modern hybrids - does 2 + 2 = 5?

[KeepItSteel]

Im looking for the general concensus on modern hybrids.

Here's my situation. I just started a new job at a location only 5 miles from my house so am seriously thinking of not having a car and commuting by bike every day..
I have a couple of lovely retro rides but dont want to wear all my hard sought components away, especially through winter use.
So... I've always loved Cannondale as a brand (its a marmite brand I know). I've always liked the look and principles behind their BadBoy range.
They now do them with 700c wheels , discs , and front suspension.
They also do all of the above with an internal 8 speed alfine spec.

Does this all add up to the ultimate urban/commute ride, or is the sum of all its parts no more than a well marketed mish mashed dog?

I love the idea of extra speed with 700c wheels, extra braking power with discs, less wear and tear and maintenance with the Alfine set up.... but for some reason something is holding me back. (probably the Cannondale price!)

If not this bike, what should I be going for?! Opinions please.

 

[IbocProSX]

I'm with you here, my commute is about 5 miles (with a little detour in the woods) and I used the Alan CX for it mostly. A year or so ago I wandered into the LBS and asked for 28" wheels, Alfine and discs, but most came up 2 out of 3 (often 3x9 geared).

And I too have looked at the 'Dales and found them almost spot on but expensive. They do a sort of retro version "vintage" with Brooks saddle too. I think there must be more players in this niche by now. What kills it for me is the mudguards. I need them, but every time I see one with mudguards on I can not spend that kind of $$ on it.

Maybe someone on here has suggestions

Enjoy!!

 

[perry]

I know what you mean , i see a lot of chaps riding to work on crappy mtbs who refused to buy something more suitable . I dont think hybrids will ever get rid of that " his and hers " image , shame really as its pretty much ideal for the use .

have you ridden the trip to get an idea of how itl be day in day out ?

I had an interview for a job this morning at a place only 15mins away . Took the Kona and noticed a lot of the road was in pretty shocking condition even for a 2.2 tyre , if I get the job I had considered using the fixed gear bike I'm currently sourcing bits for but while It's a short distance theres a hill in the middle , big enough to get me a bit worried , I might have to use something else , maybe with gears :shock:

I would go with something cheap that can use a lot of common parts with other bikes you already have , it would be a bit of a hassle to find you have a puncture 5 mins before you need to head off and you only have 26" tubes hanging around .

How about an old Raleigh ?

 

[stewlewis]

I have a Dawes Discovery 401.

It's a nice ride and can cope with a little rough stuff, towpaths, bridleways etc.

But, on Tarmac when road riding with friends it's way too heavy, granny gear isn't needed, big ring could be bigger and while disc brakes are great they do add more weight, but they also save wear on the rims.

I'm kinda now thinking of a flat bar road bike instead, saying that it'll probably not be long after I'll be wanting drop bars.

I do like the look of my 401...

http://www.dawescycles.com/p-164-discovery-401.aspx

 

[KeepItSteel]

I too would have considered using my single speed, but there is a long steep hill (steep enough to stop a few of my pals in their tracks on the way up) just before the office which wouldnt be possible on s/s without bursting a couple of blood vessels on the way up (if at all)

Thats why I wanted hub gears as I just dont need more than a couple of gears on the flat....just as long as I can get up the hill at the end.

It just so happens that my office in right next to a large park/woods where I used to ride regularly so im very familiar with the route there and back....plus the park is available for nice long detours on the way home in the summer!

I agree with the spare parts compatibility issue, but I figure worse case scenario I could always jump on one of my retro rides should the commuter be out of action for any reason.

I guess my main concern is whether or not the hybrids actually work. Do they do exactly what it says on the tin, or are they just a gimmick?
I possibly have my eye on one of the 09 white edition badboys...totally over the top, but totally pimptastic.

 

[FluffyChicken]

A quick look on evean (as they have the bad boy) shows how different 'Hybrid' can change be. I've liked the look of the Boardman Hybrids..

Thought you could just get a larger framed retro bike (keeping on topic), run thin slicks on it, build up a Alfine rear wheel and slap some discs on it.

Look at the Kona Africa bike, that a Hybrid bike as well
or the Charge Mixer

 

[ekiborter]

Charge Mixer....

http://www.bikeshop.uk.com/ProductImage ... _mixer.jpg

or a Giant Roam if you want front sussss-peneion.

;]

 

[ekiborter]

please don't buy a crack'n'fail bad bwoy. :?

 

[mikesnowdon]

What about a old rigid Kona with 650c wheels? Wouldnt the overall circumference be closer to a MTB wheel and tyre? Also for gears Ive often wondered if a singlespeed chain tesioner has enough travel and spring to use 2 chainring's up front - like a 2 x 1 setup? That would give you a really light and fast bike with an extra gear for the uphills.

 

[john]

If it's a road commute why not just buy a cheap road bike? Unless you live in Beruit it'll be fine. As for brakes never needed anymore than dual pivots on the road. Your commute is 50 miles a week max so you'll hardly be wrecking components.

If you want a cannondale bad boy (can't help but feel this post was trying to validate your thoughts) then equally just go for it