Genesis or Spa?

[oxoman]

Whatever you go for, my personal preference would be hydraulic brakes and dynamo hub. Spa wont have a problem doing the dynamo hubs.

 

[Oldhippy]

Totally agree with dynamo hub but good quality cable discs do work well in my opinion if they are done right. Never had an issue with mine in operating or changing pads. If you're touring and break a cable it's a simple replacement, hydraulic not so much I'd think.

 

[nogoodnamesleft]

I've never used hydraulic disk brakes but have mechanical discs on both CdF and tadpole bent and would go mechanical agaon. They work well and are very easy to maintain.

 

[oxoman]

I've had all 3 and tbh they all have there plus points and minus points. For me I want good stopping power when im loaded and prefer hydraulic brakes and wont be going to hotter climates that may affect them. TBH ive only had brakes fail once and that was cable failure in the shifter.

 

[LincolnshirePoacher]

I'm homing in on the Spa Wayfarer now, anyone had any experience?

If not what's your thoughts?

 

[All uphill]

I'm homing in on the Spa Wayfarer now, anyone had any experience?

If not what's your thoughts?

I don't have a Wayfarer but they look good.

Having bought one bike from them I'd suggest thinking carefully about your priorities and discussing them with Spa. I did that and they suggested some changes which ended up saving me money and giving me a bike that better matched my needs.

They asked me about the bike I had been riding and what my priorities were. I told them I habitually changed two or three gears at a time on my 11 speed bike, and that punctures didn't phase me. I also said I like close fitting mudguards. Based on that I ended up with a double, rather than a triple and with 9 gears at the back. I also was guided to better rolling tyres in 30c (Schwalbe One) with 35mm guards.

The end result suits me well.

 

[Moodyman]

As @All uphill says, Spa will provide advice and allow you to tailor the bike to your requirements.

I test rode a 58cm Elan and it felt good. When I returned to the shop, John (owner), had arrived and noticed the high seat post. He suggested I try a 60, which felt even better.

The Elan is their crossover bike. Add a steel fork and strong wheels and it becomes a full on tourer, add lighter wheels and carbon fork and it’s a brisk randonneur.

If you can, go visit and try in person.

 

[mickle]

I love my Wayfarer. Purchased as a frameset and built up myself. My stepson worked there at the time so i got a lovely discount!

Very capable. Fantastic clearances for wide tyres plus mudguards. 9 speed / triple. Low gear of 18". Shi**no free zone.

But it is not lightweight.

 

[T4tomo]

I've never used hydraulic disk brakes but have mechanical discs on both CdF and tadpole bent and would go mechanical agaon. They work well and are very easy to maintain.

Applies to Hydraulic & Mechanical and Rim brakes to be fair!