Ollie W
Cycling pls
- Location
- Southampton
Hi all, frequented here in 2013-14. Back then I had a Boardman CX Comp that I loved and rode all the time, until it was nicked. Fast forward to 2020 and after a promotion at work I've applied for a £1099 voucher for Cyclescheme because I miss cycling so much and it makes sense for me to get one logistically when my wife resumes teacher training at some point next school year. I'll use whatever I get to commute (10 mile round trip every day) as well as to explore the roads around me and the New Forest, hopefully taking part in sportives/group rides when we're allowed to. The CX Comp was great for being able to do all this so it's cool to see that gravel/adventure bikes are a thing. Unfortunately, it isn't so good to see that I've decided to resume cycling at quite possibly the worst time for getting a bike (typical!), especially as I'm 6'3" so require an extra large frame.
I'd really welcome your suggestions on a bike at this price point, or slightly under so I can get accessories. I'd decided on the Ribble CGR AL but the wait time has gone up massively in the week since I first applied for my certificate and the bike's gone up £100 which leaves me no room for accessories/upgrades; I'm a bit put off by the price hike as it seems a little cheeky. I also looked at the Genesis Croix de Fer 10 but I'm not sure the extra weight of steel goes well with my extra ballast and I was hoping for more than Sora at this price point. A range of recommendations is very welcome since I'm going to have to look out for whichever one I can get hold of as they become available!
OR...
Do I go for a relaxed road bike that can take slightly chunkier (28/32) tyres? I'd quite like to be able to go on gravel so that I can do some forest trails with my wife but most of the commuting will be done on road. I put 28 Gatorskins on the CX Comp and it was fine, but I really didn't enjoy the Cannondale Synapse with 25 slicks that I had after it so I'm not sure this is the best option? On the plus side I guess I could get a bike with a carbon fork at this point which would be slightly less juddery. I would want disc brakes.
Thanks in advance for the help, and sorry for the essay!
I'd really welcome your suggestions on a bike at this price point, or slightly under so I can get accessories. I'd decided on the Ribble CGR AL but the wait time has gone up massively in the week since I first applied for my certificate and the bike's gone up £100 which leaves me no room for accessories/upgrades; I'm a bit put off by the price hike as it seems a little cheeky. I also looked at the Genesis Croix de Fer 10 but I'm not sure the extra weight of steel goes well with my extra ballast and I was hoping for more than Sora at this price point. A range of recommendations is very welcome since I'm going to have to look out for whichever one I can get hold of as they become available!
OR...
Do I go for a relaxed road bike that can take slightly chunkier (28/32) tyres? I'd quite like to be able to go on gravel so that I can do some forest trails with my wife but most of the commuting will be done on road. I put 28 Gatorskins on the CX Comp and it was fine, but I really didn't enjoy the Cannondale Synapse with 25 slicks that I had after it so I'm not sure this is the best option? On the plus side I guess I could get a bike with a carbon fork at this point which would be slightly less juddery. I would want disc brakes.
Thanks in advance for the help, and sorry for the essay!
