Hello all, I started road riding at the start of this year so I am a newbie at 45 years old. I bought a B-Twin Sport 1 as my first bike and now (as I have found out is usually the case) I want something better/more appropriate.

I live in Portugal in a very hilly region and the road surface is unpredictable. I ride 4-5 times per week for around 2 hours or more for personal enjoyment and fitness, and I want to get fitter/faster but still keep the enjoyment part. My budget is £1000.

Secondary to this, I like to tour, so is there a bike out there that would fit the above criteria, but also take a rack for panniers?

Looking forward to reading what you folks have to say as advertisements can be misleading.

Andy