Help buying new bike

[BlueBird]

Hi everyone!
I've been cycling for about five years now on my bobbin. I'm looking to buy a new bike something fast and light where I can go on long rides (+30 miles) but also commute with it. Possibly something that can also sustain gravel? Any suggestions? Specifically I was hoping to do the ride from london to brighton. Many thanks.

 

[CanucksTraveller]

Hi, welcome! That's a wide brief, that's good, it gives you many good choices.
How much money is in the kitty?
Are you okay with drop bars or do you prefer flat?

 

[BlueBird]

Hi, welcome! That's a wide brief, that's good, it gives you many good choices.
How much money is in the kitty?
Are you okay with drop bars or do you prefer flat?

I dont know the difference in performance between the two (drop bars or flat)
I was looking for something under 2000. Was hoping to find something for a 1000 my limit is 1500.

 

[SkipdiverJohn]

Wait until all this virus business is finished, you'll have a better choice and better bargains both new and secondhand.
Now is not the time to be in the market for a bike if you've already got one you can use, which you have.

 

[CanucksTraveller]

It's not so much a question of performance with a style of bike and whether it's drops or flat bar, more what you'll find comfortable in terms of position. I like drops even though I'm hardly ever on the lower bars, I just like having the choice.

I think we can maybe narrow down what type of bike you need a little more, are you going to carry stuff on your commute? Will you need a rack and a bit of luggage maybe?

Initial thoughts are perhaps something like a Giant Fastroad or Anyroad, or even a Genesis CdF or TdF, they would fit the bill so far. Have a look and let us know your thoughts.
I'd say you don't really need to spend more than about a thousand, you'll get a lot of bike for that.

 

[Cycleops]

Good advice from @SkipdiverJohn . You’ll pay top dollar for anything right now, that’s if you can even find something.

 

[vickster]

How tall are you out of interest?

I’d look for a lovely used Genesis Equilibrium. Yes it might not handle gravel at speed but it’ll do everything else with aplomb including taking a rack and mudguards for the commute.

I bought an immaculate disc version for under £600 on eBay yesterday (it was a rather impulsive buy I must say )

 

[BlueBird]

Thank you everyone for your responses! Very helpful.
I need a bike that allows me to carry things as well.
I had a look at the bikes you mentioned, all of the Genesis bikes looked amazing. I've never a ridden a drop bar before but they do look nice.
I wonder if I can get them for under a 1000 in a sale or second hand. You're right about the price inflation now, I'll wait till things quiet down a bit.

I'm 5'2''.

 

[vickster]

Ah a smaller rider
I’m not sure a Genesis Eq will come up small enough unfortunately I don't think they do an XS (I'm nearly 5'10 and ride a Medium/54). They did briefly do a ladies version

However, this could be perfect (and half price), if a smidge over budget if you think a roadbike might do it for you. 32mm tyres so will 'do' gravel Being carbon, you wouldn't be able to bolt a rack to the frame but there are other options for luggage. Not sure where you are, it's in Hampshire

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2017-Gen...805664?hash=item1ce0c0a460:g:0KcAAOSw-qleDGeT

I'm also a big fan of Whyte bikes...something like this?

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Whyte-De...651247?hash=item28931a126f:g:ZocAAOSw7gxeqpB0

or a 49 as suggested by the Whyte sizing guide, available on their site

https://whyte.bike/products/devon

 

[BlueBird]

Ah a smaller rider
I’m not sure a Genesis Eq will come up small enough unfortunately I don't think they do an XS (I'm nearly 5'10 and ride a Medium/54). They did briefly do a ladies version

However, this could be perfect (and half price), if a smidge over budget if you think a roadbike might do it for you. 32mm tyres so will 'do' gravel Being carbon, you wouldn't be able to bolt a rack to the frame but there are other options for luggage. Not sure where you are, it's in Hampshire

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2017-Gen...805664?hash=item1ce0c0a460:g:0KcAAOSw-qleDGeT

I'm also a big fan of Whyte bikes...something like this?

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Whyte-De...651247?hash=item28931a126f:g:ZocAAOSw7gxeqpB0

or a 49 as suggested by the Whyte sizing guide, available on their site

https://whyte.bike/products/devon

Both are nice. I'm an amateur in bikes I thought you could bolt a rack to almost any bike. I think I prefer to have a rack though for luggage. Many thanks for the suggestions I'm in London I have to try out the bike before buying it.

 

[vickster]

Both are nice. I'm an amateur in bikes I thought you could bolt a rack to almost any bike. I think I prefer to have a rack though for luggage. Many thanks for the suggestions I'm in London I have to try out the bike before buying it.

Not sure where in London you are ... but Apex in Clapham High St are a Whyte dealer and open. I think if looking to buy now, you'll just have to ring around local shops and see what they might have in stock or be able to get (things are very limited right now!)

 

[CanucksTraveller]

I thought you could bolt a rack to almost any bike.

Yes most steel and aluminium frames have the eyelets for a rack, carbon frames won't. There are certainly workarounds, but not as effective and as elegantly simple as a traditional rack in my view. If you do want a traditional rack, do just check the bike has the eyelets.

 

[BlueBird]

Thanks for the advice

 

[vickster]

Something like a Cannondale Synapse would work for your uses, will take a rack and mudguards. 28mm tyres so comfort on rough roads, against may not be able to fly along rough gravel tracks (but a bike that can might not be so good on the roads)
There a few options in the range, the Tiagra model is £999 (105 is £1200, Sora £850)

Example very good retailer in SW London
https://www.sigmasports.com/item/Cannondale/Synapse-Aluminium-Tiagra-Disc-Womens-Road-Bike-2020/MW20

 

[BlueBird]

Yes I've heard so much about cannondale but wasnt sure if they were truly good quality or not. Thanks for the link.