My trusty old (>10 yrs) Spesh Hardrock (with rigid forks and slicks) got nicked a couple of weeks ago. It's my day-to-day hack/commute bike (bit of gravel/bridleway but mostly road) and got used for the odd bikepacking trip.
I'm covered on insurance for up to ~£400 but need to buy from Wheelies - http://www.bikereplacement.co.uk/Catalogue.aspx?catid=1&sPrice=400&ePrice=1000&psize=999&filter1=Mens%20or%20Unisex
If I go for cash I get ~10% less value...
Considering a cyclocross or lightish/rigid hardtail, but my options look limited :/ any recommendations?
Probably should have said that I add my own cash up to ~£700 but just moved house so funds are low!
I think you can probably push for a cash settlement instead, which would allow you to go and spend your money somewhere much better value like Halfords or Go Outdoors.
Wheelies are a nightmare if anything goes wrong with your new bike anyway.
I'd go back to your insurer and say something like there's nothing acceptable/comparable from wheelies, you want the full cash value so you can purchase elsewhere.
If I read that correctly it's £400 from wheelies or £360 cash...I'd be taking the latter personally
Have you checked small print in policy to confirm insurers are within their rights?
If not specifically stated then you would be right to insist on full amount.
I'd be very inclined to insist on cash to buy a bike elsewhere, such as the Calibre Two.Two v2 for £400 or wait for the Voodoo Marasa to drop from its rather inflated price (it was £240 in the summer).
And as if by magic, Halfords have 20% off some of their bike range...
http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/SearchCmd?storeId=10001&catalogId=10151&langId=-1&srch=20offadultbikes&categoryId=-1&action=listrefine&tabNo=1&qcon=fh_location=%2F%2Fcatalog_10151%2Fen_GB%2F%24s%3D20offadultbikes%3Bt%3Ddefault%2Fattr_78cdb44b%3D1%2F%21attr_bdf5060d%3D1&channel=desktop&sort=price-high-to-low