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I fancy a cheap hybrid bike so i can ride to work every now and then, (7 mile each way) I dont know anything about specs or whats good value for money, i was looking at [url= http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/330856795362?var=540133099418&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649 ]THIS[/url] ? but any advice would be welcome.
The Al Fresco looks to be a clone of a Cannondale Bad Boy / 29er wannabe with the knobbly tires
As is, it looks Ok, but seeing a severe lack of mudguard / rack possibility, which really is essential for a hybrid; you will want mudguards unless you are a fair weather rider, and a rack is very useful depending on how much you carry.
You don't need discs on a commuter, though they are better and quite in fashion on hybrid/commuters.
Just seen this [url= http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_storeId_10001_catalogId_10151_productId_892919_langId_-1_categoryId_165534 ]Subway £199[/url]
The picture makes it look a bit naff, but I bet it looks fine in store and is a good deal for £200!
Or one of Chainreaction's Vitus [url= http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=81001 ]Vee-27[/url] models?
You can get clip on mudguards and racks will mount on p-clips if the frame has no dedicated mounts, so its not a show stopper
It's only going to be a fair weather bike plus I have a shower at work so mudguards don't bother me, I won't need rack mounts either, I like the idea of discs as there are some decent sized hills round here, the bike will be used for more small town and country road type roads than city.
Make sure it has no toe overlap if you are going to ride it in town regularly. The one feature I despise about my 1993 vintage muddy fox. Yes you can compensate for it but for low speed manouevring it is a pita.
Is toe overlap foot touching the front wheel?
With cranks at 3 and 9 o'clock you clout your feet/toes with the front wheel.
Personally I find it really irritating during slow speed riding especially when you need a quick flick of the wheel for balance or to avoid a motorised moron and you catch a foot.
The current Subway looks awful unfortunately, terrible proportions... But that's because they put the entire budget into making it work well and had nothing left for making it not look like crap. The Voodoo Marasa invested the extra £100 into looking nice.
The Voodoo Marasa looks pretty decent, is the Forme al Fresco a better spec bike?
I have a shower at work so mudguards don't bother me
The difference between having (full) mudguards and not is huge. You'll have less to wash, your kit will last longer and if you fit them, mudguards help keep you cycling when the weather is at it's worst. Seriously - essential to fit for a year-round commuter. V brakes on my hybrid stopped me fine and I guess I weigh more than you.
I built up an old subway frame, fitted racks and mudguards..full mudguards are essential for a daily commuter IMO
For that price you can't go wrong with the subway...and if it looks shite it might not get bumped.
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Not having full guards on a commuter is just durn-fool nonsense.
Thing is, most hybrids are basically not much different from old mtbs. My "hybrid" IS an old mtb. Just as good as a new one, and even less nickable.
Not having full guards on a commuter is just durn-fool nonsense.
I wont be using the bike in the rain, its just an occasional use thing.
I'd just get the Subway. My work colleague bought one, it rode well for what it cost. That silver one looks awful though. I've a frame & forks off one in the garage, in the anodised grey & it looks better.