How do I find a hybrid for me?

[YeOldeTrout]

I want something lightweight that can take mudguards & pannier rack & go uphill (needs a tiny gear ring in front for my weak legs). Budget £1-£2k. I like an "aggressive" position, so not sit up & beg at all. Any suggestions how I should find one? I hate going to physical shops, irk, is that only way?

you could get a carrera crossfire hybrid. i was very pleased with mine. and if you don't like physical shops, then have a look on ebay or gumtree. that way you only have to go over to the sellers home and have a look at the bike before purchasing.

Honestly. You need to sit on a bike before you buy it. If I was in your position I would visit a couple of independent bike shops, talk to the staff and ask what they reccomend. There is no substitute for trying before you buy.

Btw, I have this. formebikes.co.uk/cromford-1.html

weanh... I'm going to have to make a spreadsheet aren't I? Foo.

Sorry, but it is the best way to get exactly what you want for your money.

At least by using a smaller shop you should be able to find someone who knows his onions and can direct you without you having to trail around and try loads.

I have been spreadsheeting. So very difficult to get the info I need though (grr). My current bike is probably about 13.5kg without extras. So many bikes sold as 'hybrid' but with front suspension. WTF

I think I'm coming around to having one custom built, tbh. I want a lowest gear ratio of 0.75 at largest, straight bars, can fit pannier rack & mudguards. And weight < 11 kg ideally (without rack). Nothing off shelf is likely to do the low GR. I could get something off shelf and MAYBE swap for the small ring I want, so will explore that, but it's clearly not feasible for many bikes. I always have to argue with mechanics about wanting the low GR, am not looking forward to that repeated battle.

I also just found out that 'triple' chainsets are out of fashion. Who knew.

I think you definitely need a specialist. Probably better using your time to find a knowledgeable and able bike shop in order to get exactly what you want.
Personally I have found the tiny savings from the lighter bikes are lost when you start adding pannier racks and luggage.

Road bikes are unlikely to support mudguards and pannier racks. (Some entry level road bikes might).

High end road bikes are unlikely to have them because people buying high end road bikes don't typically want to have mudguards on them

However, there are mudguards and pannier racks made to be mounted on any road bike.

If you want a bike ready to have mudguards and pannier racks, look for a "touring" or "gravel" bike.

update... also seriously considered a Planet X London Road hybrid & the Boardman Hybrid 8.xsomething (& big spreadsheet of others), but decided in end on a Ribble Urban. It arrives in about a week (squee!). X fingers hoping it's all I wanted.

Local Bike shop, bless, they couldn't understand the spec I wanted. The Ribble bike found me, via pop up ads on web browser, after all my googling. I sent Ribble maybe 7 emails asking questions. Good Customer Service.