Recommendations on a flexible commuting bike (Cycle to work scheme)

[chqshaitan]

In general terms, if you're planning on using a bike a lot or keeping it for a number of years, then the frame is more important than the components as that is the part of the bike that will remain constant. All the components will wear and need to be replaced at some point so I've always been told to buy the best frame I can afford and not worry too much about things you'll just end up replacing at some point anyway.

You shouldn't have any complaints about the BB7 brakes. they are towards the higher end of cable pull disc brake systems and because the pads are adjustable from both sides they are relatively simple to set up and maintain. Once the pads wear a bit you simply turn the dial a notch to bring them in closer to the disc. On cheaper models you can only dial in from the one side, and hydraulic brakes are generally a 'take to the LBS' job if they need fettling. If I were to upgrade the disc brakes on my CX I'd get the BB7.

From the looks of the spec the only Tiagra component is the front mech. You won't have a problem with this. It's not entry level... that's Sora, although there are cheaper ranges below that too, although you wouldn't often see them on these sort of machines.
Everything else important, like the shifters and your rear mech are 105 which is a good standard of component that will provide a smooth shifting and smooth running drivetrain. It's not as flashy as Ultegra or Dura Ace, but who needs that on a commuter that's going to get worn, gunky, wet and gritty?

On paper this bike is excellent value, especially with the accessories voucher etc, but obviously you'd want to give it a test ride before committing.

Thanks bud, i am going to get the paperwork sorted out for the bike, then pop down to evans for a looksie, there is a shop only 10 minutes from my house.

 

[chqshaitan]

That depends. If you have to do a bit of walking I wouldn't use road race pedals, but there shouldn't be an issue with SPDs if you did want clip in pedals/shoes. They have a recessed cleat so walking isn't usually a problem.

It was more if the bottom of the shoes get caked in mud/dirt, i am assuming that they will need cleaning out before i can get back on the bike? i am showing my lack of knowledge in cycling

 

[lejogger]

It was more if the bottom of the shoes get caked in mud/dirt, i am assuming that they will need cleaning out before i can get back on the bike? i am showing my lack of knowledge in cycling

Mountain bikers and some cyclocross racers use spds... I'm no expert, but I'd say they should be fine with a bit of mud if they're the choice of those riders. You might just want to give them a clean off when you get to work, ready for the trip home

 

[400bhp]

Each manufacturer has different qualities of "product". In terms of mechanical disc brakes Avid produce BB5's and BB7's. BB7's are better quality and, I believe are easier to setup than BB5's.

Shimano produce several grades of component. Tiagra is pretty much considered "entry level" for road bikes (although there are levels below this), then 105, then Ultegra. Each level up improves quality - so in theory a 105 groupset shifts more easily then Tiagra. Costs also increase with each jump in quality. It's generally recognised that a better quality component will last longer and give you less maintenance issues during its lifetime. The new Tiagra 10 speed system appears to be quite decent though.

Hope that helps - sure some of the others will elaborate on my basic round up.

I think SquareDaff, that should be clarified. For information, quality here generally means lighter. It doesn't mean it will last longer and it's arguable whether there are mechanical shifting benefits from a relatively higher groupset.

 

[SquareDaff]

I think SquareDaff, that should be clarified. For information, quality here generally means lighter. It doesn't mean it will last longer and it's arguable whether there are mechanical shifting benefits from a relatively higher groupset.

That's fine by me - the more information the OP gets the better it'll be.

 

[chqshaitan]

Mountain bikers and some cyclocross racers use spds... I'm no expert, but I'd say they should be fine with a bit of mud if they're the choice of those riders. You might just want to give them a clean off when you get to work, ready for the trip home

of course, i forgot about that. cheers bud, something else for me to ponder on..

 

[YIMan]

Genesis Vapour? Knobbly tyres for rougher offroad. Will take large tyres slick or knobbly. Mudguard and rack eyes.

 

[Mike!]

Another vote for a CX type machine, I have the Boardman CX team as previously mentioned and think it's perfect as a commuter. It has disc brakes, can take a wide range of tyres, mudguards & rack for panniers.

I'm approaching 600 miles on mine ridden in all weathers including snow and haven't had any issues other than tightening cables, the disc brakes took a good 100-150 miles to settle and needed a lot of adjusting during that time but now bedded in they are fine.

Highly recommended by me but I hope you have a decent Halfords to sell you one, I traveled 40 miles to another location to buy mine as I've never been impressed by the staff in Ipswich!

 

[SquareDaff]

I've used SPD's for years now in all conditions. Never had any problems with them whatsoever.

 

[Kins]

If you get M324 double sided SPDs, they are a normal pedal one side, so you can wear shoes, trainers etc and spds the other. I use these on my commuter/general purpose bike as I often just nip to the shop and cant be arsed to put cycling shoes on. The shoes are fine to walk about in for short periods. These do take a bit of getting used to as you have to spin the pedal to get the right side but after awhile becomes second nature. Haven't had a problem with dirt and I use very mixed services on my way to work. Bit of GT85 every now and then on the spd teeth and a quick wipe keeps them free of grit and looking good.

If your pretty much just going to use them for longer rides the double sided M520 SPD only ones are great. I use these on my road bike for longer rides, and as they have clips on both sides it does make it slightly easier clipping in and out.

http://www.probikekit.com/uk/shimano-m324-spd-flat-combination-pedals.html

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/shimano-pd-m520-pedals/

 

[Kies]

M324's are excellent pedals. Have them on my hybrid commuter and they are great with/without cycling shoes

 

[chqshaitan]

What range of tyres can i put on the Pinnacle Arkose Three? ,

and the most important question :P, what sort of weight limit would you say that it can comfortably carry (i am on the wrong side of 20 stone).