New Hybrid / flat bar road bike for Commuting - £500-1000

[cyclinghaggis]

I've been riding to work on a Revolution Courier for the last 3 years but I'm contemplating upgrading to something a bit nicer/quicker for my commute. I'm pretty much set on another similar flat bar bike. Whatever it is needs to take full length mudguards and a light rack. Price wise I'm looking to spend £500-1000 and ideally should be on sale at Edinburgh cycle co-op as my work scheme uses them.

I've been considering the following options :-

Focus Planet 2.0 '14
http://www.edinburghbicycle.com/products/focus-planet-2-0-14

Cannondale Bad Boy 6 '14
http://www.edinburghbicycle.com/products/cannondale-bad-boy-6-14

Focus Arriba 3.0 Disc Acera '14
http://www.edinburghbicycle.com/products/focus-arriba-3-0-disc-acera-14

Specialized Sirrus Comp Disc '14
http://www.edinburghbicycle.com/products/specialized-sirrus-comp-disc-14

Whyte Portobello '14
http://www.edinburghbicycle.com/products/whyte-portobello-14

I've test ridden a Whyte Portobello previously and quite like it. Wondering if it's worth the extra to upgrade to the Cambridge/Stirling? The Focus planet is pricey but tempting though I'm a little unsure about the belt drive and whether it would be reliable or fixable if it were to go wrong. The Focus Arriba seems like a good spec for the price. Specialized frame/finishing kit is good but seems, on paper at least, a bit poorly spec'd for the price. Cannondale Bad Boy seems like a worthy alternative to the Whyte bikes.

Any thoughts on the above? Does anyone own any of them and how are you finding it?

 

[EltonFrog]

I've ridden two of those choices, the Cannondale and The Whyte, both very nice bikes and i would not be able choose between them for the ride. In the end I bought a Whyte Conistion because I decided I want front suspension for canal tow paths and the like. I've done about 2000 miles in the 18 months I've owned, it's a lovley bike, (I think the frame is the same or very very similar to the Portobello). I rode 58 miles on my Whte today on fact, a very comfortable bike.

Try and ride all of your choices if you can, enjoy the glorious agony of choosing your bike.

 

[vickster]

Cambridge = fab

 

[cyclinghaggis]

I test rode the Portobello again tonight and I'm pretty happy with it. The only odd thing I noticed was that I caught my heel on the frame where it bows out to accommodate the Disc Brakes (which are hydraulic and fantastic incidentally!). The bike was fitted with cage pedals (plus the seat was lower than it should have been) so I'm not sure whether it would happen with SPDs or MTB Platform pedals which I'll fit if I buy one. I spoke to 3-4 guys in the shop and they all said that the Wyhte R7's are pretty much the best option as far as hybrid bikes go.

The Heel catching thing is irking me actually! I take it nobody else with a Whyte R7 has any similar issues with their?. Speaking of which would you recommend SPDs or MTB platform pedals for commuting?

Also, have you fitted mudguards to yours by the way as that's something I'm definitely after? I notice Whyte have ones specifically made for their R7 range which I presume would be a better bet than generic SKS ones though I'd like to see some pics of them first on the bike.

http://www.edinburghbicycle.com/products/whyte-mudguards

 

[Pale Rider]

The belt drive is quiet and clean - ideal for a commuter.

The maker, Gates, quote a life of at least twice that of a chain.

For something that costs £100 or so, that's a bit underwhelming, but it could be real world life is longer.

No fixing is possible, if it snaps prepare to start pushing.

With that in mind, I think you would want a spare belt to hand.

 

[cyclinghaggis]

I've pretty much discounted the Focus Planet due to my concerns about the belt drive TBH and the fact the price tag is right at the limit of the cycle scheme voucher so doesn't leave any leeway for me adding accessories like a rack, mudguards and pedals that I'd want fitted when I buy the bike.

 

[vickster]

I very occasionally catch my heel but only out if the saddle and it's never bothered me. I also have a rack so it could actually be that

I have bontrager guards. Sks chromoplastics do NOT fit. The whyte option looks good. Mudguards are the one thing I would only get done by an lbs. Too fiddly and frustrating for me!!

