Hi all
New here, looking for some advice - have been looking through the threads and found lots of good tips but nothing that quite matches my situation, and not being an expert cyclist, it's pretty hard to decode some of the reviews and marketing spiel.
I've been cycling on an old Carrera for years and need an upgrade. I cycle to and from work a couple of times a week, 8 miles each way, with occasional 20-30 mile trips at the weeked. Mainly on road, but it's useful to have something that can cope with the odd bit of gravel/track for trips out of town. Lightweight enough that I can get it on the car roof without a struggle (although the Carrera is 13.5kg so most things will improve on that). Flat handlebars preferred, and need to be able to fit panniers. Budget up to £1000 give or take.
I've been looking at the Ribble CGR on a cycling friend's recommendation, and it looks great, although I'm slightly put off by the need to assemble it, and there's a 3-4 month wait. And is it more at the 'gravel' end of the hybrid spectrum? Would I be better with something more road-oriented? I've also looked at the Boardman 8.9 or Pinnacle options. Local shop offers Trek, they seem quite expensive for what you get there, but if I buy local I know I'll get decent service if something goes wrong.
Any views welcome.
Jim
New here, looking for some advice - have been looking through the threads and found lots of good tips but nothing that quite matches my situation, and not being an expert cyclist, it's pretty hard to decode some of the reviews and marketing spiel.
I've been cycling on an old Carrera for years and need an upgrade. I cycle to and from work a couple of times a week, 8 miles each way, with occasional 20-30 mile trips at the weeked. Mainly on road, but it's useful to have something that can cope with the odd bit of gravel/track for trips out of town. Lightweight enough that I can get it on the car roof without a struggle (although the Carrera is 13.5kg so most things will improve on that). Flat handlebars preferred, and need to be able to fit panniers. Budget up to £1000 give or take.
I've been looking at the Ribble CGR on a cycling friend's recommendation, and it looks great, although I'm slightly put off by the need to assemble it, and there's a 3-4 month wait. And is it more at the 'gravel' end of the hybrid spectrum? Would I be better with something more road-oriented? I've also looked at the Boardman 8.9 or Pinnacle options. Local shop offers Trek, they seem quite expensive for what you get there, but if I buy local I know I'll get decent service if something goes wrong.
Any views welcome.
Jim