Historically, I've run a lot, and really enjoy it, but as I get towards my mid-30s my knees and ankles no longer seem to appreciate the miles I've been putting in, so I'm looking for a new form of cardio fun which doesn't involve slogging away inside a gym.
I'm an OK cyclist and commute by bike in London (or did, when commuting was a thing). I have a (very) old Marin Stinson hybrid - I think from 1996 - which used to be my dad's. However, it needs a good service, a lot of the gears slip, and I think it needs a new cassette. I'm not a massive fan of the riding position on the bike, and would also like to get some road tyres for it. In short, I reckon it'll probably cost me a few hundred quid to fix up the way I'd like, and that being the case I'd rather get a new, low-ish end road bike.
I'm after a road bike costing, ideally, no more than around £500 to include accessories (I've got a helmet and lock, but would need pedals and, if I go clipless, shoes), but do have the budget to go a bit over this (probably in the region of £600-700) if the difference in price is really worth the money.
I'd be looking to use the bike for commuting in the week and therefore ideally would like it to take a pannier rack, and also for exercise at the weekends.
Finally, I'm not brilliant with bikes in terms of knowing what to look out for on second hand models and that kind of thing, so would rather keep to new bikes (or at worst, second hands from a reputable shop).
So, what do you all think? Can I get something which is OK at that budget, or should I keep plodding along on the Marin?
Edit: and I know loads is out of stock atm - if something is worth waiting for I'm happy to wait, no massive rush here. But if there are two which are good, one in stock and one not, I'll take the one I can get now!
I'm an OK cyclist and commute by bike in London (or did, when commuting was a thing). I have a (very) old Marin Stinson hybrid - I think from 1996 - which used to be my dad's. However, it needs a good service, a lot of the gears slip, and I think it needs a new cassette. I'm not a massive fan of the riding position on the bike, and would also like to get some road tyres for it. In short, I reckon it'll probably cost me a few hundred quid to fix up the way I'd like, and that being the case I'd rather get a new, low-ish end road bike.
I'm after a road bike costing, ideally, no more than around £500 to include accessories (I've got a helmet and lock, but would need pedals and, if I go clipless, shoes), but do have the budget to go a bit over this (probably in the region of £600-700) if the difference in price is really worth the money.
I'd be looking to use the bike for commuting in the week and therefore ideally would like it to take a pannier rack, and also for exercise at the weekends.
Finally, I'm not brilliant with bikes in terms of knowing what to look out for on second hand models and that kind of thing, so would rather keep to new bikes (or at worst, second hands from a reputable shop).
So, what do you all think? Can I get something which is OK at that budget, or should I keep plodding along on the Marin?
Edit: and I know loads is out of stock atm - if something is worth waiting for I'm happy to wait, no massive rush here. But if there are two which are good, one in stock and one not, I'll take the one I can get now!
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