Help me decide on a new bike

[benb]

I'm 40 this year, so thought I'd treat myself.

This will be my main commuter, needs to handle mixed terrain, and will frequently have a child seat on the back, so needs to be pretty bomb proof. Guards, rack, and disc brakes are a must.

For ages I've been lusting after a titanium bike. If the Planet X Pickenflick had rack and guard mounts, I'd buy it without a second thought, as it's a great spec. I like the simplicity of a single chainring.

Another option is the Genesis Equilibrium Ti, which looks amazing. Is it too road oriented though?

Finally, I could get the Kinesis Tripster ATR frameset and build it up myself. There is a pre-built option, but I'm really leaning towards the SRAM CX-1 groupset for full hydraulic discs.

The idea of building it myself is simultaneously appealing and scary.

Any thoughts?

 

[benb]

What about the Sabbath September?
Perhaps too roadie, similar to the Genesis?

 

[vickster]

Sigma sell Kinesis - can they not build one for you?

 

[benb]

Sigma sell Kinesis - can they not build one for you?

Good idea, they're not far from me.
Might also pop into my LBS and see if they can get them in.

 

[vickster]

Good idea, they're not far from me.
Might also pop into my LBS and see if they can get them in.

That's why I suggested them

There's a Van Nic CX option - perhaps speak to Corridori who also aren't too far from you in Epsom

Pearsons have a Ti frameset too...also close by

 

[benb]

That's why I suggested them

There's a Van Nic CX option - perhaps speak to Corridori who also aren't too far from you in Epsom

Pearsons have a Ti frameset too...also close by

Pearsons are awesome.
Haven't been to Corridoori, but have heard good things about them.

 

[Drago]

My inclination is towards Genesis, who I make some fabulous value bikes with a slightly alternative twist. I must insert my usual guff though about never being really sure until you've sampled the goods.

Happy forthcoming Birthday BTW.

 

[benb]

My inclination is towards Genesis, who I make some fabulous value bikes with a slightly alternative twist. I must insert my usual guff though about never being really sure until you've sampled the goods.

Happy forthcoming Birthday BTW.

Yes, my current commuter is a 2011 Croix de Fer.
If I wasn't besotted with titanium, the Stainless Steel Croix de Fer would be a strong contender. Stunning.

 

[vickster]

I have a steel Equilbrium, I guess it depends how mixed terrain you need it to handle. I've happily ridden it down the riverside path from Kingston to Hampton Court for example on 25mm tyres. No lugs for a fixed rack, mine is fixed with P clips, assume the Ti version is the same

I've not been to Corridori for some time for personal reasons, but certainly if Ti is on the menu, worth a visit

 

[benb]

I have a steel Equilbrium, I guess it depends how mixed terrain you need it to handle. I've happily ridden it down the riverside path from Kingston to Hampton Court for example on 25mm tyres. No lugs for a fixed rack, mine is fixed with P clips, assume the Ti version is the same

I've not been to Corridori for some time for personal reasons, but certainly if Ti is on the menu, worth a visit

The Ti version definitely has rack and guard mounts: http://www.genesisbikes.co.uk/bikes/road/road-disc/equilibrium-disc-ti

I think I'd prefer fatter tyres though, so the Kinesis is still top of my list at the moment.

 

[jowwy]

The Ti version definitely has rack and guard mounts: http://www.genesisbikes.co.uk/bikes/road/road-disc/equilibrium-disc-ti

I think I'd prefer fatter tyres though, so the Kinesis is still top of my list at the moment.

i had a frame custom built by a company called ciello rosso cycles - its a titanium frame, disc mounts internal of rear triangle, takes upto 35mm tyres, tapered headtube, rack and guard mounts and all for the princely sum of 700 knicker....which is half the price of the kinses and equilibrium frame....

 

[benb]

i had a frame custom built by a company called ciello rosso cycles - its a titanium frame, disc mounts internal of rear triangle, takes upto 35mm tyres, tapered headtube, rack and guard mounts and all for the princely sum of 700 knicker....which is half the price of the kinses and equilibrium frame....

Great! I like this idea.

 

[jowwy]

Great! I like this idea.

http://cielorossobikes.com/

 

[benb]

Genesis have just announced a titanium Croix de Fer for 2016.
http://road.cc/content/news/157603-...atum-adventure-bike-and-titanium-croix-de-fer

So I think that's settled, as I adore the Croix de Fer

 

[jowwy]

Genesis have just announced a titanium Croix de Fer for 2016.
http://road.cc/content/news/157603-...atum-adventure-bike-and-titanium-croix-de-fer

So I think that's settled, as I adore the Croix de Fer

1800 just for the frameset......big money