N+1 - somebody please help!

[LizardEye]

I know its a nice problem to have but I just can't decide on my next bike.

It's mainly for my 12 mile commute, and I want something more sturdy/stable than my Giant Defy but lighter than my Spesh Hardrock, so I can go fast on the roads but take a few offroad shortcuts.

So I'm looking at something cyclocross 'inspired', rather than full on 'cross ( having done one lap of a CX course last week, I don't think it's something I'll be taking up in a hurry)

My head says the Genesis CDF as it does everything I need, but.... will the weight matter, will it rust, is it a tad overpriced?

My heart says the Whyte Kings Cross cos it looks great, is well designed and I like the slack head angle. But I'm not sure it will do what I want and the specs not great.

My wallet says the Pinnacle Arkose Two as it got a great review Cycling Plus and it's well specced, but it doesn't exactly get me excited.

And vorsprung durch technic says the Focus Mares Ax 4.0 but I'm struggling to find one to try and it got a crap review in CP.

So...if anyone has any strong opinions either way on any of these, it might just help me decide.

cheers

 

[derrick]

I looked at one of theses a last weekend, seems to tick all the boxes.
http://www.westbrookcycles.co.uk/bi...06/scott-cx-comp-cyclocross-bike-2012-p210937

 

[PaulSecteur]

I really like the CdF, but it seems way overpriced when you look at the specs next to the Arkose.

Alot of people that but bikes with the BB5 calipers upgrade to the BB7 for easier adjustment.

And another bike to consider...

http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/..._productId_777731_langId_-1_categoryId_165710

 

[biggs682]

have a look at the Marin Lombard they look good

 

[Supersuperleeds]

I've picked my next bike a Specialized Allez Elite, just can't afford it yet

 

[LizardEye]

Argh no please don't give me any more to look at.
It's taken me a month to get it down to four.

I do like the cdf, and maybe steel is that much more expensive than aluminium, but...

 

[uphillstruggler]

CDF. No other reason than I like the genesis range of bikes. Just been lucky enough to pick up the new equillibruim 20.

Good luck with your choice.

 

[mip]

Very nice looking bike http://www.edinburghbicycle.com/products/revolution-cross-pro-12

 

[LizardEye]

Yeah, I was eyeing that up last time I was in.

I want disc brakes though - can't be doing faffing on with rim brakes.

 

[NormanD]

**Cough** Here **Cough** Here **Cough** ..here have a tissue

 

[LizardEye]

Oh great, thanks Norman.

So, can anyone help me decide betwen these FIVE bikes.

 

[LizardEye]

Well I've decided to go for the cdf.
The Whyte looks the part but just doesnt cut it. Really rough ride and apparently Whyte themselves admit that the wheels on the 2 lower priced models aren't up to anything more than commuting.
Tried the Spesh Tricross on some rough ground and while nice, still just felt like a road bike out of its comfort zone. Whereas the cdf was,
'yeah, bring it on, this is what I was made for'.
So that's what I'm going for. Thanks for all the advice.