are talking about, but the other has the "drops" and is a proper road bike.
£850, and in my opinion, very good value for money.
Hi all. I know it’s probably not really what you lot are into, but I’d like some advice on a suitable hybrid for the commute to work please. Only 6 ish miles each way, but I live at the top of Shooters Hill so there’s always an uphill return journey! Plum Lane is going to be my preferred route home, so it’s fairly steep... I’ve seen a couple of 7 geared bikes that I like the look of, but will that be enough or should I be looking at something else? Thanks 👍🏻
What's your budget? 7 gear doesn't seem enough, nit that I'm am expert
Budget is up to a grand. Hoping that’s enough to get me something decent for commuting / family days out.
And what's your level at? Are you happy to have to have front gears and rear gears? Or do you just want to worry about rear gears?
Level is very much a beginner in terms of road cycling, but I’m happy to get something that will be the most beneficial and learn how to use it the most effectively as I go along.
For the under £1k price range, I think (and am happy to be corrected) that Decathlon are often one of the best for value, and for your price range you can get something very, very nice.
I would recommend looking at these two. Shimano 105 (all of the mechanical parts of the bike are in a manufacturer's "category") is the perfect "benchmark," under that just isn't as good (although can be perfectly fine!), above that you are just paying for weight reductions.
The key difference between those two bikes I posted is that one is the flat bar hybrid you are talking about, but the other has the "drops" and is a proper road bike.
£850, and in my opinion, very good value for money.
That’s great, thank you. I’d be able to push to £1,500 for something that was going to last me, but because it’s only going to be a bike with a flat bar I’m not sure if it’s worth going too mad with something that might not necessarily be a proper road bike.
It needs work on a couple of levels really, as my wife will also be getting something similar for days out (although not as many gears as we’d probably be going along flatter routes with the kids).
Ah nice.
the Decathlon "Riverside" range of bikes are quite nice for days out where you are not going on actual roads etc. The flat bar Triban will do you well. You are right though, I wouldn't recommend £1,500 on a flat bar!
Many great touring bikes with flat bars are well over £1500 and worth it.
Hi all. I know it’s probably not really what you lot are into, but I’d like some advice on a suitable hybrid for the commute to work please. Only 6 ish miles each way, but I live at the top of Shooters Hill so there’s always an uphill return journey! Plum Lane is going to be my preferred route home, so it’s fairly steep... I’ve seen a couple of 7 geared bikes that I like the look of, but will that be enough or should I be looking at something else? Thanks 👍🏻
What's your budget? 7 gear doesn't seem enough, nit that I'm am expert
Budget is up to a grand. Hoping that’s enough to get me something decent for commuting / family days out.
And what's your level at? Are you happy to have to have front gears and rear gears? Or do you just want to worry about rear gears?
Level is very much a beginner in terms of road cycling, but I’m happy to get something that will be the most beneficial and learn how to use it the most effectively as I go along.
For the under £1k price range, I think (and am happy to be corrected) that Decathlon are often one of the best for value, and for your price range you can get something very, very nice.
I would recommend looking at these two. Shimano 105 (all of the mechanical parts of the bike are in a manufacturer's "category") is the perfect "benchmark," under that just isn't as good (although can be perfectly fine!), above that you are just paying for weight reductions.
The key difference between those two bikes I posted is that one is the flat bar hybrid you are talking about, but the other has the "drops" and is a proper road bike.
£850, and in my opinion, very good value for money.
Hi all. I know it’s probably not really what you lot are into, but I’d like some advice on a suitable hybrid for the commute to work please. Only 6 ish miles each way, but I live at the top of Shooters Hill so there’s always an uphill return journey! Plum Lane is going to be my preferred route home, so it’s fairly steep... I’ve seen a couple of 7 geared bikes that I like the look of, but will that be enough or should I be looking at something else? Thanks 👍🏻
What's your budget? 7 gear doesn't seem enough, nit that I'm am expert
Budget is up to a grand. Hoping that’s enough to get me something decent for commuting / family days out.
And what's your level at? Are you happy to have to have front gears and rear gears? Or do you just want to worry about rear gears?
Level is very much a beginner in terms of road cycling, but I’m happy to get something that will be the most beneficial and learn how to use it the most effectively as I go along.
For the under £1k price range, I think (and am happy to be corrected) that Decathlon are often one of the best for value, and for your price range you can get something very, very nice.
I would recommend looking at these two. Shimano 105 (all of the mechanical parts of the bike are in a manufacturer's "category") is the perfect "benchmark," under that just isn't as good (although can be perfectly fine!), above that you are just paying for weight reductions.
The key difference between those two bikes I posted is that one is the flat bar hybrid you are talking about, but the other has the "drops" and is a proper road bike.
