Just had another lovely day out, 18 miles approx. 9 miles there 9 miles back.
Met a cracking bloke in another LBS, he was fantastic, so helpful, we spent a good 3-4 hours talking about options and the best way forward, wife had a good chat about things.
everything from peddles and saddles to panniers and locks, spot on customer service.
I think for now on this will be my new go to bike shop, a nice simple 8 mile ride away, with a cracking little coffee shop about 10-15 mins away, so perfect.
So my budget sunk like the titanic, but we have a list of items to get, some will take a good few months to save up for, but he is happy doing that, the end cost for both bikes all kitted out to our specs comes to £3200 the bikes came in at £1100 each (£100 over my wifes budget for a bike and £400 over my budget, thanks to 12 months interest free, could push the boat out abit )
The extras, include locks, lights, peddles, pump, panniers, mud guards, helmets ( new euro rated 25 km ones, look quite smart too ) cycle shoes, fitting of new parts etc.
I would just like to say thank you for all your advice and help on this thread, it meant when I went into the shop I knew much better what I needed and wanted and could understand much better what he was saying on some subjects ( for example no front suspension being one)
Sorry again for the scatter brain approach, but it did help loads and am super excited for the bikes to arrive.
ohh just encase your wondering what bikes we ordered, it was the trek 520.
https://www.trekbikes.com/gb/en_GB/bikes/adventure-touring-bikes/520/520/p/24000/