Buying a first hybrid bike

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Hi,

I am looking new to cycling and am looking to buy a hybrid bike, as the thread title suggests. I have until now only ever rode mountain bikes very casually but am looking to get more serious with my cycling.

I want to start doing rides of around 10-15 miles, building up to around 40-50 miles eventually. This will be for fitness/leisure. I will also use the bike to commute around and about as I don't drive. Now I believe for my needs a hybrid will be best as I dont want a pure road bike as I want the option of doing some off road cycling. And I am sick of slow clunky mountain bikes!

My budget is around £200-£250, maybe can go to £300 if the offer is too good to refuse. I am currently looking at this bike http://www.evanscycles.com/product.jsp?style=70288 as this seems to fit the bill.

But I don't really know what to look for when buying a bike, so if anyone can help me I would greatly appreciate it. What are the best makes ? What should I be looking for ?

Many Thanks!

I just bought a Trek 7.2 FX hybrid. Trek lists it as a fitness bicycle and it seems to be exactly what a hybrid should be, road bike / mtn style. Mine was $379 at my LBS. This is a UK link for you. http://www.trekbike.co.uk/2007/bikes.php?sec=overview&MainCatID=3&SubCatID=9&RangeID=15&ID=260I get my bike on Sat. I will let you know how I like it then.

I too wanted a hybrid and not a road bike, so I bought a Trek 7100 this spring and wish I would have spent more $$$. It was $319 US - the 7200 was $100 more and at the time didn't want to spend more, not knowing if how much I would ride. The 7100 is a decent bike, but the components and not the best and I don't think it will hold up to years of heavy use. I agree with the Trek FX line, also the Giant FCR line - I think the FCR is a considered a flat bar road bike. Have fun shopping.

HI, I'm another Trek Fx owner. Mine is a 7100fx & it makes a good commuter/all-purpose bike.


An issue I've had with mine, is that I had to rebuild the back wheel so it would cope with the not-so-good city roads. It's been over a year since then, and I've had no further problems.

The gearing, Acera, while not the smoothest, keeps on working with only occasional adjustment. That said, I would like something a bit smoother, maybe Sora or Tiagra.

The tyres, which has seen approx 10,000 km, refuse to die. I promise myself I will get some slicker tyres (maybe 28-32's), when they finally wear out.

Happy bike shopping