What type of bike do I need ?

[markys]

I have recently changed jobs and now have the ability to drive part way to work and then cycle the last 10 miles, mostly cycle paths, roads and some gravely paths, takes around 40 mins. I did also last Friday cycle from home to work and back which was around 45 miles in total, around half the miles are on roads. I currently have a 15 year old specialized gt MTB which I am using. I am looking at getting something newer to make the daily commute a little quicker. I would also be using it at weekends which again would be mostly road, cycle paths with the odd slightly muddy, gravely kind of trails. Looking to spend around £500'ish What should I be looking at?

[gradeA]

I'd be looking for a rigid 29er hybrid like the Pinnacle Lithium or similar.

[numtumfutunch]

In true PH style a Specialized Diverge will comfortably cost more than you have posted

2017 entry level is just over 700 quid so a discounted 2016 bike should be achievable with only a modest uplift if you spend time looking

I use mine for everything you describe as well as winter club runs although its definitely not a 'racer'

https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...

[markys]

numtumfutunch said:

In true PH style a Specialized Diverge will comfortably cost more than you have posted

2017 entry level is just over 700 quid so a discounted 2016 bike should be achievable with only a modest uplift if you spend time looking

I use mine for everything you describe as well as winter club runs although its definitely not a 'racer'

https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...

Looks nice, kind of thing I am looking for, I think.

[numtumfutunch]

markys said:

Looks nice, kind of thing I am looking for, I think.

Mine is ace - or it is with respect to what I want from it

I have a number of bikes from pro spec carbon racing bike to MTB but nothing really hit the commute spot before I found the Diverge.
Id used an old MTB with slicks for years but weather protection was abysmal

In reality there has been an explosion of so called "gravel bikes" when the tech matured to allow drop bars with fat tyres and disc brakes - the Div is one but all of the main manufacturers offer one, check out the GT Grade for example

The reason I Div'd was pragmatic - it took proper metal mudguards with 'fat' tyres and would allow me to install panniers for my commute.

Having 28mm slick tyres as standard - although Ive subsequently fitted 32 - gives a fantastic ride over crap city roads plus the flexibility to ride towpaths and mild off road trails/bridleways.

Its not particularly good at anything but that isnt the point.
In fact jack of all trades, master of none is a pretty good description of it.

Off road my MTB or cross bike is faster
On road its a tank, although until the gradient hits 7% it hides its weight fairly well and in winter I take it out with my club mates

But nothing else I own gets me to work with a lovely compliant ride, efficient stopping power in the wet, mudguards, luggage capacity decent speed and the ability to go home which ever way I choose within reason. In fact I have a solo window tomorrow for a crafty 2h on the road and looking at the forecast I will be taking the Div in lieu of my carbon racing snake.

Cheers

[markys]

Anyone know when the 2018 range is out?

[okgo]

Probs around Sept. Expect little change apart from £ increase and different paintjob.

[blugnu]

Buy a late 80s / early 90s steel rigid MTB from eBay and put slicks and mudguards on it - it will be fun to ride and basically unbreakable.

Spend the £400 you've saved on something else