Hybrid Bikes > Marin Hybrid Bikes

Advantages: Lightweight, sturdy, stylish and very versatile
Disadvantages: Expensive

...We decided on the Marin San Raphael at a cost of £425 from the North East dealer in Gateshead for Marin. With it being a joint purchase we had to buy a bike that was suitable for both of us. The San Raphael is classed as a hybrid touring bike and a unisex model; however, I do believe it’s more of a male bike with the high crossbar. I have always preferred the more sturdy looking bikes anyway compared to the ‘ladies’ models. The Marin name is well ...
...to customize your brakes the Marin standard brake system was perfectly adequate when I used them. To be honest I don't know why it took me so long to get back into cycling, I think had I bought a more inferior bike then the experience wouldn't have been as pleasurable and I may have given up. As it happens my car is gathering dust and I am seriously considering getting shot of it when the tax is due to cycle exclusively. At work I am constantly ... Read review

Advantages: Great workout, good fun, easy to maintain, looks cool
Disadvantages: can be hard to learn, expensive, uphill is hard work

Trikke T8 This is a totally different way of getting around and keeping fit. A cross between biking, skating and skiing, this is a unique vehicle that will appeal to anyone looking for something different. With no more maintenance required than an average bike and a very portable frame, once you find a rhythm you can reach speeds of over 15kph. Durability This is a very solid feeling vehicle which copes well with gravel and kerbs but is still ...
...car. It requires less maintenance than a bike and is easier to store. Use I used this as an alternative to inline skating as it had air filled tires which would cover more surfaces and not get stuck in potholes. Learning to ride it is straightforward and once you get the technique, it's great! Smooth, flowing and very exhausting… On the other hand, it did take me about a week to really get it going. As there are very few about in the West of Scotland, ... Read review

Advantages: LOOKS CLASS, CANT HURT YOUR **** IF YOU SLIP
Disadvantages: NOTHING TOTALLY BRILL

I have been looking for a way in which to get fit but wanted to make it fun and something that i would enjoy and have the motivation to do! I thoguht about joining a gym or going jogging but decided that buying a bike to ride to work on would be a great idea. I am into the whole retro scene and the fact that the chopper was being re issued was a twist of fate!! I decided to buy one and see how i got on, to my disgust i got home a d my dad told ...
...70's just a few years ago and that if he had known i could of had it. Anyway i settled for my 'new' chopper and went out for a ride. The brilliant thing about it is that you wont see anybody else riding around on one because i think most people would be embaressed. When i ride to work i get a mixed reaction from people laughing at me to people actually stopping me in the street and telling me about them having a chopper when they were younger!! ... Read review

Advantages: Retro Chic beyond compare!
Disadvantages: Erm...........................

...in March this year (2004) Raleigh released the new 'Mark III Chopper' realising that retro was chic and that the generel public would pay silly money to be nostalgic (looking guilty at this point!!!!) So onto the new Chopper.... Sadly, with various safety regs, we can't have a gear stick on the frame anymore.....that's now on the right handlebar (twist action!). Also, no more 'L' shaped seat (noooo I hear you thirty-somethings cry, it's ruined!!!) ...
...with no accesories, there are Raleigh Chopper Mirrors, Horn and valve nut covers to buy as added extras.......and if you search on the Raleigh Chopper Owners sites, you'll even find conversion kits to put the Mark II seat on your new Mark III. The only tiny drawback (and it's a positive drawback!!!) is that it draws so much attention, that in public, it's hard to get any peace and quiet! Taking it to the park a weekend ago lead to a small crowd ... Read review

Advantages: Excellent bike with well Specified Equipment
Disadvantages: No fun riding in the rain.

If you are considering purchasing a new bike and are not sure which to choose I can recommend the C.B. Urban 300.It is a cross between a road bike and a mountain bike. Having an aluminium frame it is light and easy to ride (Make sure you get the correct size frame) The Shimano gears I have found to be excellent,the brakes are very good to. I chose this particular model over the Urban 100 & 200 due to the better specification of parts and the ...
...It is ideal for treking on trails or country pathways. TECHNICAL INFORMATION. Brake Levers: Shimano S.T.I Brakes: Forge V Alloy Chain: Z9000 Chainset: Shimano C 203 Number of Gears 24 Frame / Colour: Taper tube alloy Frame sizes: 18,20,22 Freewheel: Shimano 8 speed cassette Gear Levers: Shimano S.T.I Gears Front: Shimano Gears Rear: Shimano Alivio Handlebars: Tioga Riser Headset: Ahead Hub Front / Rear: Alloy QR front and rear Rims: Alloy Saddle: ... Read review