Hybrid Bicycles - Less driving more riding, but what bike will become my first hybrid bike?

I'm sure this question has been asked several times but I thought I would sign up for once and tailor a question to suit the advice I need.

Over the last few months I've stopped lifting weights and using and jogging due to a health issue. Anyway now that the health issue is sorted I've developed stiffness all around my body especially my back. I realise not being active for the last few months and mostly sitting or lying down during that time and getting up rarely would cause my muscles to weaken and shrink.

Anyway rather than dive straight into training again I've decided I want to take a different approach to keeping fit. I haven't ridden a bike for years. I was the type that would be on my bike all day up until I purchased my drivers licence and purchase my first car years a go. I realise that commuting by cycle has many advantages and the one that appeals to me most is the exercise part of it. Want to rebuild some strength in my body and in the fun way of cycling.

I've decided to go for a hybrid and have my eye on the Cannondale Bad Boy (Disc). Ebay, gumtree will be a last resort if I can't manage to get hold of one. The cheapest I've seen in evans costs £719 but I've seen these same models on several shop websites for between £450 and £500. My absolute maximum budget is £550, I have put the money aside.

Budget Maximum: £550
Height: 6"2

I went down to a local Evans and thought I would be going for an XL frame for the bad boy but the L suited me quite fine and felt great.

Now to the question
Seeing as I fancy the cannondale bad boy so much would there be any other bike any of you fellow bikeforumers would recommend? As the bad boy with discs seem to be out of stock every where I look. The only ones in stock are the £719 models and above.

I thought about getting a scott sub but some blog of a sub with a cracked frame put me off. I want something that isn't going to break on me. Even though I use to ride I would class myself as a beginner because it's been so long.

Thanks in advance.

I don't know much about the Bad Bay. Looking around, it looks like there are many different models with different components and even wheelsizes, which would explain the big differences in price there are.


As for an alternative, £550 will get you a penny change for a 2011 Trek 7.3 Disc from Evans (http://www.evanscycles.com/products/trek/73-fx-disc-2011-hybrid-bike-ec026266). I've got the 2010 version (it's called the Valencia, gets good review on Evans) and bought my wife the 2011 version earlier this year. Very reliable and nice allround bike. Might be worth a look if you next drop down to Evans.

Handles well on the road, as well as light offroad/towpath/disused railway etc.

I thought about getting a scott sub but some blog of a sub with a cracked frame put me off. I want something that isn't going to break on me. Even though I use to ride I would class myself as a beginner because it's been so long.

Of course you realise 1 cracked frame doesn't mean all Scotts will break...my mate's Cannondale cracked a few months ago...still reckon they're pretty good bikes.

Don't get me wrong, I've been guilty of slamming brands due to one bad experience...and it was perhaps a little unfair in retrospect.

I've got a Scott Sportster...awesome bikes...highly recommend them.

With regards size...I'm 6ft 5. and I was absolutley a XXL in the Cannondale Quicks. Be careful with getting a L at your height. If you can find a LBS with a L and an XL and sit on both. Be aware that if you haven't riden for a while you'll probably be pretty comfortable with a lower (incorrect) seat position...but after a while you'll learn the proper positions and you'll have to shift your seat up. At 6ft 2 i reckon you'll run out of extension on a L if you're riding with proper leg extension.

If you dont have to, never under achieve! The bike you want is a good one that´ll support your expanding riding skills and riding engagement.