£850, and in my opinion, very good value for money.
That’s great, thank you. I’d be able to push to £1,500 for something that was going to last me, but because it’s only going to be a bike with a flat bar I’m not sure if it’s worth going too mad with something that might not necessarily be a proper road bike.
It needs work on a couple of levels really, as my wife will also be getting something similar for days out (although not as many gears as we’d probably be going along flatter routes with the kids).
Ah nice.
the Decathlon "Riverside" range of bikes are quite nice for days out where you are not going on actual roads etc. The flat bar Triban will do you well. You are right though, I wouldn't recommend £1,500 on a flat bar!
Many great touring bikes with flat bars are well over £1500 and worth it.
Would you be able to recommend any please? I’ve been looking for days and to be honest I don’t know anymore!
Hi all. I know it’s probably not really what you lot are into, but I’d like some advice on a suitable hybrid for the commute to work please. Only 6 ish miles each way, but I live at the top of Shooters Hill so there’s always an uphill return journey! Plum Lane is going to be my preferred route home, so it’s fairly steep... I’ve seen a couple of 7 geared bikes that I like the look of, but will that be enough or should I be looking at something else? Thanks 👍🏻
What's your budget? 7 gear doesn't seem enough, nit that I'm am expert
Budget is up to a grand. Hoping that’s enough to get me something decent for commuting / family days out.
And what's your level at? Are you happy to have to have front gears and rear gears? Or do you just want to worry about rear gears?
Level is very much a beginner in terms of road cycling, but I’m happy to get something that will be the most beneficial and learn how to use it the most effectively as I go along.
For the under £1k price range, I think (and am happy to be corrected) that Decathlon are often one of the best for value, and for your price range you can get something very, very nice.
I would recommend looking at these two. Shimano 105 (all of the mechanical parts of the bike are in a manufacturer's "category") is the perfect "benchmark," under that just isn't as good (although can be perfectly fine!), above that you are just paying for weight reductions.
The key difference between those two bikes I posted is that one is the flat bar hybrid you are talking about, but the other has the "drops" and is a proper road bike.
£850, and in my opinion, very good value for money.
Hi all. I know it’s probably not really what you lot are into, but I’d like some advice on a suitable hybrid for the commute to work please. Only 6 ish miles each way, but I live at the top of Shooters Hill so there’s always an uphill return journey! Plum Lane is going to be my preferred route home, so it’s fairly steep... I’ve seen a couple of 7 geared bikes that I like the look of, but will that be enough or should I be looking at something else? Thanks 👍🏻
What's your budget? 7 gear doesn't seem enough, nit that I'm am expert
Budget is up to a grand. Hoping that’s enough to get me something decent for commuting / family days out.
And what's your level at? Are you happy to have to have front gears and rear gears? Or do you just want to worry about rear gears?
Level is very much a beginner in terms of road cycling, but I’m happy to get something that will be the most beneficial and learn how to use it the most effectively as I go along.
For the under £1k price range, I think (and am happy to be corrected) that Decathlon are often one of the best for value, and for your price range you can get something very, very nice.
I would recommend looking at these two. Shimano 105 (all of the mechanical parts of the bike are in a manufacturer's "category") is the perfect "benchmark," under that just isn't as good (although can be perfectly fine!), above that you are just paying for weight reductions.
The key difference between those two bikes I posted is that one is the flat bar hybrid you are talking about, but the other has the "drops" and is a proper road bike.
£850, and in my opinion, very good value for money.
That’s great, thank you. I’d be able to push to £1,500 for something that was going to last me, but because it’s only going to be a bike with a flat bar I’m not sure if it’s worth going too mad with something that might not necessarily be a proper road bike.
It needs work on a couple of levels really, as my wife will also be getting something similar for days out (although not as many gears as we’d probably be going along flatter routes with the kids).
Ah nice.
the Decathlon "Riverside" range of bikes are quite nice for days out where you are not going on actual roads etc. The flat bar Triban will do you well. You are right though, I wouldn't recommend £1,500 on a flat bar!
Many great touring bikes with flat bars are well over £1500 and worth it.
Would you be able to recommend any please? I’ve been looking for days and to be honest I don’t know anymore!
Genesis Tour de Fer, Oxford bike works touring bikes Thorn Nomad
These spring to mind, look at Tom Allen’s site TomsBikeTrip.com for links to the best touring bikes.
Hi all. I know it’s probably not really what you lot are into, but I’d like some advice on a suitable hybrid for the commute to work please. Only 6 ish miles each way, but I live at the top of Shooters Hill so there’s always an uphill return journey! Plum Lane is going to be my preferred route home, so it’s fairly steep... I’ve seen a couple of 7 geared bikes that I like the look of, but will that be enough or should I be looking at something else? Thanks 👍🏻
What's your budget? 7 gear doesn't seem enough, nit that I'm am expert
Budget is up to a grand. Hoping that’s enough to get me something decent for commuting / family days out.
