Crossroads Hybrid Bikes

Advantages: Nimble, durable, versatile
Disadvantages: Gearing too low for speed on downhills

...I purchased a Gary Fisher Nirvana as a deeply discounted "clearance" item in the late 1990s, and have used it for short commuting and longer weekend rides ever since. The cro-moly frame and fork have worked smoothly and held up well, the wheels have taken a pounding without distorting, and the gears are still functioning without flaw. The small frame accepted fenders, luggage rack, and other unstylish but useful add-ons. This hybrid bike has been nimble, easy to pedal, and durable. My criticisms -- the gearing range is too narrow to generate much speed going down hills and on flats. And the small diameter tires are somewhat inefficient for long distances on the road though ideal for mixed on road and off road use. Gary Fisher sold his company to Trek in the early 1990s, and I suspect that some of the models have been... Read review

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Advantages: speed, style, comfort
Disadvantages: tedious to remove chain guard

...the gears you want right up to high cruising speeds where only racers overtake me. Stopping is not a problem with the powerful v-brakes and comfortable rubber coated aluminium levers. The front forks have SR Suntour suspension, and the Post Moderne saddle post provides the suspension at the rear as well as supporting the Selle Royal Comfort saddle that truly lives up to its name. The full length mudguards, sturdy alloy carrier, chain guard, excellent road tyres, non-slip pedals, SRAM MRX Rotational gear shifters and fully adjustable handlebar stem all add tot he civility and practicality of this hybrid which is cheap for its range of features at just over £200. It comes in only one colour called gemstone, which to you and I is blue, the rest of the bike essentially being silver. It's as durable as any other hybrid, so the tyres won't wear out... Read review

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Advantages: Solid Sturdy Frame, great feel, great looks.
Disadvantages: Front Suspension isn't the greatest

...I've recently decided to get back into cycling. It took me a while to decide what sort of bike to go for, mountain bike, road bike, hybrid bike etc. I finally decided to go for a mountain bike as I plan to go off-road quite a bit as well as my commute to work and there are plenty of areas for me to try off-roading locally. My budget was quite small compared to what a lot of these bikes go for, I was only prepared to spend in the region of £300. I decided upon the Specialized Hardrock Sport and I have no complaints. Visually the bike looks great, when you have a closer look you can see that it is very well made, the frame and the welding look pretty sturdy to say the least. I know some of the components on the bike aren't the best and I was pre-warned about the front suspension being a bit suspect. The RST Gilla's aren't anything... Read review

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