Good allrounder bike required: need a triple

[Mike7]

Hello,
I have a Giant Defy2, Dawes Super Galaxy and a Genesis Core 30 MTB. I used the Defy2 for commuting, but it is a bit uncomfortable on the road surface, but the riding position etc is excellent. It is a compact, with 25mm tyres.I then bought the Dawes and it is great, due to the triple crank gearing and teh wider tyres. It's downside is too slow downhills.Therefore I am looking for something "in-between"

I am looking for a bike such as the Specialised Tricross as I think it is a good allrounder.I have been looking at Ribble (no triples),Surosa Toledo Audax and Hewitt Chiltern(above my prefered budget, but possibly worth it?)

I commute 15miles in total, and ride most of the winter, (use a Spesh. Rockhopper for winter)
I need full length mudguards, and a small rack for my workbag.
At the weekend, I try to get out for 40/70 mile runs, and with the right bike( at the moment it will be the Dawes) I am hoping to do a loop of 140miles in a couple of weeks.

Are there any others worth considering?As stated prefer a triple...

cheers,Michael.

 

[lulubel]

You can get a triple on a Ribble if you use the bike builder.

 

[Mike7]

Thanks for the reply.
I was in touch with Ribble as I wanted to go to their place and try a bike for size, but they do not have test bikes. They also recommended compact instead of triple due to less weight and gear ratios being overall similiar.I have read alot of debates on Cycle chat pro/con of compact v triple and I have decided that 30 gears are better than 20 for me.
I can check their bike builder and see what happens, but I would have preferred to be "fitted" to the bike as I am 6ft2" and in alot of frame sizes this is between L and XL.

 

[MacB]

I'm not sure what falls between a Super Galaxy and a Defy2 in the way you describe. Technically you're right with the Tricross and there are lots of other cross type offerings. I'm just not sure that you'll achieve the sort of noticeable difference you want over the Dawes. Still it's got to be worth trying a few and the Galaxy is one bike I've not had a go on.

It may be possible to tinker with the Dawes as a cheaper alternative - what tyres do you use on it? could you alter the ride position to more closely resemble that of the Defy? Just curious because I tend to find my heavier/more relaxed bikes have all tended to really pick up speed on the downhills.

Personally I'd go triple rather than compact as I like to minimise front ring changes. I consider the middle ring for general riding, the big ring for hard riding and the granny ring is very nice to have when tired or laden down.

 

[Soltydog]

Not sure what you can get to fill the gap between the Galaxy & Defy, but IMO I think you will find the Tricross very much the same as the Galaxy on downhills. I've owned a Tricross & now have a Ridgeback Panorama & they are very similar. Maybe just get a pair of lighter, thinner wheels for the Galaxy & see how that goes, gotta be cheaper than a new bike & probably achieve the results you want

 

[Mike7]

Thanks for replies.
My Super Galaxy has a big gear of 42 teeth. The Defy has 50 teeth, as does a 2011 Tricross. Would the Tricross (or alternative) not be able to achieve similiar speeds to the Defy based on cog size, or am I oversimplifiying?
What I am hoping to do is get something that is more Audax/Fast Tourer/Load Carrying Racer or however else they are described as!
I will then sell the Defy and the Dawes, and be back to 2 bikes!

 

[doctornige]

It's not REALLY 30 gears though, is it? There is masses of overlap. The question with triples is 'Do you struggle to climb?' if yes, then triples are all good. If not, a compact is OK, but there may be some legendary climbs that would spit you out. I am looking at YOU, Winnat's Pass.

 

[HovR]

I'd personally try modifying the Defy for ride comfort. Try fitting the widest tires the frame and forks can take - It should take some of the bumps out of the road.

Also, try running a lower tire pressure. I'm not sure what pressure you have at the moment, but just because your tires say (for example) 100 to 140 PSI doesn't mean you have to run at the upper limit!

 

[jowwy]

i own a defy and it is super super comfy and eats road buzz for breakfast and its a triple too

 

[lordloveaduck]

Cube bikes.

 

[Mike7]

thanks for all the advice. I live in the Highlands and try to use the back roads as much as I can and that is why the road transission throught the tyres gets a bit tiring after 40 odd miles.I can look into better width and depth of tyres for the Defy and see if that makes for more comfort. I am riding at 100/125psi, and can also reduce this.
The dawes is 70psi.