Brother is planning C2C next year. He did a 73 mile ride over a weekend recently on his old GT full sus bike and it was (understandably) hard work. He never took it out of the middle ring, so wish list for more suitable bike goes like this…

Budget is about £300 plus whatever he gets for the GT (£100 to £150?).
Rigid forks
Single ring on the front
Semi-slick tyres (wider than road bike type of thing)
Hydraulic disc brakes
Alfine (this may be a wish too far and he only wants this because ‘it looks nice and clean’. 🙄 )

So far I’ve found the Pinnacle Lithium series and the Norco Indie. Anything else I’m missing here?

Thanks!

I’ve been looking at similar – but not with single ring on the front?

He might be able to find a Kona Big Rove AL or Kona Rove AL at the top of that price range?

anything in the edinburgh bike co op range? they used to do a bike that meets the spec

Default for this type of bike is Evans Hybrids. Although with more chain rings. Mate bought one and thinks its great

I think this is £405. Last years Lithium

A secondhand Cannondale Trail 29er with rigid fork. I got mine in the classifieds and it is ossum.

cable discs, which are much better than i thought theyd be
wheels are a bit heavy, but bombproof

but ive got a 2015 one and its been brilliant

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/kona-dew-plus-2016/

I think Voodoo do something like that. £20 gets you BC membership which means a 10% discount at Halfords.

Canyon have some of their Urban and Fitness bikes in their outlet store, but might be a bit over budget.

I have a Lithium for commuting and I love it. Deore brakes and other bits. Takes guards and decent sized tyres. 2×10.
I’d check the gearing for touring though.

Orbea Carpe 30 is worth a look, it’s not Alfine but ticks the rest of the boxes…

Cube Hyde Pro

I have a Giant Seek 0 I will no longer need after December 8th, standard plus full guards and rack. Avid hydraulic discs, 8 speed Alfine. Excellent bike but I’ll no longer need to commute on road so will be going.

Search for a cannondale badboy on eBay.

Voodoo Marasa
Pinnacle Ramin 1
Boardman Hybrid

As mentioned above, Edinburgh Bikes Courier

Spec ticks, but a little over budget at £600

Some of the Boardmans will fit the bill (other than alfine) but you’d have to be careful on tyre clearance- it varies from model to model. Mine (a Hybrid Pro from about 2011 I think) takes 35s with mudguards no problem.

Thanks all. He’s honed in on a couple on eBay. There’s a few good options here though.

Has anyone got one of those Hoys jameso posted? I like the look of them but can’t help thinking the small-looking chainring means it will be a bit under-geared.

Definitely consider a Voodoo Marasa – doesn’t meet the Alfine or single ring criteria but is so adaptable – from road going hybrid to being a rigid 29er

I bought a used Pinnacle Lithium and I have to say that it’s a bloody great bike. All the right mounting points for stuff, hydro discs and it’s comfy to ride.