Another what bike thread....

[ska1903]

Hi

My company have just started the c2w scheme through cyclescheme and i am looking for a new bike to replace by cheap mtb i have been using for commuting and everything else.

I am looking for a road bike that is a good all rounder that can used for commuting (obviously), leisure riding and a bit of touring.

I would like pannier mounts on the bike and the enough clearance for mudguards. Also a fairly relaxed geometry so not too racy.

Don't really want spend more than £800 but would be willing to go to the full £1k if it was worth it.

I have been looking at the following bikes but i am open for more suggestions.

http://velocity44.com/products.php?plid=m20b0s23p4445

http://velocity44.com/products.php?plid=m20b0s6p3861

http://www.planetx.co.uk/i/q/CBPXRT58ALUTIA/planet-x-rt-58-alloy-shimano-tiagra-road-bike

http://www.ribblecycles.co.uk/bbd/r...art=BB13RIB7005AUDAXWINT&sub=conf_BBRW&bike=1

Thanks

 

[Cyclist33]

Giant Defy 2.

 

[vickster]

Links don't work, can only see the x bow. Are you looking for a cx or road bike?

Not sure if the latest generations of defy 2 still have the rack mounts. But will fit your needs. The only issue is they don't have much clearance for decent guards, better with 23mm tyres

 

[MikeW-71]

Defy 3 still has the rack mounts, above that they seem to have disappeared. As vickster say though, there's only clearance for mudguards with 23mm tyres.

Giant also do this;
http://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-gb/bikes/model/2014.giant.revolt.2/14990/66576/#specifications

It doesn't look like it in the photo, but I've just seen one in the LBS and it does have rack mounts and clearance for proper guards even with 32mm tyres. I like the disc brakes, secondary brake levers on the tops, the carbon seatpost and they have a wide gearing range. It also weighs barely any more than my Defy 2, so it isn't heavy!

Another that springs to mind is the Specialized Tricross. @Brandane on here has one with full guards and rack.

 

[ska1903]

Links working now, sorry about that.

I am open to either a road or cx bike to be honest.

Looked at the Defys previously but they seem pretty low specced for the price, they do look good though. Same as the Revolt to be fair. I think for the money i would be expecting at the very least Sora and more likely Tiagra.

The Tricross does look good and i know my LBS has them but it is pushing the budget to the limit. May go and have a proper look at it though.

 

[vickster]

If you think giant offer low spec for the budget, specialized are worse. Both will argue that you get a better frame, being the most important bit as components can be changed, upgraded

Have you looked at whyte bikes? I see you have, good choice

You could also look at genesis croix de fer for steel Britishness

Rubble winter bikes popular and can spec as wanted to a level. Be aware that they charge 10% surcharge on C2W I think

 

[ska1903]

I do think the whyte bikes look good and there is an LBS not too far away that stock them.

With my budget i would be more looking at the cdf compared to the croix de fer but i am not sure about going steel for some unexplained reason.

I have been on the Ribble site countless times looking and speccing bikes to varying levels but i keep coming back to the problem of fit as i won't be able to take them on a test ride before buying.

 

[MikeW-71]

A Revolt 1 which is £999 has 20 speed and the shifters look identical to my Tiagras even though they aren't labelled as such. It also has BB7 brakes (better) and 1:1 lowest gear!

At this kind of price level, Giant are decent VFM compared to others. The Revolt trades off some of the groupset to give you disc brakes instead.

 

[ska1903]

Can't say i like the look of the Revolt, seat stays seems odd to me.

Looking at the Giant site and have to say the TCX SLR 2 looks very good http://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-gb/bikes/model/2014.giant.tcx.slr.2/14989/66573/ Shimano 105 gearing, Disc brakes and looks like you can get an adapter for the seat clamp to accept panniers.

 

[SteCenturion]

Giant Defy 1 2013 if you can find one in your size.

Top Dog for the money.

Or Cube Peloton (Biggest bang 4 your $)

Liking the Whyte model you linked though too.

 

[outlash]

If rack mounts and mudguards are a must then I'd go for the Ribble. I've been umming & ahhing over one as a winter bike/summer tourer for a while because my understanding is that due to the forks, it can only take 23mm tyres. Nothing hugely wrong with that but I'm partial to 25's.


Tony.

 

[the_mikey]

The ribble 7005, takes mud guards and does seem to be excellent value for money.

 

[James Ots]

I got myself a Tricross for doing the same kind of riding as you describe, and it's a great bike. People go on a lot about how you get a lower spec bike for your money with Specialized, but that's if you only count the groupset as the spec, and not the bike as a whole. I wouldn't swap it for anything. Well, except maybe for a light road bike, a good mountain bike, a hybrid and a serious touring bike.

 

[ska1903]

Well, after having a small go on a Giant TCX SLR2 i have ordered one.

Hopefully not too long a wait for it...