Can you help me decide between these 2 bikes, please?

[Ceolas]

I'm going to buy a hybrid bike for leisurely cycles with the kids and a bit of escapism for myself. Just tootling about on cycle paths mainly.
Can't decide between a Carrera crossfire 2 and the BTwin Riverside 500. Does anyone have experience of either one?

No experience. I just looked at them online. Do you definitely want front suspension? Suspension adds a lot of weight. Both cost about £250 too. Which one was nicer to ride?

I like B'Twin looks better, and easier to find full info about it online. But I wouldn't want front suspension unless I went on very bumpy ground.

Why anti suspension? I've not cycled regularly in a long time and comfort is a big worry! Haven't taken either for a ride, only tried sitting on in the shop.

I'm so indecisive. Far too much choice!
I also liked the look of the Raleigh Strada.

Good idea to go somewhere like Halford's & try several different sorts of bike out. Suspension is usually unnecessary weight that doesn't make the ride more comfy except on very rough ground (like downhill MTBers).

Thank you. Had a try of the btwin in decathlon today. Felt good.

Agree with above. Suspension at this price will just add weight and make pedalling less efficient. Might get a bit of comfort but you could just put a larger volume tyre on for this

You don't need suspension for tootling around paths.

Have you looked at Rutland cycle website as they're having a sale I think. I know last year I got a Liv Alight hybrid from them for around £200 and ive been really happy with it.

www.rutlandcycling.com/bikes/hybrid-bikes/giant-liv-alight-3-2018-womens-road-bike-green_381818

Will be better than a carrera or Raleigh.

You don’t want suspension. Don’t go to Halfords, you need a good bike shop, most towns have one. They will give you good advice and let you try different options. I bought my first (adult) bike without advice and did the whole ‘regret at your leisure’ thing. I now have 4, and know what I’m doing!

£250 is really at the very bottom of what to pay for something you are going to ride on the road. It’s not impossible, but very, very easy to get it wrong at that price point.

Seriously, find a good bike shop and go talk to them.