Revolution Country Explorer

[bauldbairn]

Don't think you'll go wrong with the EBC Revolution bike Dynamick - their always pretty durable and designed with value for money in mind. If you can get the one off ebay cheap, great.

For what it's worth there's a high end bike shop(that's the impression I got) in Bridge of Allan called Rock and Road - they stock £6500 Storck bikes(and Wilier). Someone who works there rides a Revolution Country Explorer and leaves it locked up outside the shop. It's a nice classy looking bike.

 

[GrumpyGregry]

Dynamick - Cross bikes are 'the next big thing' that the industry wants to sell, and are often pushed to MTB-ers or newbies wanting to buy a first road bike. The right cross bike is a highly versatile piece of kit esp. if 80% of your cycling will be on road but you want to keep the option to get your bike muddy from time to time.

As it happens my Explorer is, within the limitations of a rigid bike with drops, pretty competent off road (and excellent on it) and I'd bet the frame is near identical to that which EBC use on their cyclo-crosser and several other bikes. I have this bridleway fetish you see, I'll be pootling along the tarmac and see a waymark post and think "I wonder where that goes...." and before you know it, roughstuff.

I bought mine sight unseen via bike to work. It was the right price for the generous spec, had just got a +ve review in Cycling Plus and at 6' 2" I knew I needed the L size frame so very little risk imo. It is a great little do it all go most anywhere bike. I've done Audaxes, Sportives (my how they laughed at the rack and guards), FNRttC, commuting, shopping, trailer towing, most of the South Downs Way (slowly on the downhills), several day and weekend tours on it.

 

[Andy in Sig]

As it happens my Explorer is, within the limitations of a rigid bike with drops, pretty competent off road (and excellent on it) and I'd bet the frame is near identical to that which EBC use on their cyclo-crosser and several other bikes. I have this bridleway fetish you see, I'll be pootling along the tarmac and see a waymark post and think "I wonder where that goes...." and before you know it, roughstuff.

That IMO is what is worth stressing again and again to beginners. Many people seem to think that to go one yard off tarmac, you need a mountain bike whereas in fact a tourer will tackle all but the most outrageous conditions as well as being excellent in urban areas and, obviously, for load carrying.

 

[GrumpyGregry]

but surely all road bikes, including tourers, are made of a secret combination of eggshells, glass, and unobtainium.

we must stop this agreement stuff - it is very unsettling.

 

[dynamick]

That IMO is what is worth stressing again and again to beginners. Many people seem to think that to go one yard off tarmac, you need a mountain bike whereas in fact a tourer will tackle all but the most outrageous conditions as well as being excellent in urban areas and, obviously, for load carrying.

Big thanks to all you guys for your advice and it's made my decision easier by seeing the ebay bike go above a reasonable second hand price.

I'm waiting for the Sheffield EBC shop to open and I'm gonna get me one of them there touring bikes!

 

[bauldbairn]

Big thanks to all you guys for your advice and it's made my decision easier by seeing the ebay bike go above a reasonable second hand price.

I'm waiting for the Sheffield EBC shop to open and I'm gonna get me one of them there touring bikes!

Not trying to worry you dynamick - do you know if there's going to be an EBC Revolution Explorer 2010?

I know they took £150 off the 2009 models and sold them for £500 but no sign as yet of 2010 models.

There's a Revolution Cross in the sale(ends 31/1/2010) for £349(£100 off) that could be fitted with rear carrier / guards / Rev panniers(Vaude) - for the saved £100. No discs though.

Maybe that ebay Rev/Ex at £210 is not so bad after all. Wouldn't like you to miss out on your chosen bike. I was on the EBC website today - looking for last minute sale bargains as I'm in Edinburgh this weekend(hopefully) - and there's no sign of your Rev/Ex!!!

 

[dynamick]

Not trying to worry you dynamick - do you know if there's going to be an EBC Revolution Explorer 2010?

I know they took £150 off the 2009 models and sold them for £500 but no sign as yet of 2010 models.

There's a Revolution Cross in the sale(ends 31/1/2010) for £349(£100 off) that could be fitted with rear carrier / guards / Rev panniers(Vaude) - for the saved £100. No discs though.

Maybe that ebay Rev/Ex at £210 is not so bad after all. Wouldn't like you to miss out on your chosen bike. I was on the EBC website today - looking for last minute sale bargains as I'm in Edinburgh this weekend(hopefully) - and there's no sign of your Rev/Ex!!!

Hi Bauldbairn - sorry I only just read your post (had a hectic day or two....my grandma had carpal tunnel surgery and I've been zooming about all over the place for her!)

As for the 2010 bikes - I spoke to the EBC (at the head office) to ask about what sort of bikes they'd have in the Sheffield shop (as I've got a 15% discount for when it opens in March)....and he said the new 2010 models would be in the shop, touring bikes, mountain bikes, road bikes and cross. From what he said the prices would be the same (original RRP) as they were for the 2009 model....then 15% off and I'm sure a bit of negotiation with cash might get me a few bits thrown in!

