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

[MattiThundrrr]

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)

I've got a set as well, second that recommendation

 

[FluffyChicken]

Sound like you're looking at the Gravel / Hybrid / Touring bikes or maybe that new All Road things, they do fault bar version.

Marin, Kona might do some from memory, a quick look (near Cromer, some distance from you but Marin says it's the nearest stockists other the Lynn to Norwich.)
https://www.woodscyclesltd.co.uk/hybrid-bikes?sort=price_descending
Might give some ideas.

Other than that it is pot luck
Are On-One kicking anything interesting out?

I'd be visiting Go Outdoor, Halfords, Evans other shite chain stores if near me to see what not to get, I mean a look at some styles.

 

[RetroDavy]

Reading through the first couple of pages of the thread, thinking Spa Cycles would be well worth a look.

Steel frames, short and long top tube lengths available, good range of options for tyre widths and brakes, bike and frame only possibilities.

Then saw @Takingabreak had the very same thought.

 

[winjohn]

Have you looked at Fairlight?
https://fairlightcycles.com/product-category/bikes/?v=7885444af42e#
or Surly?
https://surlybikes.com/where_to_buy

 

[2manyoranges]

Conversations with Stanton and Cotic in the last two years.

Stanton
I’m 5-7, 30 inch inside leg and 66kg. Which Switch9er ti will I need? I see your size charts suggest the 16.5.
Yes that’s right
OK I’ll have one of those
OK

Result - great build up, perfect fit, superb ride.

COTIC
I’m 5-7, 30 inch inside leg and 66kg. Which BfE max will I need? Not quite clear from size chart.
Small
Are you sure
Yes
How tall are you
5-8
What do you ride
Small
OK I’ll take one of those

Result - great build up, perfect fit, superb ride

 

[winjohn]

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

Just had my eBay Spa Audax frame delivered yesterday, it looks really great and I can't wait to build it up with an Ultegra 6600 groupset and wheels I just happen to have lying around.

 

[brocklanders023]

Have you had a look at what Marin have available mate? I had a Four Corners a few years back and one of those converted to flat bar would be just the job. Or an Orange Speedworks?

 

[2manyoranges]

Or a new Olsen Ti over on the Olsen site - currently 500gbp reductions.....gulp

 

[bold stelvis]

Soma make some interesting options - eg wolverine for gravelly stuff
nicer tubes than Surly (Tange Prestige) but similar vibe

Fairlight is maybe the most obvious option in the UK though - they seem to get rave reviews

 

[wynne]

I know a lot of people who have bought different Mason models. They all love them. Italian and UK made frames. This one nods towards your hybrid (though they wouldn't like to admit that, I'm sure) https://masoncycles.cc/shop/categories/Macro