Advice for commuting and weekend adventures

[chelseachris]

Hi everyone,

Caught the cycling bug. Have had a Carrera Subway 1 for almost 5 years. Am now looking for a second bike which I can use for both commuting (7km each way on roads) and for fitness (20km, roads and gravel/mixed terrain). Also looking to use it for going away for weekend trips across the south of England.

I'm not used to drop bars. I'd prefer not to have suspension due to the added weight, though this isn't a deal breaker. Hydraulic brakes. Using CycleScheme if over £750, don't have access to Cycle2Work.

Shortlist so far includes:
Boardman ADV 8.9 (appreciate this has drop bars!)
Boardman HYB 8.6
Giant ToughRoad SLR (either 1 or 2)
Pinnacle Lithium 3

I've tested and not ruled out:
Boardman MTX 8.8
Boardman SLR 8.8 (more of a road bike, though enjoyed the speed! Could get this, and perhaps get some gravel bike type tyres for the Carrera I have?)

Any advice/suggestions most appreciated please I have used the search bar and read through topics and comments, though everyone's circumstances are different.

 

[united4ever]

Specialised sirrus would be comparable.

Cannondale Bad Boy too perhaps but I think that might cost quite a bit more.

 

[wiggydiggy]

@chelseachris

Im going to say Giant SLR1 simply because I bought one!

Mine was a 2018 model so the spec has probably changed a little so do check this years, I used it until last year for what you want it for. I changed the tubeless MTB style tyres for some smoother but still balloon like tyres. It came with front and rear racks so for touring its setup, just add panniers.

 

[Alex321]

I would go for the drop bars, even though you aren't used to them.

I rode flat bar hybrids on and off for over 30 years, quite intensively for the last 18 months, then I realised almost all my riding was on roads, with occasional light gravel, and decided to get myself a drop bar road bike.

The first day or two it felt seriously twitchy, and I was worried I had made a mistake. But it really did only take a couple of days until I was comfortable on it, though I still ride mainly on the hoods (as I believe do most riders).

A drop bar gravel bike would probably be a bit less twitchy anyhow than my out and out road bike.