wideload

hello,everyone.I have request.Could someone please recomend a decent hybrid mostly road/country lanes a bit of muddy track.I have recently had knee surgery and my surgeon has recomended i give up football and take up the bike,to build up thigh muscles.Have spent 3 days online looking at about a billion bikes and now know that i know nothing!.I do like the look of the TREK 7500 is this the one,or,is there something ive missed,please help!

wideload

Help,i have been told by my surgeon after knee surgery i can no longer kick a football in anger.He has advised to go for a ride to build up thigh muscles.Please, can someone rescue me from trolling the net looking at billions of bikes to recomend at fast hybrid with a little off road capability.I was quite taken with the TREK 7500,is this the one,or is there a gem i have missed.Thanks everyone.

Cyclist0383

Stop by your local bike shop and see what they have to offer. Post again when you know what your options are and well help you narrow it down.

RonH

Hi wideload and welcome.

Usually the words hybrid and fast aren't used in the same sentence.
Not sure if you have access to Jamis bikes in the UK but the shop I work at sells Jamis bikes. The Coda Elite is a hot bike that's between a hybrid and a road bike (not sure why you [or anyone] would want a hybrid??).

wideload

I think i would probably make square wheels out of a skinny road bike.I would not look "awesome" in lycra also.Just wanna decent bike to lose some beef and keep my interest.Cannot play contact sports at the moment and the gym sends me into a coma.Just give me break before i balloon into a blimp.

bumper

Take a look at the cannondale badboy or Specialized sirrus, both are flat bar bikes. If you want drop bars look at a cross bike like the Specialized Tricross. All of these fall in your budget and are at least worth a look, they will handle tarmac and a bit of mud

wideload

Thanks bumper,that sirrus is very nice.do you think i will need shocks or will carbon forks stand up to a bit of rough?

stapfam

Sirrus is good and another to look at is the Giant FCR- Choose the shop right and you can get an 07 model at a discount on most bikes by the way.

Now as to weight being a problem The Spec Sirrus is similar- if not the same as the Sequoia and the Giant FCR is the same as the SCR. If you are that heavy- then take care on all the wheels at this price and get them retrued and tensioned after a couple of hundred miles- or before if they cause a problem. And No need to look good in Lycra- It is comfortable and can be covered with a pair of gym shorts if you want.

bbattle

I'd go with a Trek FX or Giant FCR or the Specialized Sirrus. Suspension fork not needed unless you are jumping rocks or doing some serious downhill trail riding. 700c wheels with 32c tires great for country roads, dirt roads, trails, fields, etc.

Boudicca

Suspension forks are also useful if you have back or shoulder injuries and need something that will absorb the shock before it gets to you. Otherwise for the type of riding you plan to do, there's no need.

I also rather like the Sirrus. Road bike components, and a nice looking beast. Nearly bought one myself before I saw the light and bought a road bike instead.

aubinmg

I have a Stevens Strada 600, all Tiagra, fast and tough. Stevens have a wide range of fast hybrids they call city cross. I'm very happy with mine. Check them out at https://www.stevensbikes.de/2008/inde...216&lang=en_US

Timtruro

My local bike shop is recommending the Trek 7500 for the kind of riding you describe.

wideload

thanks for all youre help,still looking.Anyone know anything about "boardman" bikes,just saw one in the flesh in halfords, spec superb ,but is the frame up to much?.beautiful bike though.

East Hill

Only the UK folks can help with the Halford's bikes--we don't see them in the US.

Stapfam would be the one to ask about that...

East Hill

stapfam

Hate to say it but Halfords are not my favourite store. They do not carry the range of bikes that a Good LBS would have- The staff are there to sell and not to advise or sell you the right bike- After sales and repairs are a joke- And the prices are not good in any way. Just Like a Wallymart with better class of bike but at full retail.

You would be far better off looking in the mags at the discount houses selling last years models. The bikes are cheaper and you wont be sold the wrong bike. Unless you make the mistake of buying the wrong one.

And the Boardman bikes? I did look at them but you can buy better. A good bike though for the money and I was looking at the cheap one for a neighbour. Spec was right- It fitted but the test ride(Only round the car park) was not as I wanted. Neighbour bought from my LBS as he felt as I do- The bike just did not feel good enough.

Three makes have been mentioned- Trek- Specialised and Giant. All good bikes so a test ride is worth a try. What is almost as important though is choosing the right LBS. May take a few attempts before it is found but My LBS can sell me any bike and I know it will be up to my standard- it will fit and it will be good. They know me better than I know them.

asrubins

Halfords just isn't the place to go. Agree entirely with Stapfam

If you can take a day out, I strongly recommend you do the following ....

1. Go to the Ribble Cycles shop in Preston, Lancashire or Hewitt Cycles in Leyland or Sorosa Cycles in Oldham
2. Get them to put together a bespoke / tailored bike that suits you. they'll chat to you about your aims and abilities and make something that works for you

You'll get better value for money than an off the shelf "name" and also it will be a good fit for you, so you know you won't be further damaging your knee.

I recommend theses shops because I know guys who have gone there and been happy. They all offer great service and are well established. Ribble and Hewitt often win awards for their own name bikes.

If you don't do that, then Trek and Giant are really good bike makes with decent warranties and good build quality .... specialized is a bit more pricey for the same specs as Trek.

Good luck, Tony