Need Commuter...Stuck between Roux & Eastway

[ammaarafridi]

Hi,

I think it's about time I got a new bike, my budget is £1,300 & I'm stuck between these two bikes. It's main purpose is for commuting as I ride to and from work everyday, then to and from gym too! Here are my choices...

Roux Etape 250:

http://rouxbikes.co.uk/shop/etape-250/

And the Eastway CX2.0:

http://www.bikeradar.com/mtb/gear/c.../product/review-eastway-cx2-0-alloy-14-48419/

I don't necessarily have to spend the whole £1,300, so if I got the Roux Etape 250 I'd save money for other things. Opinions? Other bike Recommendations?

 

[vickster]

One of the Whyte drop bar bikes, the Suffolk for example?

http://whyte.bike/gb/models/commuterroad/rd-7-road-disc/suffolk/

The eastway barely looks to be available!

 

[raleighnut]

I like the Roux Etape.

 

[ChrisEyles]

+1 on the Roux Etape, looks good to me. I use a tourer (2014 Raleigh Royal) for a commuter and it's perfect - good carrying capacity, very robust, good for wet weather duty, and not quite as nick-able as a swankier road bike. Best of all if you take off the panniers/lock etc it'll be almost as quick as the swanky road bike for weekend rides Or you can leave the panniers on and fill them up with cake for a mid-ride snack

 

[ammaarafridi]

Thanks for the suggestions guys, I really like the Suffolk, it's a beautiful bike! However I think I'm going to lean towards the cheaper options just so I can save a bit of my £1300. The Raleigh Royal also looks good so now I'm stuck between that and the Etape! I still have a few days to decide so if anyone knows any other good bikes feel free to let me know!

 

[vickster]

@JoeyB got his Suffolk for under £1000, always worth negotiating with your LBS

 

[DanZac]

I've had a roux etape for a year or so now. Cant fault it in any way. Use it for touring, commuting and longer weekend stuff. It's comfy and quick enough. Maybe a little on the heavy side but thats the result of durability i suppose. Dont think you would be dissapointed and its a good price.
Shop around my LBS has it on offer at under£500.

 

[ChrisEyles]

The Raleigh Royal also looks good so now I'm stuck between that and the Etape!

Can't fault the Raleigh Royal in any way after 18 months of commuting and around 5,000 miles. It's not quite as exciting to ride as a road bike, but still puts a smile on my face. Looking at the specs, the Royal and Etape are quite similar - the main difference seems to me that the Etape has disk brakes over the Royal's cantis.

Best plan by far is to test drive the pair and see which you like best - and as others have said, shop around and see if you can get a discount after your test ride, doesn't hurt to ask!

Happy decision making

 

[JoeyB]

@JoeyB got his Suffolk for under £1000, always worth negotiating with your LBS

£960

 

[ammaarafridi]

Looks like I'm going to have to test drive, it seems like the best way forward! I'll keep this post updated so when I get my new bike everyone will know about it...hehehe

 

[ammaarafridi]

Also I appreciate the opinions & help!