Hi all,
Have been lurking on these forums for a little while, but finally decided to create an account and ask this question, as I'm a bit stuck. I know you get a lot of these sort of posts but couldn't find a previous post that answered my specific situation. For a bit of background: I haven't owned a bike since I was a kid (apart from a brief stint in uni - it got nicked within 2 months!), I'm 6ft, and weigh about 92kg. Since the first lockdown, I've essentially been sedentary, and I am quite out of shape now.
I'm looking to get a bicycle primarily for the 5-mile commute to work, but also to get back into shape, and eventually go on some longer rides. I live on the outskirts of a city, and the ride would be mostly using a local trail (mostly tarmac) and also some roads. Initially, I was looking at getting a hybrid, but a friend suggested a gravel bike - which seems to be a good fit for my needs (I think). I think disc brakes would be preferential too.
My budget is under £1,500. I have looked at a few models online (Canyon Grail, Specialized Diverge, Giant Revolt), but a lot of them seem to be out of stock - I was hoping to have the bike by mid-July! There's so much information to compare about the bikes I look at online - wheels, tyres, derailleurs, gears, - I have no idea what is best for me and what isn't!
I intend to head to a local bicycle shop this weekend, to see if they can give me some pointers, but if anyone has any suggested models (in my price range) or pointers on what to look for as a beginner, that would be super helpful!
Have been lurking on these forums for a little while, but finally decided to create an account and ask this question, as I'm a bit stuck. I know you get a lot of these sort of posts but couldn't find a previous post that answered my specific situation. For a bit of background: I haven't owned a bike since I was a kid (apart from a brief stint in uni - it got nicked within 2 months!), I'm 6ft, and weigh about 92kg. Since the first lockdown, I've essentially been sedentary, and I am quite out of shape now.
I'm looking to get a bicycle primarily for the 5-mile commute to work, but also to get back into shape, and eventually go on some longer rides. I live on the outskirts of a city, and the ride would be mostly using a local trail (mostly tarmac) and also some roads. Initially, I was looking at getting a hybrid, but a friend suggested a gravel bike - which seems to be a good fit for my needs (I think). I think disc brakes would be preferential too.
My budget is under £1,500. I have looked at a few models online (Canyon Grail, Specialized Diverge, Giant Revolt), but a lot of them seem to be out of stock - I was hoping to have the bike by mid-July! There's so much information to compare about the bikes I look at online - wheels, tyres, derailleurs, gears, - I have no idea what is best for me and what isn't!
I intend to head to a local bicycle shop this weekend, to see if they can give me some pointers, but if anyone has any suggested models (in my price range) or pointers on what to look for as a beginner, that would be super helpful!