Hello all,

Right let me get straight to the point.

I have decided that I need to start cycling to work. Mainly for health reasons.
Primary use will be a 7 km commute (each way) to work then the occasional weekend mountain biking.

Budget some $1,000 max. Willing to consider second hands (if I know which model to look for).

It needs to be as simple as a bike can get as I plan to get to know it, maintain it and look after it as long as possible.

It's got to be bloody well rugged and quality build.

We live in a very hot country (Saudi Arabia!) all year round and the roads are tough to say the least.

Cycling is still a niche activity here but one that is growing steadily. There is a chain that is essentially an agent for Trek bicycles. They charge a fortune but offer parts and servicing.

However, we'll be back in the UK this summer and possibly in the states as well and we do travel often so sourcing items from back home on a regular basis won't be a problem.

I really like the Specialized brand (don't know why) but I'm all ears tbh. My last bike was a hand built Claud Butler from late-nineties and was stolen in 05 in Manchester during Uni days.

Finally, I prefer the mountain bike design.