Cyclocross/hybrid - which to buy?!?

mimihand · 07-04-2014 09:37AM #1

Hi everyone,

I'm thinking of getting a bike but unsure on what to get. Currently I am using an old MTB which is too big for me to start with and also is quite heavy. So I'm looking more to the cyclocross or hybrid but I'm unsure which one is best to get as reviews vary.
I intent to use it mainly on the road for leisure cycles (20 -30km once or twice a week, and maybe in a few local 50km fun cycles throughout the year). Sometimes I will be using it off road also on rougher terrain/conditions.

From what I understand cyclocross's seem to be a better all rounder but I'm not a fan of the drop bars. I had hip surgery about 7 months ago and the angle that is created to lean down to the drop bars causes discomfort/catching in the hip, so the more up right position seems to suit me best. I have seen some straightbars on cyclocross's online but most have drop bars, so I'm not sure on how these compare to the drop bars, would they compromise the cyclocross?

As running/jogging is out for me in the future (due to hip issues) I don't mind spending a bit of money on this bike as it will be my main exercise from now on - €1000ish would be my price range.

Any opinions greatly appreciated.
Thanking you in advance.
Mimi

eeeee · 07-04-2014 09:56AM

Hi Mimihand,

I can't advise on what bike specifically, but just to say don't discount drop bars because of your hip. I have had major surgery on my pelvis and hip, full of pins etc. and I ride with drops and actually find them much easier on my hips. You can put yourself into a kind of 90 degree angle for doing any long distance Which gives your hip lots of room and you're not driving from it if that makes sense? I find it extremely comfortable on the drops and the hip/pelvis never really gives any bother. Then you can move up onto the bars for commuting etc. Drops give better options.

I would advise getting a road bike I suppose. I really wish I had a lighter bike so I'd say get the lightest speediest thing in your budget. I have no idea what that would be though.

smacl · 07-04-2014 11:32AM

Something like the Croix de fer is a lovely all rounder, though slightly over budget and drop bar.

Lumen · 07-04-2014 01:36PM

In the same way that you wouldn't pick one car to drive on a racetrack and a rally course, there really is no good compromise between a road bike and an off-road bike that doesn't present some combination of expensive, heavy, slow, poor handling or braking.

Lumen · 07-04-2014 01:43PM

smacl wrote: »

Something like the Croix de fer is a lovely all rounder, though slightly over budget and drop bar.

It's lovely looking but it's also €1400 and 11kg.

For the same money you could get any of a large number of road bike/MTB combos.

Planet X RT-58 Alloy Shimano Tiagra Road Bike
http://www.planetx.co.uk/i/q/CBPXRT58ALUTIA/planet-x-rt-58-alloy-shimano-tiagra-road-bike

Merida Big Nine TFS 500 29er 2013 Bike
http://www.winstanleysbikes.co.uk/product/52938/Merida_Big_Nine_TFS_500_29er_2013_Bike

joe14 · 07-04-2014 03:29PM

Giant tcx for 900 on donedeal, absolute bargain...Not my bike by the way

smacl · 07-04-2014 03:54PM

Lumen wrote: »

It's lovely looking but it's also €1400 and 11kg.

For the same money you could get any of a large number of road bike/MTB combos.

Planet X RT-58 Alloy Shimano Tiagra Road Bike
http://www.planetx.co.uk/i/q/CBPXRT58ALUTIA/planet-x-rt-58-alloy-shimano-tiagra-road-bike

Merida Big Nine TFS 500 29er 2013 Bike
http://www.winstanleysbikes.co.uk/product/52938/Merida_Big_Nine_TFS_500_29er_2013_Bike

Bit awkward if the road and trail are all part of the same spin, though

I don't quite know why, but the CDF just looks like fun, compromised and all as it might be. And pretty.

