I’m suggesting one to a friend as a mostly commuting but occasional off-road bike, but can’t find any which aren’t made for the road or single speed. Anyone know of any? Looking at maximum of £700ish. Thanks!

Pinnacle Ramin 1
Isla Bikes
Ridgeback

There was a cannodale trail that got a very good review in this very magazine, only singlespeed at that price though. The geared model wasn’t that much more expensive.

Kona unit

If you’re over 6′ 1″ this would be ideal http://www.moosecycles.com/m3b164s365p1618/GENESIS_Fortitude_Race_Bike_Burnt_Red_and_Orange/RS_GB/5523?gclid=CMmagpa37rwCFU3HtAodQzIADw
I’ve got the 19″ and I’m 5’11”

if it’s just for the road then don’t CRC do one under some brand or other (Vitus?) for £300?

I bought my nearly new El Mariachi for less than that, but you’d have to get lucky on ebay.

The Pinnacle Ramin looks a great set up and a steal at £400 for complete bike.

Ramin 1 rides very nicely (trail oriented), and the frame is good enough to stand component upgrades in time. Back up to £500 from £400 in the Christmas sale though so haggle hard!

What This is a spoon said.

If I were in the market for an off the shelf commuter, Id seriously look at
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/vitus-bikes-vee-27-city-bike-2014/rp-prod81001

Personally Id have the SS, but that wont suit a lot of people, so its great they do a decent value 27 geared one too.

that Ramin looks like just the ticket. It’s for a friend and his only bike otherwise I’d also recommend SS. For some reason the majority off rigid 29ers are single speed, clearly going for the niche market there