Buying hybrid bike - what to look for?

[Bookendedbylife]

I’m planning to start cycling to work to get fitter once the weather cheers up a bit and have decided to invest in a new bike.

Apart from the colour ( 😂) what else do I need to think about?

I’ve seen one which is being promoted as a lightweight bike - it’s 11kg. Anyone know if this is lightweight or not?

I’m only 5’4 and ideally would be able to lift it easily to get it on the car roof rack!

How far will you cycle, what kind of terrain e.g. flat, hilly, off road, on road but cycle paths, on road. Budget? Yes 11kg is heavy imo. I'll start there.

11 kg isn't terrible, fine for most, especially going is flat. My lightweight hybrid is 9.5 kg. Can you lift half of a half hundred weight sack of potatoes?

I needed low gearing & I don't technically live somewhere hilly. I needed a pannier rack for pannier bags.

Definitely get a pannier rack. Go for lightweight but also not hugely desirable if you haven't got somewhere safe to lock it.

A removable basket is useful for lightweight bulky things.
Get a sturdy D lock.

I’m only 5’4 and ideally would be able to lift it easily to get it on the car roof rack!

im 5f7 and am just tall enough to put my bike on the roof of my car - I have a small car.. but the weights around 12kg on my cross bike.

Id go for fit and light bike with decent components (probably not Halfords)

I wouldn't ever have a basket on the handlebars, Its safer for pannier rack and panniers - sorry but thats just my opinion. A bag isn't a problem but if you start putting weight in a basket on the handlebars it alters the steering of the bike to much imo.

If you'll just be on the road, make sure it doesn't have a suspension fork. It just adds weight and will slow you down. Some hybrid bikes are more like crap mountain bikes and some are more like basic road bikes with flat bars. You generally want the latter kind for commuting.

You want metal components that you can replace - I have seen bikes with plastic brake levers. Don't go there!

I have a not very expensive bike (was £300 10 years ago) on which I've done about 20,000 miles. I can do basic maintenance, DH can do the more complex bits! However I paid an extra £10 to have the handlebars replaced with ones at the right height/reach for me. I was able to test ride the bike before I bought it (same with its predecessor), and you really do want to do that if possible; my point is that it's a reasonable request even for a fairly cheap bike.

Don't worry too much about the saddle it comes with - I've replaced mine with something more comfortable.

I have both panniers and a front basket, but I use the bike for commuting, going shopping (including food, though we get a delivery too), taking DD and all her bits to school etc., so you might not need both straight off.

Happy cycling!

My everyday hybrid bike is closer to 12 kg than 11 kg and I find it absolutely fine. And I cycle on hilly terrain, in strong winds and often pull a trailer as well. It's nothing fancy but it's a good all-purpose all-year bike. I can easily lift it up and down steps when necessary and I'm not that strong at all in my upper body.

Most hybrid bikes will be quite heavy to lift onto a roof rack. I can easily put my road bike on one, but the added weight of a pannier rack etc means that I wouldn't try with my hybrid.

I've got a 10 year old Giant City Escape, which I've used nearly daily for commuting. It's lovely to ride for that purpose. The modern version is: www.liv-cycling.com/gb/alight-3-city-2021

I know it does @ivykaty44 but it’s useful for unplanned shopping.

Go to a proper bike shop and try them out for size - you need it to fit or you’ll be uncomfortable and you won’t use it. Bikes tend disappointingly to not come in more than 1 or 2 colours per model, but my dreary blue hybrid (I wanted red) was fitted for me by a very committed woman at the shop about 20 years ago and has been bloody brilliant

heavy bike doesn't necessaruly mean hard to ride. dutch brands can be quite heavy. unless you have to carry the bike up/down stairs or have to go up a very steel hill it doesn't matter much.

look for adjustable handlebar. having it higher is a lot more comfortable. also having angled handle bars is easier on your wrist.

my dc have the decathlon elops bike. it's popular for a reason. very comfortable to ride and easy to maintain.

Make sure it has smooth road tyres. Knobbles (sp?) just make them harder to pedal.

but knobbles make the tyre less slippery and less prone to punctures ime

Also, get Schwarble Marathon tyres fitted, and you'll have far, far fewer punctures. 'Marathon plus' tyres if you're feeling flush. It's revolutionised my commuting, and DH hasn't had to drive out to pick me up for years....

I'd be looking at a bike with straight handlebars. You aren't racing. 1 x system ie 1 chairing at the front but wide gearing at the back. Disc brakes are the thing now but can be fiddly. Gravel bikes are popular now. Uses wider tyres but not to wide. Yes to a rack and a panned or rackpack depending on what you carry. Flat pedals.

bicycle2work.com/1x-hybrid-bikes-pros-v-cons/

yes to pp - try a few bikes.
things like saddles, handlebars and pedals can be switched for more comfortable ones later.

What one have you seen OP?
Whats your top budget ?

I hate those heavy upright Dutch bikes. I found them rubbish for hills and wind and sitting up like that makes peddling so inefficient, it drove me crazy. So many people say they are very comfortable but I find them actively uncomfortable! I feel much better leaning over a bit (not full racing position but far from upright). Just goes to show that you should try before you buy and see what suits you.

Also, get Schwarble Marathon tyres fitted

I have Marathon Plus on mine. A smooth tread, easy to pedal, and no punctures.

So far.