And what's your level at? Are you happy to have to have front gears and rear gears? Or do you just want to worry about rear gears?
Level is very much a beginner in terms of road cycling, but I’m happy to get something that will be the most beneficial and learn how to use it the most effectively as I go along.
For the under £1k price range, I think (and am happy to be corrected) that Decathlon are often one of the best for value, and for your price range you can get something very, very nice.
I would recommend looking at these two. Shimano 105 (all of the mechanical parts of the bike are in a manufacturer's "category") is the perfect "benchmark," under that just isn't as good (although can be perfectly fine!), above that you are just paying for weight reductions.
The key difference between those two bikes I posted is that one is the flat bar hybrid you are talking about, but the other has the "drops" and is a proper road bike.
£850, and in my opinion, very good value for money.
Hi all. I know it’s probably not really what you lot are into, but I’d like some advice on a suitable hybrid for the commute to work please. Only 6 ish miles each way, but I live at the top of Shooters Hill so there’s always an uphill return journey! Plum Lane is going to be my preferred route home, so it’s fairly steep... I’ve seen a couple of 7 geared bikes that I like the look of, but will that be enough or should I be looking at something else? Thanks 👍🏻
What's your budget? 7 gear doesn't seem enough, nit that I'm am expert
Budget is up to a grand. Hoping that’s enough to get me something decent for commuting / family days out.
And what's your level at? Are you happy to have to have front gears and rear gears? Or do you just want to worry about rear gears?
Level is very much a beginner in terms of road cycling, but I’m happy to get something that will be the most beneficial and learn how to use it the most effectively as I go along.
For the under £1k price range, I think (and am happy to be corrected) that Decathlon are often one of the best for value, and for your price range you can get something very, very nice.
I would recommend looking at these two. Shimano 105 (all of the mechanical parts of the bike are in a manufacturer's "category") is the perfect "benchmark," under that just isn't as good (although can be perfectly fine!), above that you are just paying for weight reductions.
The key difference between those two bikes I posted is that one is the flat bar hybrid you are talking about, but the other has the "drops" and is a proper road bike.
£850, and in my opinion, very good value for money.
That’s great, thank you. I’d be able to push to £1,500 for something that was going to last me, but because it’s only going to be a bike with a flat bar I’m not sure if it’s worth going too mad with something that might not necessarily be a proper road bike.
It needs work on a couple of levels really, as my wife will also be getting something similar for days out (although not as many gears as we’d probably be going along flatter routes with the kids).
Ah nice.
the Decathlon "Riverside" range of bikes are quite nice for days out where you are not going on actual roads etc. The flat bar Triban will do you well. You are right though, I wouldn't recommend £1,500 on a flat bar!
Many great touring bikes with flat bars are well over £1500 and worth it.
Would you be able to recommend any please? I’ve been looking for days and to be honest I don’t know anymore!
Genesis Tour de Fer, Oxford bike works touring bikes Thorn Nomad
These spring to mind, look at Tom Allen’s site TomsBikeTrip.com for links to the best touring bikes.
Took delivery of my new bike on Saturday and it is a beauty...(yes, i do need to screw the pedals on it!)... currently too scared to ride it in case i get it dirty...
Hi all. I know it’s probably not really what you lot are into, but I’d like some advice on a suitable hybrid for the commute to work please. Only 6 ish miles each way, but I live at the top of Shooters Hill so there’s always an uphill return journey! Plum Lane is going to be my preferred route home, so it’s fairly steep... I’ve seen a couple of 7 geared bikes that I like the look of, but will that be enough or should I be looking at something else? Thanks 👍🏻
What's your budget? 7 gear doesn't seem enough, nit that I'm am expert
Budget is up to a grand. Hoping that’s enough to get me something decent for commuting / family days out.
I was looking for a hybird at that kind of budget a year ago and narrowed it down to the Trek 3 and the Specialised Sirrus X 3.0 (ended spending more in the end on a Trek 4). The difficulty last year was finding anything at all, not sure if it's eased since then.
Hi all. I know it’s probably not really what you lot are into, but I’d like some advice on a suitable hybrid for the commute to work please. Only 6 ish miles each way, but I live at the top of Shooters Hill so there’s always an uphill return journey! Plum Lane is going to be my preferred route home, so it’s fairly steep... I’ve seen a couple of 7 geared bikes that I like the look of, but will that be enough or should I be looking at something else? Thanks 👍🏻
What's your budget? 7 gear doesn't seem enough, nit that I'm am expert
Budget is up to a grand. Hoping that’s enough to get me something decent for commuting / family days out.
