How does one choose a new steed in these modern times?

[Tootyred]

Ive even considered giving the frame to Gav and asking him to stick it in the jig and copy the geometry with 631 or something! But its not a cheap option...

 

[Takingabreak]

Nowhere near as much fun as buying a new bike but you could fit some less aggressive tyres on the hybrid for road use

But for something new, I'd say Sonder Santiago

 

[Tootyred]

Those tyres are absolutely fine....if they made them in 26" it would be great, but gravel tyres (40ish) don't get a look in at 26".....thats a dead size...apparently .

I did think down that road, but 26" narrow with some off road grip seems a non starter. Wider yes, narrower for road yes, inbetween no.

I've got continental contact travels 1.75" (not to be mistaken with contact or contact plus..why they couldn't use a different name for different tyres god only knows) on my marin, but the centre is not very good if you go onto dirt...its basically smooth!

the hybrid is just physically bigger too which helps and with a bigger stack I'm not limited to bars i can use...which need a massive rise even with those beautiful custom stems.

 

[Tootyred]

Im very open to suggestions of what bikes or frames are out there, as I really don't know who makes what!

Ive just picked a few from geometry on the net.....

 

[Takingabreak]

Those tyres are absolutely fine....if they made them in 26" it would be great, but gravel tyres (40ish) don't get a look in at 26".....thats a dead size...apparently .

I did think down that road, but 26" narrow with some off road grip seems a non starter. Wider yes, narrower for road yes, inbetween no.

I've got continental contact travels 1.75" (not to be mistaken with contact or contact plus..why they couldn't use a different name for different tyres god only knows) on my marin, but the centre is not very good if you go onto dirt...its basically smooth!

the hybrid is just physically bigger too which helps and with a bigger stack I'm not limited to bars i can use...which need a massive rise even with those beautiful custom stems.

Just in case you do end up considering a change of tyre on one of your 26ers, I've had good results with both of these:-

https://www.sjscycles.co.uk/tyres-l...eady-folding-tyre-black-brown-26-x-210-53559/

https://www.sjscycles.co.uk/tyres/panaracer-pasela-tour-guard-folding-tyre-26-x-175-inch-42559/

 

[Lucidone]

For a similar use case (on 26") I really like Michelin Country Rock tyres - tick all the boxes for me (grip, rolling resistance, weight, cost, reliable, easy fitting)

 

[Takingabreak]

This might tick a lot of boxes https://www.spacycles.co.uk/product...ith_images=1&searchstr=wayfarer&Submit=SEARCH

Spa Cycles Wayfarer, available as complete bike, frame and forks or frame only (in the sale section).
Reynolds 725, clearance for 47mm tyres (from the blurb in the frame only sale section) and long headtube. Removable canti mounts and disc mounts.

EDIT - also available in short top tube for more upright riding

 

[Splatter Paint]

If you know what fits you, the Geometry Geeks website is a great place to go.

Browse the web until you find something that you think'll fit, then go on the Geometry Geeks website and compare that bike's geo to what you want. Hopefully you'll be able to narrow down your search rapidly.

SP

 

[CassidyAce]

The three bikes mentioned in the opening post are all drop bar bikes. But you want a flat bar bike. I would be concerned about how the geometry would work out if the plan was to get a drop bar frame and fit flat bars, especially if buying online with no opportunity to get a feel for the fit. However, there's a flat bar Genesis Croix De Fer which ticks a lot of your boxes.

 

[MattiThundrrr]

Do shops still let you ride bikes? Does display models still exist?

Shops around here will let you ride them. The sales guy practically pushes a Rockhopper 29er on me every time I ask about rim brake pads or 26" tires and tubes