Need a bike that gets the juices flowing

[ootini]

So my employers c2w scheme is now open. Max budget of 1k, plus a bit from myself and I'm looking for something gravelly.

I've looked around and it seems that on paper, the best spec/bang for the buck, is the Pinnacle Arkose D3. But, and it's a big but, the bike bores me. I don't know why but it just seems uninspiring. I have the same issue with the Sonder Camino. Don't get me wrong both are nice bikes, but they don't make me want to jump on and head out, not sure why.

The counterpoint to this is the bikes that I DO want to ride, the Bombtrack Hook, as an example, but then we're way out of budget. I do still like the look of the Salsa Journeyman, it looks 'cool', but the component set seems weak compared to the two bikes listed above. As shallow as it sounds ive got to like the look of the bike, not just its documented spec.

Ideally I want something gravel bike shaped, running 2x10 Tiagra, can swallow a 2.1/2" tyre front and back, and runs hydro brakes, and something that appeals in whatever way the Arkose and Camino don't. The Ragley Trig Adventure, and Nukeproof Digger both fit this, but again creep out of budget.

I'm open to any ideas or suggestions on this.

[jam bo]

Cannondale topstone is top of my list at the moment.

[Mariner]

I thought the £1k limit had been done away with?
https://www.forbes.com/sites/carltonrei ... 74f4f621df

[ootini]

I thought the £1k limit had been done away with?
https://www.forbes.com/sites/carltonrei ... 74f4f621df

Yeah I read that, but apparently it's not trickled through to us yet.

[middleagedmadness]

I thought the £1k limit had been done away with?
https://www.forbes.com/sites/carltonrei ... 74f4f621df

It depends on your company ,wife's company sticks to the £1000 my company has always been £1500 but now raised to £2000 ,when I spoke with hr about it they said that a higher limit was always available but as some earn less than others the company itself put a limit on it as responsible lending ( higher limits always available only if your company has a credit licence so he told me)I think it's still up to your company how much they are willing to lend you as it was explaining to me the company pays upfront and the salary sacrifice goes back to that fund , I never get charged a final fee or extra rental ,so after 12 months the bike is mine ,I think my company use c2w like capex after a period of time the outlay is wrote off

[In Reverse]

Ribble CGR might fit the bill. Nice steel frame, takes a 47c tyre, £1200 for the Tiagra version.



Worth having a play with the options on the cusomisation bit of the website.
https://www.ribblecycles.co.uk/ribble-cgr-725/

[redefined_cycles]

https://www.google.com/amp/s/road.cc/co ... ecan%3famp

This any good to you... lighter than the bombtrack and in 853 steel with frameset coming in at 1100?

[ootini]

Thanks for all the pointers. Much appreciated. Worth pointing out my budget is for the whole build, not just the frame

[voodoo_simon]

Trek checkpoint?

[PaulB2]

Vitus Substance maybe? I think it tops out at 650bx47 though and only has sora and mechanical disk brakes.

[windjammer]

how about a orange

[br]

Don’t ignore Planet X though and while they don’t do C2W their prices and 0% means it’s as cheap as even high rate C2W savings (especially if like my employer there’s a £250 final charge).