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Do they exist? A flat bar hybrid, with 650b x 47c tyres... or do I just want a mountain bike with low tread tyres....
I know I can get a Cotic but I have a Halfords c2w voucher, closest off the peg I’ve found is a giant toughroad but the gearing is 10 years in the past 3x8, hoping to find a 1x10 as a minimum.
Any suggestions?
I just picked up a Croix De Fer for Mrs FH,chucked the drops away and put flat bars on.No idea if it's now a hybrid or not but she loves it.
Oh,and I bet that 10 years in the past gearing still makes the wheels go round ok 😉 .
Sonder Camino Al is available in a flt bar version.
https://www.alpkit.com/sonder/bikes/sonder-camino-al-sram-apex1-flat-bar-V2
It's not off the shelf but I've been using a Boardman Hybrid Pro for commuting which runs 1x11 Apex gearing. I had a set of Hunt 650b wheels with WTB Horizon tyres sitting in the garage so tried them on the Boardman and they have been fantastic.
They don't feel slow to me and have worked well on sections of the commute where I use bridleways rather than the roads. The wheels and tyres must be at least 1kg lighter than the standard offernings!
I know, just wanted something a bit less but more....
After running 1x10 on my current work hybrid and on my MTBs, I’m used to having no front mech to tinker with.
I was looking at this a while back, and off the top of my head:
Kona Dr Dew (or something)
Pinnacle Chromium
Marin Nicasio RC
Jamis Sequel (looks really nice actually, but heavy...)
Whyte portabello
I was just looking at the whyte...under budget so I can get a few other bits with my voucher, local store has one in stock, will pop by and see what it’s like.
Just found this from Saracen...
https://www.cyclerepublic.com/saracen-levarg-fb-mens-hybrid-bike-2019.html
Convert a Voodoo Marasa to 3x10 to safely take at least 700x50 slick tyres, or maybe try the Voodoo Agwe which comes with 1x10 (don't know what tyre clearance it has though).
£320/£400 respectively, if you trade in an old helmet, bike or scooter.
29er MTB.
Brother cycles Big Brother would be perfect. Fit skinnier tyres, bosh. Like my Salsa, but they don't make it any more.
EDIT bloody hell they are on sale at a grand down from £1800!
Having done some more searching, the Saracen Levarg FB is very tempting, I’ve also found an Orange Speedworks in the sale at £989, all MTB kit, anyone on here have one or experience of the orange that’s close to being ordered....
Speedworks is a great option. Just order it.
I can’t see the difference in the 2018 and 2019 model?? Looks like no difference except £100...
The only issue with an MTB 1x transmission could be that you might want to switch to a bigger chainring, depending on your local riding conditions. Don't really see the point of 650B x 47 when you can get 700c x 45 which will roll quicker
Find a nice 26” hard tail with disc brakes, get a rigid fork and some 27.5 wheels and you’re off. I’ve done it with an old Indy Fab frame I had made in the 90s, albeit with some finagling with Paul Components v-brakes. But it works brilliantly. Obviously mine isn’t a cheapo build, but that doesn’t mean it couldn’t be done.
Speedworks looks good. There's pretty good deal on last years model:
https://www.orangebikes.co.uk/shop/factory/closeout/2018_speedwork_s_medium_satin_lava_grey
Cube Hyde is worth a look. I'd buy one if I didn't already have something similar.
Belt drive is a bonus for commuting.
Asked my lbs to get the speedwork s in as they have one available will try for size, priced at £999 will see if they will match the other price...
Next thing to think about is selling my crosstrail, eBay seems flooded with hybrids, ex c2w bikes, might be tricky to sell.
Picked up the orange today, such a good looking bike and fun, seriously fun to ride...but disappointed I can’t hook up mudguards so hoping the ass savers will do the job on the commute.
Also reduced again to £899, got a new lid and few other bits, overall happy, next ride will be a blast down the canals can’t wait!
I'm jealous - I seriously considered a Speedworks last time I was buying.
It's a shame about the mudguard mounts (I don't mind a bit of mud on me, but I'm not happy about it on my bike), but I guess they sell it as a bike for fun rather than a commute.
One of the things that led me to choose another bike was I thought the gearing was a bit low: 34 chainring, 11-42 cassette. How are you finding it? And what do you think of the tyres? I just bought a pair of Revolutions and I'm liking them so far.
Only rode it round the block at the lbs so far but found it quicker than expected, next week in the commute will be the test.
I do prefer full mudguards, but might clean up my crosstrail, new cassette and once the rain season starts again will swap back to using this in the winter months.
Ok, let us know how you’re finding it once you’ve given it a couple of good rides.
Enjoy.