Ryder · 07-04-2014 04:53PM

Im a big road bike fan. So much so that when I needed a bike with clearance for snow tyres, I got a cyclocross (focus mares) for just under 1000e. Choose a cyclocross over a hybrid or mtb because of wheel size and drop bars

Pretty unhappy with the decision. For the money, the cyclocross is heavy and I have never been able to get the brakes to work well. I think that 1000e would buy a good light hybrid that could do on road and some off road. Buy some bar ends for altered hand positions and I think that would be a good compromise. For 20-30K cycles, a hybrid will be fine, obviously I would recommend anyone to choose a road bike with the expectation that you might want to push the distances later, but if youre fixed on the need to do some gentle off road, then a hybrid would be a reasonable choice - certainly better than a cyclocross imo.

wanderer 22 · 07-04-2014 05:19PM

There's a very nice Genesis for €900 in ThinkBike Rathmines at the moment
http://www.thinkbike.ie/bike_shop/2013_Genesis_Vapour_Disc.aspx

I bought this myself and love it - I've used it almost exclusively for commuting but hoping to get on the trails a bit more soon

mimihand · 08-04-2014 07:30AM

Hi everyone,

Thanks so much for your replies and opinions. The have been very helpful.

In my research for this bike, I have discovered that its different language when it come to bikes and their components!
Any more opinions still welcome.

Ryder - can you tell me the what the difference is in the tyres size between a hybrid and a cyclocross? Thanks.

Thank you,
Mimi

Alek · 08-04-2014 08:16AM

I bought this myself and love it - I've used it almost exclusively for commuting but hoping to get on the trails a bit more soon

I think we had this conversation a few days ago around Drumcondra in the morning

Vapour disc is a great looking bike - when I saw yours a few months ago I knew my next one will be Genesis

I went for Croix de Fer, though, for general allaroundness. Still tinkering with disc brakes, but overall I'm happy with the decision. Very comfortable and sturdy bike, great for commuting as well as longer rides, yet bit on a heavy side (11,5kg with pedals, mudguards etc.)

wanderer 22 · 08-04-2014 08:35AM

Alek wrote: »

I think we had this conversation a few days ago around Drumcondra in the morning

Vapour disc is a great looking bike - when I saw yours a few months ago I knew my next one will be Genesis

I went for Croix de Fer, though, for general allaroundness. Still tinkering with disc brakes, but overall I'm happy with the decision. Very comfortable and sturdy bike, great for commuting as well as longer rides, yet bit on a heavy side (11,5kg with pedals, mudguards etc.)

Ah, that was you - nice to meet you! The Croix de Fer is a lovely bike indeed.

Alek · 08-04-2014 08:48AM

can you tell me the what the difference is in the tyres size between a hybrid and a cyclocross?

Both types should generally accept anything up to 35 - 37mm.

Most road bikes can take up to 28mm tyres, but very often only 25mm when mudguards are installed.

mimihand · 09-04-2014 11:45AM

Hi all,

OK, I have decided on a hybrid bike.

I have been looking at a few bikes online:

Giant Dash 2 2014
http://www.tribikes.ie/index.php?route=product/product&filter_name=Giant Dash &product_id=10891

The Giant Escape (prob one of the higher specs)
http://www.tribikes.ie/index.php?route=product/search&filter_name=Giant%20escape%20

The Lapierre Shaper 300 Ladys 2014
http://www.tribikes.ie/index.php?route=product/product&filter_name=Lapierre&product_id=10916

Trek 7.5 FX (not sure where to get these though, Clare or Limerick would be handy.) http://www.trekbikes.com/us/en/collections/womens/town/fitness/fx/7_5_fx_wsd/#

Has anybody had any experience with the above bikes? Or can give me advice on which one is best?

Thanks again for all your help and opinions!

Mimi

mimihand · 09-04-2014 12:52PM

Hi all,

I replied with a post earlier but it wouldn't publish it as I have under 50 posts on boards. So here it is again, minus the links:

Ok, I have decided to buy a hybrid.

Now the decision on which one to buy! I have been looking at the following:

Giant Dash 2
Giant Escape (upper end of spec)
Lapierre Shaper 300 Ladys 2014
Trek7.5 FX WSD or Trek 7.4 FX WSD

Has anyone any experience with the above bikes? Any particular pros and cons I should know about?

Thanks for all you help and opinions so far, its been a great help.

Regards,
Mimi

Cyclocross/hybrid - which to buy?!?

Comments