I’ve just sold my current bike as I don’t have much time for MTB at the moment and it just wasn’t fun to use it on roads, bridleways and the local towpath. With the money from the sale plus a bit more I have a budget of around £900-£1k. Used or new.

I’m after a bike that I can use straight from the door and possibly for commuting 12 miles each way to work. Might be moving offices and it’ll save me train fare / petrol if I bike it. The commute would be roads and towpath. I’d also want to use the bike in the peaks and around my local Macc Forest route when time permits.

What would Singletrack recommend? I’m comfy with drops or flat bar and want something relatively comfy. I’ve been looking at all sorts, but can’t quite narrow down exactly what I want. Rigid 29er, CX or something like the Sonder Camino. I realise whatever I get will be compromised in some way, but riding from the door without any kit is the prime thing I need. I was going to go without a bike, but think I’d go insane without one 😐 I had a pootle around the roads outside my LBS on a Whyte Friston, really nice bike but beyond my budget.

Any input or suggestions are greatly appreciated.

For a bit of everything at that price I’d be looking at a Pinnacle Arkose 3.

[recommend what i have]

Specialized Sequoia

[/recommend what i have]

GT Grade

I love my arkose. Nearly got a GT grade though. Specialised diverge comes highly rated. I think a CX rather than a rigid 29r will fit the bill best for you (I have one of each but would choose the CX from what you’ve said).

A 54cm diverge DSW elite is exactly what you want…

I may have one for sale 😉

Thanks for the replies. I’ve looked at the pinnacle range as I have an Evans store local to me. They are definitely on the radar. The GT Grade, I just really don’t like how it looks. I know that’s shallow, but I need to like the look of a bike. Just read a couple of reviews for the Specialized bikes mentioned. Will have to find a stockist and take a look.

Wiggles – a 54 is probably around my size. If you do decide to sell please let me know. Email is in my profile 🙂

Please keep the suggestions coming.

Nice bargain?

Or this?. I have a medium and I’m ideally 55cm, there is a load of stand over and the bike is compact. Might be too offroady for your criteria tho

Thanks Maureen,

I have those on my watch list. Wasn’t sure about sizing on the Genesis as I’m only a tad over 5ft 8″ and there nowhere local that I can find one to have a sit on. It’s one I keep coming back to though.

[recommend what i have]

Jamis Renegade (available from Evans also)

[/recommend what i have]

If you’re in Macclesfield, I think the Bike Factory in Whaley Bridge stocks Genesis

Ooh. Thanks dpfr, I’ll have a look.

Malvern – apologies, I’ve just noticed my phone auto-corrected your name to Maureen! 😯

Wasn’t sure about sizing on the Genesis as I’m only a tad over 5ft 8″ and there nowhere local that I can find one to have a sit on. It’s one I keep coming back to though.

I’m just a tad under 5′ 10″ with 31′ inside leg normally get on with a 17.5 – 18″ mtb or a 55-56cm road. I have a ton of seatpost showing on the Vagabond, my arms are still slightly bent at the elbow when on the hoods. You might ideally be an inbetweenie (S/M) but I’m thinking you’d be fine as the sloping top tube and shortish wheelbase make it quite forgiving with sizing. Very comfy bike to ride btw.

Maureen XXX

PS I note the one I linked has a 14 day return if you cover postage so that could be an option if you draw a blank with a local demo.

😀 thanks for the information Malvern. I have 31.5″ inseam and the arms of a gibbon, so might actually get on with a medium.

^ no probs. Conversely, I have short arms like my father. Arms of a T Rex.