Best way to burn 10k

As has been pointed out, you can't really go wrong with a £10k bike from one of the big manufacturers. But it's a choice that is jejune to say the least.

So, along the lines of 'How you should burn 10k' (and because the snow outside is disintegrating fast into slush), I'll have a go....

• if unsure of exact size you need, get a bike fit (let's call that up to £500, if not needed it slides nicely into contingency)
  
• go to swanky bike shop and hire a few bikes you like the look of (£500)
  
• start looking for something secondhand, you know your size, don't rush, you've got £3k, let it come to you
  
• get a new cycling wardrobe; could involve joining RCC if you fancy travelling without your new bike and hiring one from them (£1,500)
  
• plan some cycling trips; I'll go with Tuscany, Vietnam/Thailand/Cambodia and South Africa (£4,500)
  
  

Or as we started, get a top end Trek and be done with it