I can't believe the price that bike went for on Ebay - £410!!!!
I would have stopped bidding before it got to that amount for sure.

Take Care

Mick

 

[bauldbairn]

Hope your grans recovering well.

Can't believe that second hand Ex went for £410!

Good news then! - That EBC have the new 2010 Explorer on the way.

Remember to post pics and bump the thread when you get it?

I quite like EBC as all the staff are enthusiastic cyclists and shareholders - so seem to be more attentive/knowledgeable than all but the best LBS's.
Unfortunately they don't have a bike in the style I'd like my next one to be. So I may have to go elsewhere - but I'll have a look at their new stock first.

All the best,

Scott.

 

[bauldbairn]

Dynamick - Just got an e-mail from EBC, the 2010 Explorer is in stock.

There are quite a few changes most notably the colour, it's now "Midnight Black" and has different cable operated brakes, now Tektra not Avid. Still a very nice looking bike though.

see. http://www.edinburghbicycle.com/ebwPNLqrymode.a4p?f_ProductID=12437&f%

hope this link works - not my strong point!

 

[dynamick]

Cheers Bauldbairn - I just PM'd you about the Explorer......Sheffield EBC opens tomorrow - woohoo!!

 

[dynamick]

Hi All!

After many months of waiting and many indecisions on my part, after almost buying a bicycle (Specialised Tricross) that I didn't really want.......I held firm and took some good advice from some friendly CycleChat forum members and waited for the Edinburgh Bicycle Cooperative to open their shop in Sheffield....which they did yesterday and I was there with my 15% off!

Firstly.....the customer service was amazing, the manager was a top bloke - helping the new staff where he needed to and the guy who dealt with me (Dan) was an absolute star. After giving them some ID, I took two tourers out for a good old test ride round and about the shop (big industrial estate and not much traffic!)

The first bike (The Revolutionary Country Traveller '10) £499 was the first drop bar bike I've ever ridden (current bike a Giant Boulder). Quite scary at first getting used to the gear shift and brake position, let alone the ride position...almost fell off in the car park! LOL Well it was a cracking ride, lovely and smooth and nippy up the little hills I managed to find, good gear changing, breaks nice and responsive and just felt really well put together.

The second bike (The Revolutionary Country Explorer '10) £649 similar to the Traveller but steel frame, posher saddle, disc brakes and sora shifters and a different gear setup...was the bike I really wanted. I took that for a ride out, the disc brakes scared me to death, really didn't get on with them that well and made a bit of a whooshing sound (which apparently would wear off after a good ride) but it just didn't do it for me the same way as the Traveller. The gears felt a bit clunky and I didn't feel at home on it.

The lad in the shop knew exactly which one I was going to go for....he said the smile wasn't quite as wide on my return to the shop after the second test ride.

Anyway.....The Country Traveller, set of decent panniers, cycling shorts, underseat bag/tool box, water carrier, gloves, lights etc...all to be delivered this Friday direct from EBC in Edinburgh....all in £530 after my 15% discount....and I'm sure if I'd gone for a well known brand of tourer of similar build....I'd have paid £1k + more for the add-on stuff.

If anyone hasn't been to an EBC shop or seen their website, great quality stuff and great range....they stock "named" brands....but I tell you what....their own brand stuff is top notch and their customer service is excellent......might go back next week as they've got some tasty riding jerseys too (although I'm tempted with a Foska Marmite one! )

Sorry for the long winded post but can you tell I'm buzzing?? I can't wait to take it out for a little run in over the weekend, nothing too daft, just get used to the bike and point it up a couple of hills (surrounded by them here!!)

(also posted this in the tourer thread under the "Beginners & Riding" thread)

Also I wanted to say a big thank you especially for those that gave me advice on what I should look for....Bauldbairn and Sheffield Tiger pointed me towards EBC and I thank them very much for it!

I'll post some piccies up real soon!

 

[GrumpyGregry]

you've more or less said it yourself. Useless without pictures, and I wanna see the smile

 

[HelenD123]

Great post dynamick. I can see your big grin from here! It just goes to show that the advice everyone gives newbies to use your LBS and try out the bikes is spot on. You never know which one you'll like until you get out there and ride them. Have fun!

 

[dynamick]

I've posted some photos in my albums after my bike arrived today. I've taken it out for 4 test runs (only a few miles in reality) but wow......what an absolutely wonderful feeling it was - I suppose it's like when someone gets a new car (which I won't as I don't drive).....you want to tell everyone, anyone and I HAVE!!! LOL

Seriously though, EBC have really done me proud both at the shop and in the construction of this bike.....first class all round (apart from me ordering the wrong rear light!!!)

I LOVE MY BIKE!!!!

 

[bauldbairn]

you've more or less said it yourself. Useless without pictures, and I wanna see the smile

He's right you know!

We don't want him to become GrumpyGreg again. -