Find me a new bike

[Sandra6]

I haven't had a new bike for aaaages and I'll be eligible for cycle2work soon so I'm entering the research stage.
I want a bike predominantly for my 6mile commute on a cycle path, and that will take me out for the odd 20 miler when the notion takes me, but also won't be out of place for the odd trip to the shop.
Mudguards and a rear rack are a must - I hate the sweaty back feel of a rucksack.
I prefer a flat bar and I don't want suspension anywhere. I'm not convinced by female specific geometry, so long as the bike fits me it'll become a "lady's" bike.
In the region of £700.
Hit me with your best shot.

 

[vickster]

Whyte R7 flat bar, job done

Merida flat bars also look good for the ££

Will it have to come from a C2W supplier at RRP or can you sniff out a reduced bargain?

 

[Sandra6]

I can use c2w with halfords (don't laugh!!) evans or a number of independents locally.
I'll get a discount if I go to my old employer, possibly, but has to be c2w as I don't have the cash handy myself.

 

[vickster]

I can use c2w with halfords (don't laugh!!) evans or a number of independents locally.
I'll get a discount if I go to my old employer, possibly, but has to be c2w as I don't have the cash handy myself.

What brands can you access locally? Do the Indies offer C2W on reduced bikes?

 

[NorthernDave]

I quite like the look of this:
https://www.tredz.co.uk/.Giant-Rapid-3-2018-Flat-Bar-Road-Bike_113683.htm (I'm fairly certain you can use Halfords C2W at Tredz)

Or, there are the Boardman hybrids at Halfords which look good value?

 

[Racing roadkill]

https://www.decathlon.co.uk/triban-100-flat-bar-road-bike-id_8500949.html

Mechanically simple, very sturdy frame, takes big tyres, can fit guards, doesn’t cost much. Sounds good to me.

 

[Serge]

[QUOTE 5250140, member: 45"]Cube do some great hybrids.[/QUOTE]

This is within the stated budget and seems to tick all your boxes:

https://www.tredz.co.uk/.Cube-Hyde-2018-Hybrid-Sports-Bike_113016.htm

I do love the look of the Cube range.

 

[Serge]

https://www.tredz.co.uk/.Tortec-Tou...8a715b61284ab&utm_source=aw&utm_medium=119535

And there's your rack sorted! There's some good deals about at the mo.

 

[Serge]

https://www.tredz.co.uk/.SKS-Bluemels-Mudguard-Set_69738.htm

And the mudguards! It's easy spending other people's money isn't it? I might become a personal shopper.

 

[mjr]

Maybe I'm reading a different message but nothing in the OP is saying "sports" to me! However, the only bikes at treads which are steel, racked and hub geared are the expensive Pashleys which are over budget and I'm not sure about the aluminium alternatives like the bobbin brownie (needs extra rack) and Raleigh Fern plus it looks like there's only step throughs in budget. Maybe they're there and I'm just not seeing them but it'd help to know what brands the independents stock. Gazelle, perhaps?

 

[Serge]

Maybe I'm reading a different message but nothing in the OP is saying "sports" to me! However, the only bikes at treads which are steel, racked and hub geared are the expensive Pashleys which are over budget and I'm not sure about the aluminium alternatives like the bobbin brownie (needs extra rack) and Raleigh Fern plus it looks like there's only step throughs in budget. Maybe they're there and I'm just not seeing them but it'd help to know what brands the independents stock. Gazelle, perhaps?

Bugger, it looks like I'm not cut out to be a personal shopper then.

To be fair, if there's a stick, I'll always get the wrong end (normally the end covered in faecal matter if I'm allowed to mix metaphors).

 

[Mrs M]

How about a Pashley?
Many models have racks, or can take racks.
Low maintenance hub gears and brakes.
Many models available in Halfords and Evans.

 

[Mrs M]

Can get a Pashley for under £700

 

[Tin Pot]

The Della Strada

https://www.vintagevelo.co.uk/shop/uncategorized/cinelli-gazzetta-della-strada/

 

[SkipdiverJohn]

The Della Strada

https://www.vintagevelo.co.uk/shop/uncategorized/cinelli-gazzetta-della-strada/

Now that IS nice! It actually looks like a proper bike, which is more than be said for 99% of what is currently on offer.