 

[EltonFrog]

I have flat pedals on mine, originally with straps but I took them off and mudguards, I don't think they are Whyte mudguards, but they look the same, just no logo. I haven't had an issue with banging my heel on the frame and I've got big feet. I also have a rack for luggage.

 

[Cyclist33]

I test rode the Portobello again tonight and I'm pretty happy with it. The only odd thing I noticed was that I caught my heel on the frame where it bows out to accommodate the Disc Brakes (which are hydraulic and fantastic incidentally!). The bike was fitted with cage pedals (plus the seat was lower than it should have been) so I'm not sure whether it would happen with SPDs or MTB Platform pedals which I'll fit if I buy one. I spoke to 3-4 guys in the shop and they all said that the Wyhte R7's are pretty much the best option as far as hybrid bikes go.

The Heel catching thing is irking me actually! I take it nobody else with a Whyte R7 has any similar issues with their?. Speaking of which would you recommend SPDs or MTB platform pedals for commuting?

Also, have you fitted mudguards to yours by the way as that's something I'm definitely after? I notice Whyte have ones specifically made for their R7 range which I presume would be a better bet than generic SKS ones though I'd like to see some pics of them first on the bike.

http://www.edinburghbicycle.com/products/whyte-mudguards

The heel thing would be a deal breaker for me. If its annoying you already I shouldn't overlook it. Spds should be set up to mirror your natural foot pose so don't assume that'll solve it.

 

[cyclinghaggis]

Interestingly I've just noticed that Whyte seem to be tweaking their R7 hybrid range for 2015

http://whyte.bike/gb/models/commuterroad/r7-fast-urban-series/shoreditch/

I think it might be a sensible move to hold fire on ordering for now. I much prefer the idea of the 1x10 gearing on the above Shoreditch model plus it's £50 less than the Portobello. I guess technically the gearing is inferior but I prefer the simplicity of the single chain at the front for commuting and it also comes with a carbon fork. I guess it also means there's a good chance of picking up the 2014 models on sale soon too?

 

[cyclinghaggis]

Incidentally EBC reported back to say they aren't stocking the 2015 model ranges yet. Does anyone know from previous experience when we're likely to see them available to buy/order?

 

[vickster]

I think September -ish

Might be worth asking EBC if they take C2W on reduced models

 

[Booyaa]

If you are shopping at EBC I would highly recommend the Courier Race Disc. Great bike for the money I have found and love the simplicity of the gearing. Sorry to go slightly off topic but if you are in that shop it would be worth having a peek.

 

[cyclinghaggis]

EBC definitely do C2W on sale/reduced models as I did it on my last bike. No reason for them not to as the cycle scheme discount is coming off you gross pay and not out of their pocket at the end of the day. In fact it's often a good strategy to wait until a bike you want is on sale then CW2 it! That way you can get the 20% or so sale discount and add it to the 20% C2W saving and it means you get the bike you're after for nearly half price

I'd 2nd the recommendation for the Courier Race bikes! Having owned one for three years and literally ridden it to destruction I can vouch for how good it is. No issues whatsoever other than a flat tire and a few sets of brake pads in over 4000 miles! The problem is now it needs a new cassette,chain, chain ring, brake cables and a new rear wheel. I was quoted £140 to fix/service it which is why I'm contemplating treating myself to a shiny new bike rather than repairing it.

The only issue is that I've been riding my road bike to work and don't really want to wait 4 months until Sept to order a new one if that's when the 2015 range starts appearing. I think I might give Whyte a call/email and see if they have a specific date when they'll accept orders from resellers as EBC did say they may be able to order it specially before it's generally available in their shops. Or possibly keep an eye out and see if there are any end of season discounts on the bikes in the 2014 range.

Hmmm...

 

[waferthin]

Hey @cyclinghaggis, just wondering if you got any further with the whyte shoreditch model? Any idea when it might be available? I've seen it turning up in a few online shops now...