Croix de fer or Specialized AWOL elite?

[Hankydoodle]

Please excuse me , I am very new at this.
I am hoping to do some touring in the summer and have found these 2 bikes which I am hoping will be right for me.
My dilemma is which one.
Is Tiagra better than Sora?
Is Reynolds premium CR-MO better than Reynolds 725 heat treated ?
Or is there something better in this price range?
I have found the AWOL for £875 and the Croix for £784.

http://www.evanscycles.com/products/genesis/croix-de-fer-20-2015-adventure-road-bike-ec073914
http://www.evanscycles.com/products/specialized/awol-elite-2015-touring-bike-ec070582

 

[rideswithmoobs]

CDF Highly regarded do it all bike

 

[Hankydoodle]

CDF Highly regarded do it all bike

Cheers, It's looking more like the CDF, as I have just found one for £719

 

[raleighnut]

I'd go for the Specialized as it has a triple instead of the compact crank unless you can spec the Croix with a triple by the retailer. Much more 'tour friendly'

 

[Hankydoodle]

I'd go for the Specialized as it has a triple instead of the compact crank unless you can spec the Croix with a triple by the retailer. Much more 'tour friendly'

I am going to check one out tomorrow . You have made a very good point with the triple.

 

[Monsieur Remings]

I am going to check one out tomorrow . You have made a very good point with the triple.

The 34/50 gearing on the CDF should be good enough for touring. Not sure what the lower end sprocket is but 34 combined with say a 25,26 or 28 should be just fine. I would NOT rule out the Croix de Fer because of a chainset which you can always replace IF it isn't workable. A different cassette with a lower range at the bottom end might also give more options, again depending on what it is as sold.

I have to say too that most newcomers might start with a triple and then move on to a double. And for that reason, I'd say go with a double and a 34/50 at that like the CDF offers.

The Spesh' ain't been round the world either...https://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0CCkQFjAAahUKEwiisbTGyYHJAhXI1R4KHX_lCXQ&url=http://www.genesisbikes.co.uk/blog/03/09/10/vin-coxs-round-the-world-record-is-official&usg=AFQjCNF6N3wred9AGisecuXa6FJ4khIsoQ&sig2=QL8xOQB7QTASkfYI44dbxQ

The bike used by Cox was the CDF 2015 edition.

 

[Monsieur Remings]

And close we are, aren't we Hankydoodle me old babber? This officially gives you the right, when you've bought your CDF as the result of my own sterling advice, at the first sign of any problem that it is in fact my own 'local' fault.

Happy riding!

 

[raleighnut]

The 34/50 gearing on the CDF should be good enough for touring. Not sure what the lower end sprocket is but 34 combined with say a 25,26 or 28 should be just fine. I would NOT rule out the Croix de Fer because of a chainset which you can always replace IF it isn't workable. A different cassette with a lower range at the bottom end might also give more options, again depending on what it is as sold.

I have to say too that most newcomers might start with a triple and then move on to a double. And for that reason, I'd say go with a double and a 34/50 at that like the CDF offers.

The Spesh' ain't been round the world either...https://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0CCkQFjAAahUKEwiisbTGyYHJAhXI1R4KHX_lCXQ&url=http://www.genesisbikes.co.uk/blog/03/09/10/vin-coxs-round-the-world-record-is-official&usg=AFQjCNF6N3wred9AGisecuXa6FJ4khIsoQ&sig2=QL8xOQB7QTASkfYI44dbxQ

The bike used by Cox was the CDF 2015 edition.

A 'compact' may well have the same overall gearing but there will be more 'gaps' between them. I for one would sooner have a triple with 'tighter' ratios.

 

[Hankydoodle]

I'm still in 2 minds. I like the idea of the triple , but the CDF is £160 cheaper. I will sleep on it with plenty of thought. Will see you in Yatton Monsieur, cheers for the advice.

 

[Hankydoodle]

PS. I wont be trying to beat Vin Cox's record, i'm only cycling to Brazil for the weekend.

 

[GrumpyGregry]

CdeF for me.

Basically anything from Genesis over owt from Spesh.

Gaps in the gearing, thobut, it is a bit of a 'thing' imo. More talked about in theory than an actual ride ruining reality.

 

[steveindenmark]

Triples and compacts are purely a personal choice and cannot really be the basis of a discussion if a third party is buying the bike.

But it is a point well raised for the OP to look into for themselves.

Where is the CDF for £719.

 

[Hankydoodle]

Thanks for the advice everyone, I had to go for the CDF at this price , I couldn't resist.
http://www.singletrackbikes.co.uk/m1b0s23p37707/Genesis_Croix_de_Fer_20_2015