Recommend me a frame...

[simon_adams_uk]

Ok... I'm in the market for a new frame. Having spent umpteen hours surfing the 'net I think I've narrowed it down to a few. However I'm sure that there's plenty that I've missed!

It will be used primarily on-road at the weekend (ie I'd like quite a lively ride) but should also be able to cope with light touring and small stretches of smooth-ish off-road (tow paths etc). So, my main requirements are:
* 700c
* clearance for c.28mm tyres AND mudguards
* steel (ideally)
* mounts for mudguards
* mounts for rear rack
* not fussed about horizontal/compact geometry
* cost <£400 (ideally including forks)
* not fussy about the manufacturer 'brand'/'name' (quality aside of course)

Also, I won't turn up my nose at fully built bikes either.

So far I've got the following:
* Salsa Casseroll http://www.salsacycles.com/casseroll08.html
* Cotic Roatrat http://www.cotic.co.uk/product/roadrat
* Singular Peregrine http://www.singularcycles.com/bikes.htm
* Dawes Audax http://www.dawescycles.com/dawes/audax-sport.htm
* Kona Sutra http://www.konaworld.com/09_sutra_en.cfm
* Condor Heritage http://www.condorcycles.com/heritage.html

Any suggestions very much welcomed!

Cheers,
S

 

[bonk man]

If you can stretch the frame budget a tad..
http://www.merciancycles.co.uk/frame_audax.asp

nice.... I'd buy one if I was after a steel frame. [ I have owned one of their bikes and very nice it was too ]

If yo are going to buy steel it is worth getting something with class stamped on it I reckon

 

[Fab Foodie]

Salsa Casserole.
Great review in C+ for lively ride.
Proper drop-outs, easy to convert to a fixed, say for winter use, so very versitile.
Ticks all your other boxes.
Well made and finished.
Are not many about.
My clubmate has one for his winter trainer, he has seriously fat rubber on it and he rates it very highly, (Summer bike is Full carbon megabucks Trek).

Definately my choice.

 

[Greenbank]

Consder the Aravis Audax from Byercycles (www.byercycles.co.uk) or the Aravis 631 steel Super Tourist frame as it may be listed as now (I bought mine two years ago and things change).

700c. Mudguards and clearance for 28mm tyres (57mm deep drop calipers required). Steel. Mudguard bosses. Rack bosses.

£345 for frame and forks.

I got a standard geometry bike from them, not sure if they still do them as the website shows a compact geometry. Byer's will probably be able to source a standard for you if you needed it. Great quality and a stunning quality paint job that is very durable. I've done a 400km Audax on this bike and can't fault it (although it now has proper black bar tape!).

Also, Byers are a proper old school bike shop where they take pride in what they do. I'm very happy with my Aravis Audax, and Byercycles, which is why I recommend it (and them) whenever possible. They aren't an online retailer so if there's something that the website doesn't say it's worth calling them as they are happy to chat about stuff over the phone.

They'll do the frame or as much of a build as you like. Worth noting that the handbuilt wheels I got from Byer's are still going strong after thousands of miles!

(No connection with Byers myself other than a very happy customer.)

P.S. I'm in SW15 if you want to have a look at the bike itself.

P.P.S. If I remember correctly these are the same frames that are badged and sold as Hewitt Cheviott (or Chiltern for the standard geometry version) and also Henry Burton Audax frames. All of which get good reviews. They're imported by Autostrada (who don't deal with individuals).

 

[ASC1951]

How about a Titanium frame from XACD? Custom made and on your doorstep for about £350.

Mine is very good and lots of other people on the forum have them.

 

[P.H]

+1 for the Autostrada/Arvis/Hewitt/Burton... you can have painted in any colour at Hewitts £380 price (Byercycles might offer this as an upgrade.) The frames are made in Taiwan and finished in the UK at the same place and as Greenbank says the finish is stunning, photos never do it justice. The only thing I'm not keen on in the Arvis version is the graphics.

P.P.S. If I remember correctly these are the same frames that are badged and sold as Hewitt Cheviott (or Chiltern for the standard geometry version)

Almost right, the Chiltern is the Audax version, the Cheviot the touring version with longer chainstays and canti brakes. The current models have the same main triangle. Older model touring and Audax frames were completely different.
http://www.hewittbikefitting.co.uk/index.php?page=hewitt

 

[Noodley]

* Singular Peregrine http://www.singularcycles.com/bikes.htm

The Singular looks to be an ideal choice.

And I reckon I have now found my next 'must have' bike Singlespeed Peregrine 29er here I come!!!

 

[simon_adams_uk]

Thanks for all the suggestions - will look into them... several happy months ahead trying to make a decision! And then there's what components / finishing kit to use...

S

 

[rualexander]

Thorn Audax MK3?
100 day trial period to build the bike up and see if it suits you, if not send it back for a full refund!
http://www.thorncycles.co.uk/AudaxMK3/Thorn_Audax_Mk3_lowres.pdf