Best bike type for occasional etape, weekend rides, panniered LEJOG?

[oscarman]

I know I'm looking for utopia here but I have a budget of c. £1000 and would like to get a bike that I can use for an etape or two, for some weekend riding (not racing) and that is man enough and comfortable to cope with panniered LEJOG next year.

Key attributes I'm looking for are:

Comfortable/relaxed riding position (I'm not a racer)
Gear ratios that will easily cope with hills (I'm not a racer!)
Disc brakes (probably cable for ease of maintenance)
Something that looks good (most pure touring bikes look pretty dull)

Would the "adventure" bike type meet all these needs?
Any suggested models for my budget?

 

[Racing roadkill]

I know I'm looking for utopia here but I have a budget of c. £1000 and would like to get a bike that I can use for an etape or two, for some weekend riding (not racing) and that is man enough and comfortable to cope with panniered LEJOG next year.

Key attributes I'm looking for are:

Comfortable/relaxed riding position (I'm not a racer)
Gear ratios that will easily cope with hills (I'm not a racer!)
Disc brakes (probably cable for ease of maintenance)
Something that looks good (most pure touring bikes look pretty dull)

Would the "adventure" bike type meet all these needs?
Any suggested models for my budget?

I'd say this was a good choice

http://www.halfords.com/cycling/bikes/hybrid-bikes/boardman-mx-comp-bike

They've sorted out the big issues that the earlier models ( 2015 for example ) had. I have one, and it's great for leisure / touring type rides.

http://www.halfords.com/cycling/bikes/road-bikes/boardman-cx-comp-bike

Again, a very competent bike, and good VFM. A good choice if you simply must have drop bars.

The brakes are not so good on that one though.

http://www.halfords.com/cycling/bikes/road-bikes/boardman-cx-team-bike

This one has better brakes, and still hits your budget ( under your budget with a British Cycling members discount ).

 

[steveindenmark]

Genesis Croix de Fer 20. Super bike for all occasions. Well under your budget and you will struggle to find a bad word written about it anywhere.

The only word of caution is about sizing. I usually take a 54cm frame or a medium. With the Croix de Fer, I take a small.

Look on e bay for the 2016 models.

This is utopia.

 

[GrumpyGregry]

CX bike or Gravel/Adventure bike with lots of braze ons should mean you can tour and then get your kicks at the weekends afterwards.

and what @steveindenmark said.

 

[vickster]

No need for eBay for a reduced 2016 Croix, e.g. Last year's 20 comes in under budget
http://www.freeborn.co.uk/genesis-2016-croix-de-fer-20-bike-grey

 

[Big Andy]

Have a look at the Whyte Suffolk.
https://www.winstanleysbikes.co.uk/product/79889/Whyte_Suffolk_105_2016_Mens_Bike

 

[steveindenmark]

No need for eBay for a reduced 2016 Croix, e.g. Last year's 20 comes in under budget
http://www.freeborn.co.uk/genesis-2016-croix-de-fer-20-bike-grey

But they are cheaper on e bay.

 

[vickster]

But they are cheaper on e bay.

Not new in all sizes I suspect

 

[Cycleops]

There is such a proliferation of these types of bike now you'll be almost over whelmed for choice. The CdF is certainly a great option but rather dull in battleship grey.
I would go for steel frame personally. The Suffolk has a cf fork so won't be able to take front panniers if that's important.

 

[vickster]

The Croix 10 comes in the rather lovely cosmic copper

 

[Cycleops]

I see the 2017 CdF comes in a rather nice shade of light blue. More money though.

 

[steveindenmark]

Not new in all sizes I suspect

That is the problem. You need to shop around to get the correct size. I wanted the olive green one and they are difficult to find but they are out there. You can of course by the 2017 model. but there is quite a price hike.

Cycleops...The light CDF 20 is much nicer in the flesh than in the photos. I really was not keen on it looking at the photos. But when I opened the box I was very surprised. In fact I am glad I got Jannie the grey one now. If I get myself one, I will also choose the grey.

 

[oscarman]

I'd say this was a good choice

http://www.halfords.com/cycling/bikes/hybrid-bikes/boardman-mx-comp-bike

They've sorted out the big issues that the earlier models ( 2015 for example ) had. I have one, and it's great for leisure / touring type rides.

http://www.halfords.com/cycling/bikes/road-bikes/boardman-cx-comp-bike

Again, a very competent bike, and good VFM. A good choice if you simply must have drop bars.

The brakes are not so good on that one though.

http://www.halfords.com/cycling/bikes/road-bikes/boardman-cx-team-bike

This one has better brakes, and still hits your budget ( under your budget with a British Cycling members discount ).

Thanks - some useful suggestions here

 

[oscarman]

That is the problem. You need to shop around to get the correct size. I wanted the olive green one and they are difficult to find but they are out there. You can of course by the 2017 model. but there is quite a price hike.

Cycleops...The light CDF 20 is much nicer in the flesh than in the photos. I really was not keen on it looking at the photos. But when I opened the box I was very surprised. In fact I am glad I got Jannie the grey one now. If I get myself one, I will also choose the grey.

Thanks for the suggestions and insight Steve - appreciate it

 

[freiston]

With that usage and budget, I wouldn't restrict myself to disc brakes. The Spa steel tourer has V-brakes which would give ample stopping power in all weathers and are not a problem mechanically. That bike is nicely in your budget, is low-geared and reckoned to be very comfy too.

http://www.spacycles.co.uk/m1b0s21p2983/SPA-CYCLES-Steel-Tourer

Something that looks good (most pure touring bikes look pretty dull)

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder! It's the sight of a nice touring bike that turns my head more than any other type of bike (including the village bike)

The Spa steel tourer (other configurations/finishes are available):