New bike then....

[Lochen]

This might be in the wrong section, I've looked around, it seems the right place. Forgive me if it's not

I'm forming some ideas of where I might be heading in my cycling future. The idea of exploration and road riding combined, around our coastal area which includes wooded bits with mud paths. Perhaps venturing into the 100km Audax next year (summer).

Would a cyclocross bike be a good call? I'm very drawn to them after sitting on a couple today.

What should I be looking out for spec wise?

Budget is likely limited to 800ish quid.

I appreciate any advice and apologise for the many questions (I did say there'd be a few )

Ta

 

[vickster]

Yep, CX / gravel / adventure. Spec would be much of a muchness, you'll probably get a better deal in Jan/Feb or hunt around for reduced prior models. Ride some, see which suits you best

You could look at second hand, if the right size, this is a v good deal https://www.cyclechat.net/threads/giant-tcx-slr-1-2105-small-frame.208579/

 

[Lochen]

That is nice. Looks too small though, I'm 6'1".
Just been on Gumtree looking at similar. there's bargains to be had.....

 

[vickster]

Ah yes, you'll need a larger one for sure

 

[Racing roadkill]

CX bikes are designed primarily for CX events. They typically have a 'racy' geometry, and aren't necessarily the best choice for a ruggedised road bike anymore. A lot of manufacturers produce 'Gravel / adventure' bikes, which have a lot of the advantages of a CX bike ( clearance for big tyres for example ) without the compromised geometry of a dedicated CX bike. At 6'1 you'd probably be looking at a size Large in most manufacturers measurements, or about a 57 cm frame size, but again, I'd recommend having a ride of anything you're considering, as different bikes / geometries will be different fits. When you've got the bike, get a proper bike fit done, it'll be the best money you'll spend on the bike.

 

[Cycleops]

Considering your run down of of how you might use the bike I think one of these might suit : http://www.bikeradar.com/gear/category/bikes/road/product/review-kona-honky-tonk-13-47733/

https://www.cyclestore.co.uk/kona_honky_tonk_2016_road_bike-ID_67203

I have something similar and it works well on the rough paths and what are called roads down here, but also quick on better surfaces. I do prefer a steel frame but that's just a personal preference. I'm the same height as you so I'd say 58cm, even 60cm. You need to try some out . Good luck.

 

[MarquisMatsugae]

Considering your run down of of how you might use the bike I think one of these might suit : http://www.bikeradar.com/gear/category/bikes/road/product/review-kona-honky-tonk-13-47733/

https://www.cyclestore.co.uk/kona_honky_tonk_2016_road_bike-ID_67203

I have something similar and it works well on the rough paths and what are called roads down here, but also quick on better surfaces. I do prefer a steel frame but that's just a personal preference. I'm the same height as you so I'd say 58cm, even 60cm. You need to try some out . Good luck.

Like.
Retro like more.

 

[Racing roadkill]

Like.
Retro like more.

BSO more like. A clunky old steel frame with a horse poo Sora group set for how much?

When you consider for the same ( or a bit less ) sort of money,

http://www.decathlon.co.uk/triban-540-road-bike-105-red-blue-id_8364452.html

Which will take 28 mm tyres, comes with a 5800 ( 11 speed ) 105 groupset, and a Carbon fork, with pretty decent wheelset.

I was under the impression that the OP needed the other benefits of a 'gravel bike' as well ( disc brakes, higher BB clearance etc)

 

[dim]

buy 2 good used bikes ...

one for doing Audax (a good road bike)
one for doing off-road such as a good mountain bike

£800 is a good budget. I'd be looking at spending £600 on a road bike and £200 on a MTB

some examples of whats currently on ebay:

2014 Specialized Allez Sport Full Shimano Ultegra 58cm XL Carbon Fork Upgraded £595
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2014-Spec...839488?hash=item237875c540:g:GXIAAOSwiDFYRXhg

------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Specialized Hardrock Pro mountain bike £150
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/specalize...610393?hash=item25ca681b99:g:Ui8AAOSwA3dYRaHZ

 

[MarquisMatsugae]

BSO more like. A clunky old steel frame with a horse poo Sora group set for how much?

When you consider for the same ( or a bit less ) sort of money,

http://www.decathlon.co.uk/triban-540-road-bike-105-red-blue-id_8364452.html

Which will take 28 mm tyres, comes with a 5800 ( 11 speed ) 105 groupset, and a Carbon fork, with pretty decent wheelset.

I was under the impression that the OP needed the other benefits of a 'gravel bike' as well ( disc brakes, higher BB clearance etc)

I just like the look of it.
Anyway,I wouldn't look twice at a Decathlon bike.

 

[MarkF]

I wouldn't risk £800 on a first bike, you might not like it, it might not suit you, you might change your mind about what riding you like, I did.

Loads of bargains appear now and after Xmas as people have a clear out, many are practically unused, like this, I'd offer £250 for this and expect to lose nothing if I moved it on. It (& similar) will do everything you've decsribed and you'd have £550 + the bikes residuals for your dream purchase when you know more.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/specializ...811323?hash=item41b94e9d7b:g:~gAAAOSwa~BYRrwJ

 

[Cycleops]

Good point @MarkF .Apart from that you will be taking a big hit when you sell. If the op can get something that's not had much use it'll be as good as new. Very often people take up cycling and just give up after a short while.

 

[Cycleops]

BSO more like. A clunky old steel frame with a horse poo Sora group set for how much?

When you consider for the same ( or a bit less ) sort of money,

http://www.decathlon.co.uk/triban-540-road-bike-105-red-blue-id_8364452.html

Which will take 28 mm tyres, comes with a 5800 ( 11 speed ) 105 groupset, and a Carbon fork, with pretty decent wheelset.

Of course youre entitled to your view but its the classic mistake of looking at the bike as a collection of parts instead of a whole. Plus who wants to say they've got a Triban like thousands of others. Bit like saying I've got a chair.

Ask @ianrauk about the Kona, he used to have one.

 

[MarkF]

Good point @MarkF .Apart from that you will be taking a big hit when you sell. If the op can get something that's not had much use it'll be as good as new. Very often people take up cycling and just give up after a short while.

Yep, just about all my bikes have been post-Xmas purchases, all bought with good intentions by the (usually fat) seller, then quickly sold after the first ride or so. they are bought (IMO) as the latest in (probably) a long line of weight loss trial & error purchases, they don't have any interest in bikes/cycling and are setting out in January...............

 

[Lochen]

Thank you all for the great advice and links to bike ideas.
There are a few on the used market I've seen such as a couple of Cannondale CAADX tiagra, various years from 2014 @ 320 quid to a nicely specced 2016 @ 525 quid.
A Focus Cross Expert 400 quid.
It's apparent that it can be a bit of a minefield and I appreciate your experience and advice.
I will take MarkF point, it is a very valid one and thank you for raising it. I already have my first bike though, which I'm on everyday
I will though, now concentrate my search in the second hand market. Although, that self build 'Planet X' in the retailers section is tempting (built by them of course). So is the Croix de Fer currently for sale in the sales section.

I'll wait until after Christmas .

Ta