CDF or Croix de Fer?

[Holio cornolio]

Having spent some time now, saving up the cash to treat myself to a new bike, which I intended to build up myself, and spent even more time agonising over components and framesets, my employer has just announced it's own cycle to work scheme. Throwing more decisions and confusion into the picture!!
So this means that potentially the cash I've managed to squirrel away (about £1000 ironically enough), would need to be spent on a complete bike, but potentially could be stretched a little further. I've had both these genesis models in my sights as an idea / blueprint for a potential build) for a while, but I can't decide whether it's worth me opting for the slightly more expensive Croix (and throwing in a little extra cash), or just to stick with the more ordinary CdF and save some of my money for racks and panniers etc. I'm aware of the differences between the 2 models, but for someone like me, who is unlikely to do any really demanding riding, will the Croix offer anything meaningful to me? The bike will be used for commutes, and occasional family rambles, but my son (8 years old) and I are planning an 'adventure' some time in the next few years, so maybe doing a continental tour of some sort in the future. My reservations about the CdF are purely the sora groupset (which is probably adequate for me to be fair) and the headset (which I guess I could upgrade fairly cheaply anway...)

 

[Holio cornolio]

just for the record, I'm aware that the cycle to work takes the form of salary sacrifice, I will use 'my cash' to recharge the old bank account is all :-)

 

[winjim]

The CdF is a perfectly adequate bike (I have one), but if you can afford it I'd pay the extra and get the full fat Croix. The weight saving will help on any off road or load bearing adventure type riding.

 

[Holio cornolio]

Thanks winjim, that's useful to know. One of the confusing factors for me is the weight. The weight saving, according to the specs is 200g. I can shed more than that in sweat over the course of and hour or so. The full fat does have an extra cog on the back though, which I guess would help. That's the way I'm leaning just now... hmmm

 

[samsbike]

I dont think its all in the weight, but the croix has a couple of things better I think - one, its very lush in black, two it has better brakes compared to the cdf, and three it has a better groupset, but you know all this.

I have ridden the croix but not the cdf, but others have commented that the 725 is just slightly better in feel compared to the 520.

I would ride both and see how they feel. If they feel the same then get the one you like the colour of better, because you are not going to be able to change that. Also check out Epic cycles when I was looking they were the cheapest and their service is supposed to be very good.

Personally I would also hanker after the best steel so would bike the bullet once, having done the buy cheap buy twice far too often.

Also with CTW savings you may as well get the full fat version. Apparently the best thing you can do to it is to change the wheels and you maybe able to get a cheaper upgrade at time of purchase.

 

[jefmcg]

I dont think its all in the weight, but the croix has a couple of things better I think - one, its very lush in black, two it has better brakes compared to the cdf, and three it has a better groupset, but you know all this.

@vickster - you are needed here!

 

[vickster]

nooooooo

 

[Crackle]

Push the boat out and get the 931, it's bloody gorgeous in the flesh. If not get the 725.

 

[Holio cornolio]

I think the 931 is a push too far sadly. Yes the 725 is a BIG pull for the full fat too. Thanks for input people. Very helpful

 

[Holio cornolio]

although my LBS said that the new CdF will be in red, which sounds nice to me......

 

[winjim]

Am I correct in thinking that 931 is difficult to work with though? Meaning that you can throw your 520 or 725 bike down a cliff and if it breaks, you can weld it back together, but your 931 bike will actually need looking after.

(I am not a welder)