Commuter wanting to ride the trails home, new bike dilemma

[Pootle72]

Hi, this is my first post so please be gentle with me
I've been riding mountain bikes for years and have recently started commuting to work and I'm finding it a bit of a struggle even after popping smoother tyres on. What I'd like is a new bike that will handle the pot holed roads to work but will also allow me to take the long way home over gravel paths and a bit rougher terrain although nothing major. I would really like something that will help me up the hills so a granny gear is a must and I'd prefer a flat bar with a more upright position. I'm looking for a ladies bike that would suit a height of 5ft 6. Price range wise I'm looking at a max of £1200. Any help appreciated, thank you for reading.

 

[Pat "5mph"]

Hi @Pootle72 and welcome to CC!
I am 5ft nothing, so cannot advise on size, somebody else will do that for sure, even though you're better actually going to a shop and trying out a few bikes, as different models have different geometry, so you really could fit two sizes, or fit in between with some changes in stem length.
However, I have just completed a 350 miles tour on bumpy NCN routes on this bike, with ergo grips and Schwalbe Land Cruiser tyres.
Excellent ride on tarmac and on light trail both. Mine is the previous model, the Pinnacle 2, not longer available.
I also fitted mudguards and a pannier rack.

Last year on another tour I went down one steep gravel descent on a Trek with Marathon Original Greenguard tyres - I don't normally do gravel or anything remotely akin to MBking

So, if you're mainly into commuting and light off road any similar frames will do, change the stock tyres for some sturdy semi slick, you're sorted.

 

[raleighnut]

Any decent hybrid should handle that sort of ride with ease.

 

[NorthernDave]

I'm a fan of the Boardman range of at Halfords, and they have several hybrids that sound like they'll fit your spec.

Although to be fair, with that sort of budget you'll have a lot of bikes to choose from! The important thing is to find one that suits you.

Don't forget that if you join British Cycling, as well as all the other benefits you get 10% off all purchases at Halfords, meaning you could save more than the membership costs back on buying a bike.

 

[Darren Gregory]

Have a look at the Pinnacle range at Evans. I own a Arkose 3 which I use pretty much as you do, not sure if they do a ladies version though. £50 refundable deposit gets you a ride around the block or two.

 

[vickster]

Have a look at the Giant Brava SLR, £999

A ladies CX bike. Someone on here got one recently, do a search

 

[doughnut]

I'm a fan of the Boardman range of at Halfords, and they have several hybrids that sound like they'll fit your spec.

Although to be fair, with that sort of budget you'll have a lot of bikes to choose from! The important thing is to find one that suits you.

Don't forget that if you join British Cycling, as well as all the other benefits you get 10% off all purchases at Halfords, meaning you could save more than the membership costs back on buying a bike.

Just bought a Boardman for my wife last week. We got the 10% discount for BC membership and also got another 10% off to spend on accessories from the shelves. So in the end the £500 bike only cost us £400.

 

[Pat "5mph"]

Have a look at the Pinnacle range at Evans. I own a Arkose 3 which I use pretty much as you do, not sure if they do a ladies version though. £50 refundable deposit gets you a ride around the block or two.

My first ever TMN!