I was looking for a hybird at that kind of budget a year ago and narrowed it down to the Trek 3 and the Specialised Sirrus X 3.0 (ended spending more in the end on a Trek 4). The difficulty last year was finding anything at all, not sure if it's eased since then.
Thank you, I’ll have a look. And you’re right, there’s a long wait for anything half decent at the moment. Fingers crossed I’ll find something soon!
Still currently on the lookout for a new bike, not easy during lockdown.
I’ve always ridden shimano 105 (plus a couple of times ultegra) but a couple of the bikes I’ve been looking at have SRAM force 22.
Anyone on here had experience of riding both? Probably being mad being concerned about the ease of use when swapping but curious to know other’s opinions.
I’m wondering about upgrading the group set on my touring bike. Currently it’s Shimano Sora, with triple front rings and 9 at the back. What would be better and appropriate for a touring bike?
I’m wondering about upgrading the group set on my touring bike. Currently it’s Shimano Sora, with triple front rings and 9 at the back. What would be better and appropriate for a touring bike?
I'd go with 105 compact with a long cage rear mech. It will give you the gearing you want to get you up pretty much any hill, even loaded with panniers, as well as being more durable and lighter than Sora. That will give you a 44t range and mean you can get away with a 34/34 if you want to - or even bigger with a bit of fettling
Still currently on the lookout for a new bike, not easy during lockdown.
I’ve always ridden shimano 105 (plus a couple of times ultegra) but a couple of the bikes I’ve been looking at have SRAM force 22.
Anyone on here had experience of riding both? Probably being mad being concerned about the ease of use when swapping but curious to know other’s opinions.
I've only ever ridden a hire bike with SRAM on it. But here's Bauke Mollema with a succinct review of SRAM for you... https://youtu.be/Tsk3zAZyLaQ
I’m wondering about upgrading the group set on my touring bike. Currently it’s Shimano Sora, with triple front rings and 9 at the back. What would be better and appropriate for a touring bike?
I'd go with 105 compact with a long cage rear mech. It will give you the gearing you want to get you up pretty much any hill, even loaded with panniers, as well as being more durable and lighter than Sora. That will give you a 44t range and mean you can get away with a 34/34 if you want to - or even bigger with a bit of fettling
Comments
Be aware that there is a shortage of everything at the moment partly due to people taking it up during COVID. Also remember to buy what is right for you, 6 miles isn't far so you don't need top of the range. Cycle shop workers are salespeople too and ethy will try to get you to upgrade everything. Pointless getting super light weight stuff if you are overweight (like me).
As @Cordoban Addick rightly points out, the cycle to work scheme is brilliant for this price range as you will be well within the limit and get yourself kitted out with other stuff to.
There are widespread issues with supply, as cycling seems to have gone crazy since COVID (I was quoted a month to get a bike back if I took it in!) but the roadbike version (pictured) is currently in stock at Decathlon Surrey Quays in various sizes as it is their most popular bike, and really seems like a nice piece of kit to me.
Within your price don’t forget locks, lights, pump, panniers, helmet and clothing.
I started a new job back end of last year and as soon as my probation is over I plan on getting a new bike on the scheme. Problem is the one at our current place is only through Evans. Obviously I'd rather not use them but I also read yesterday about how they're now forcing employees onto zero hour contracts. I was going to speak to HR and see if it's possible to use one of the other schemes that can be used at various shops but how easy is it to change schemes? Are they tied into the scheme with Evans for a certain time period?
https://www.reddit.com/r/ukbike/comments/m8ccxl/tales_from_an_evans_cycles_staff_member/?utm_medium=android_app&utm_source=share
So yeah not desperate to use them but equally kind of hard to turn down the savings of cycle to work.
Depending on the company you work for, it is possible to change schemes and as far as I'm aware there is no official tying into a scheme (e.g I don't think x business has to sign a contract then spend 3 years with y scheme).
I have experienced customers changing schemes so they can buy bikes/parts from our shop in the past, however from memory these people either worked for smaller companies or were self-employed.
I think it will come down to if your HR is arsed to change scheme or if changing scheme will have any affect on other people in your company who are still paying off their cycle to work scheme.
Usually the efficiency and experience of going through the cycle to work scheme will largely be dependant on your employer, the HR and how strict they are with what you can spend the voucher on.
Hope this is accurate and helps!
Also fuck Cashley.
i’ve only ever browsed in there but the two young fellas were very clued up (one roadie and a mountain biker) and helpfull..
Oxford bike works touring bikes
Thorn Nomad
These spring to mind, look at Tom Allen’s site TomsBikeTrip.com for links to the best touring bikes.
What would be better and appropriate for a touring bike?