I appreciate that I could have bought cheaper budget gear such as from Aldi but as I said below, gear is one area where I cannot compromise as it gives my family piece of mind that I will be safer on the road.

How did you find insurance for £120? I have used the comparison websites and unfortunately for a younger rider like myself the £700 was the cheapest quote and that was for third party, fire and theft. I wouldn't want to consider third-party only, particularly due to the area I live in!

Would you be able to show me examples of bikes that are fairly UK central and are in reasonable condition for £1k? I'm not doubting you but from many hours spent on Autotrader over this summer, I have found that most bikes lower than £1k are in poor condition or Category C/D write-offs!

Unfortunately I live on a high street - I can chain and disc lock my bike however a ground anchor wouldn't be possible. I had the Almax 19mm chain recommended as it is apparently the only chain that can't be boltcropped? Perhaps I have heard too many horror stories on this forum and elsewhere, but it seems as if it is only a matter of time before your bike is stolen?

Thanks, I will reassess and see if there aren't areas I could reduce the costs.