down to a choice of 2 bikes

[just4fun]

i will be getting back into commuting this winter and have no intention of using my cf road bike. i have narrowed my choice down to 2 very different bikes both available at my LBS
http://www.evanscycles.com/products...oogle&utm_medium=froogle&utm_campaign=froogle

http://www.whytebikes.com/2012/bike_page.php?ModNo=W-1-031-12

i would appreciate some advice.


the specialized wins on
drop bars,
MG clearence
better tyres for the snow/ice i'm expecting over the winters
triple chainset if i decide to get back into touring should i want too will help (plusu my dodge knee)
front rack eyelets (not sure i will use as carbon fork)


the whyte however is streets ahead on
weight
components

 

[brokenflipflop]

Before I chuck my tuppence worth in I'd like to point out that I'm a new cyclist, I'm thick and I'm shallow.

That said, the Spesh wins hands down on looks alone IMO.

Hope this helps a bit

 

[Iain p]

The whyte for me, lighter and with the compact crankset you will still have a very good range of gears.

 

[threebikesmcginty]

Spesh is a better all round bike, you'll be thankful for drops and guards.

 

[HLaB]

Spesh is a better all round bike, you'll be thankful for drops and guards.

+1

 

[Iain p]

Spesh is a better all round bike, you'll be thankful for drops and guards.

Honest question, but why would the drops be better.

 

[2Loose]

The Whyte for me, lovely looking urban speeder - and it has eyelets for guards\rack.

 

[vickster]

I have been hankering after this, under 10kg for a hybrid!

http://www.cyclesuk.com/product/Stirling_2011_W11ST2M-1

They have the 2011 Cambridge too under £700 http://www.cyclesuk.com/product/Cambridge_2011_W11CAM1S-1

In store only, depends where you live

Personally for commuting I prefer flat bars, but then I am new to drops

 

[threebikesmcginty]

Honest question, but why would the drops be better.

Choice of hand positions.

 

[just4fun]

I have been hankering after this, under 10kg for a hybrid!

http://www.cyclesuk...._2011_W11ST2M-1

They have the 2011 Cambridge too under £700 http://www.cyclesuk....2011_W11CAM1S-1

In store only, depends where you live

Personally for commuting I prefer flat bars, but then I am new to drops

that is a serious saving many thanks

 

[DCLane]

My Ridgeback Platinum came into my 'watch list' from a review about the best winter bike about this time last year. They're £700-800 now on this years' model and its' lightweight with 105 groupset and mudguards.

May be worth a look?

 

[VamP]

Take a look at the Cross bikes from Whyte. Streets ahead of the Tricross bikes IMO, weight/componentry and geometry.

Spesh are overpriced for what they are, again IMO.

 

[The Jogger]

Have you lookled at the Boardman cx

 

[baldycyclist]

the spesh is an easy win
Lighter and with all the same options for slightly harder rides on tracks as the whyte would offer.
Not sure how heavy the wheels are.

Also - how far are you commuting?

Do you not fancy a roadie with some racing fenders?

 

[VamP]

the spesh is an easy win
Lighter and with all the same options for slightly harder rides on tracks as the whyte would offer.

Erm... it's 1.5 kg heavier


SRAM Apex 10 speed versus Sora 9 speed


Sorry but the Whyte is much better value.