Hi all.

Im returning to cycling after a bit of a break (last bike was a raleigh chopper), and am looking for some advice and tips on buying a new hybrid. I will be looking to spend around £400, bit more or less is fine. I will be looking at a 19" frame i think, im 6'tall and weight 215pounds. The bike will be used for road/pavement and gravel tracks, with some very light dirt paths.

This bike caught my eye, but i know almost nothing about brands, suspension needs, or what type of brake is better, or even if it matters that much at the level i will be riding at.
https://www.evanscycles.com/products/...-bike-ec042139

Thanks in advance GK

Search the forums, as this topic has come up many times. However, I wonder if 19" is too small a frame for your 6' height. I am just under 5'9" and I used to ride an 18 1/2" hybrid which, I now realize, was way too small for me.

Trek is a reputable manufacturer - probably the biggest in the U.S.

I'd also consider the Trek 7.2 FX. The DS is geared more towards off-road (with thicker tyres and front suspension). Unless you spend a significant amount of your ride time on dirt, the FX should be able to meet your needs. The upside of the FX is that it's lighter and more road-oriented. Just my 2 cents.

Thanks for the quick replies guys.

I will look into the frame size specifically when i come to buy. The size i mentioned was a guess based on a UK website. Daihard, i will have a good look at the trek 7.2fx, thanks for explaining the difference.

The DS 8.1 shares the same fork as the 7.2 FX and the tires are only 3 mm's wider. I doubt you would notice any difference. The biggest difference between the 2 bikes is the wheel base and saddle to handlebar distance. The DS is about 4 to 5 cm's longer.

You will need a 21"-up frame sz @ 6'

You're right, I assumed all the DS models had a front suspension. Apparently the 8.1 DS doesn't, which makes the differences between it and the 7.2 FX a lot smaller.