New Hybrid for a clueless guy.

Thanks for reading this and for any advice offered. I need to buy a new bike soon and I have a bit of a dilema . I don't really know much about detailed specs of kit so when I am trying to decide which bike gives better value for the money I get lost. I spend the majority of my time on fair tarmac surfaces but often like to do mild off road paths such as bridal ways ( although in future I would like to try some more adventurous off road) and my main motivation for biking at the moment is fitness and fun. I do in the region of 70+ miles per week. I have been led down the hybrid route as this seems the best option for me and my current requirements ( I couldn't find a hybrid section to post in) and have managed to narrow my search down to a few bikes I like the look of. If anyone could give me any help and advice with my final decision I would be very grateful. Here is a link to the 8 bikes I have narrowed it down to ( it is a well regarded British bike retail chain): evanscycles.comunisex I can't decide if a rigid forks will suit my off road needs or not, and i like the versatility of having a lock out front if you need it. That aside I just really want to get the best bike for my budget of Â£550 - Â£600 . Thanks in advance.

Quote: Originally Posted by Khayban [IMG]cyclingforums.comgo quote.gif[/IMG]
I can't decide if a rigid forks will suit my off road needs or not, and i like the versatility of having a lock out front if you need it. That aside I just really want to get the best bike for my budget of Â£550 - Â£600 .

There is "off road" and "off road" ...

I love "Hybrid" frames ...

BUT, a Hybrid is not really intended for much more than packed gravel or occasionally rough graded (once a year) "fire"/(logging) roads ...

This is NOT definitive ...

IMO, there is a general misunderstanding about what a "Hybrid" bike is ...

Based on MY observation, a "Hybrid" bike was originally a TOURING frame (a Road frame which had the "new" Cantilever Brake bosses on the frame & fork instead of a Road bike which had long reach brake calipers) which was assembled & sold with "(also) new(ly available)" FLAT, MTB handlebars ...

Hence, a "Hybrid" bike was originally a marketing label to categorize a Road bike which had MTB's handlebars & MTB brake levers.

The (unnecessary) option of inexpensive Suspension Forks were more of a marketing addition, IMO, which followed the consumer demand for inexpensive MTBs which satisfied the "need" of those who didn't know any better ...

You know, if you can charge MORE while satisfying the less informed buyer, then why not?

Regardless, FWIW, 'I' recommend that you ALWAYS choose a RIGID Fork with a Hybrid rather than ANY low-end Suspension Fork ...

WHY PAY MORE?

If you think you will be traversing terrain which would benefit from a Suspension Fork, then you should probably choose a Hardtail 29er with a reasonably good Suspension Fork ...

And then, have a second set of tyres for when you are riding on the broken, Tow Path surface which you anticipate encountering.

FYI. I know that a 700x52 (29er) tyre will fit in most Rigid Forks (sans fender) which have either Cantilever Brake bosses or a disc brake mount ... even a Rigid Fork intended for most 26er's will accommodate a 700x52 tyre ...

the exception would be a CX fork ...

So, if you find a need for more buoyancy in the front, then I think that a 700x52 tyre would be the future option to consider ...

You CAN fit a 700x52 tyre (you'll need a sufficiently sized tube, too, of course) on a Hybrid wheel's 700c rim ...

Some/Many older SPORTS TOURING frames could handle 700x52 tyres ...

I do NOT know if any current Hybrid frames can also accept a 700x52 tyre ... probably, but maybe not.

New Hybrid for a clueless guy.

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