Adventure road bike - best under £800

[Piggysmalls]

Hi Guys

Hope you guys can help me make a final decision on my first road bike.

I am looking for an Adventure Road bike and will be using for 2/3 day bike holidays and commuting mostly on road but a little gravel/bike paths too. Under £700 ideally or as cheap as possible, must be large/56

I have literally been looking for the last 6 months and have now narrowed it down to 2 choices.

So my question is which one is the best from these 2? Or any other bikes I should also look at?

Specialized Sequoia
£669
https://www.evanscycles.com/specialized-sequoia-2018-road-bike-EV361201

Boardman ADV 8.8
£640
https://www.halfords.com/cycling/bikes/road-bikes/boardman-adv-8-8-mens-adventure-bike


Cheers

 

[CXRAndy]

They are very much a like. The Specialized has a bigger gear range for good hill climbing. Both have mechanical brake, not the best compared to hydraulic, but sufficient. I am Boardman fan with carbon fork but admit the Specialized is nice bike

It really comes down to feel of fit when riding

 

[tom73]

worth a look
https://www.merlincycles.com/merlin-malt-g-tiagra-gravel-bike-2019-114706.html

 

[vickster]

Go ride them both...then decide which is for you

 

[Cycleops]

I've got the previous model to the Sequoia and it's a brilliant bike. Only differences are I've fitted a triple up front plus mine doesn't have the Spyre brakes which by the way are great. Might be a bit heavier than the Boardman but I'd always go for steel over aluminium for this type of bike. Plus it's a bargain price, snap it up before its gone!

 

[I like Skol]

After a quick glance, of the two I would go for the specialised. The steel frame is a big draw over the far eastern alloy frame with that hideous disrupted rear triangle that seems to be the fashion at the moment. I also much prefer the colour of the Spesh (@vickster).

Both use the same brakes and I have a set of these on my commuter and while they certainly ain't top of the range hydraulic, they are more than adequate and at least as good as some of the mediocre hydraulic options that come on the lower end bikes.

There is the 'Helfrauds' factor to consider! The internet is awash with tales of shocking service from the bike 'mechanics' () that Halfords employ and it can be luck-of-the-draw if your bike gets assembled by someone who knows what they are doing or the guy that struggles to screw the top on a bottle of pop! If you really, really want the Boardman, get it in a box and have someone else assemble it for you.

 

[I like Skol]

The Evans own brand Pinnacle bikes get good reviews and this seems to tick the boxes - www.evanscycles.com/pinnacle-arkose-1-2018-adventure-road-bike-EV306244

 

[KneesUp]

Spesh showing at £719 for me. Dunno if that’s to do with my profile or if it’s gone up?

Edit: Boardman shows at £800 for me too.

 

[Spiderweb]

I would go for the steel frame. The Specialized is a bargain!

 

[Piggysmalls]

Spesh showing at £719 for me. Dunno if that’s to do with my profile or if it’s gone up?

Edit: Boardman shows at £800 for me too.

Yes I will be trading in my old hybrid bike for £50 off at evans and you get 20% off at halfords!

 

[Piggysmalls]

Thanks for the great advice everyone!
I've just ordered the Specialized one.

 

[mythste]

Would you consider second-hand? The Genesis Croix De Fer is the daddy of the realm you describe and you can get a well specced one well within budget.

 

[I like Skol]

Thanks for the great advice everyone!
I've just ordered the Specialized one.

Sweet. Through axles Fr & Rr too, great bike. Let's see some pictures once it arrives

 

[vickster]

Thanks for the great advice everyone!
I've just ordered the Specialized one.

How did it ride

@I like Skol steel frames can always be repainted in an attractive interesting colour

 

[Piggysmalls]

I got their just in time as this was apparently the last one available!
My local branch insisted it was sold but the head office insisted it was available and will be shipped to my local branch in Gateshead for collection at the start of April.
Had to pay for some pedals! Didn't factor that one in but still cost under £700.

Roll on new bike day!

I will try to post a photo and some feedback once i get it!