Steel frame, tough, light and comfortable.

[KneesUp]

What bike would you recommend that meets the above requirement

I'd like steel for the look as much as anything, but also for the idea that should anything happen to tube it can be replaced. Not that I ever will. Aluminium doesn't appeal because it fatigues, and because I grew up with thin tubes. Carbon is for barbeques and, like titanium, is far to expensive for me :-)

I'd like a bike that can be used for pretty much anything. Most days for commuting (hills, badly made roads) but I'd also like to do a bit of touring as I get fitter, so I want lightness and comfort. I'd like a bike tough enough for a bit of mild off-road - not full on mountain bike stuff, but perhaps rougher than a canal path - like green laning on a bike I suppose. Ideally I don't want to spend anything much more than £1,000.

So far I've come up with a short list that consists of two bikes:

Genesis Croix de Fer
Planet- X Kaffenback

The Planet-X is considerably cheaper, which is good as I am from Yorkshire (which also means I can go and have a look at the Planet-X fairly easily). However, the Genesis looks nicer and can take fatter tyres, which might help with the mild off-road thing. I think the Planet-X can only take up to 32m with mudguards, whereas the Genesis will take 35mm. Is that much of a difference in real life?

Thanks in advance.

 

[vickster]

I'm building me one of these albeit SRAM rather than Shimano. She will be very pretty once done

http://www.evanscycles.com/products/genesis/equilibrium-20-2013-road-bike-ec043734

I'd go for the Genesis

 

[KneesUp]

That does look lovely, but I think it might be a bit too 'road' for me - the gap between the rear wheel and the main-tube that the saddle goes in (technical term) looks a bit narrow. I'd also like to have pannier mounts.

I didn't spec it very well initially did I? Sorry about that. I quite fancy discs for no other reason than I've never had a bike with discs, although it does rain a lot here so I could probably make a case based on safety or something.

 

[samsbike]

HI

I dont think either of those options is light. Steel is heavier than Al but in overall bike + rider terms it should not be significant.

 

[outlash]

I'm (sort of) looking for the same thing as you, and I had a quick go of a mate's Kaffenback on Sunday. It's noticeably heavier than my CAAD8 so it's a bit (but only a bit) more work pedal wise, nice ride though. I like the idea of the Genesis but it's out of my price range, especially if you discount Steel and look at an Alu frame, Ribble are doing their winter trainer frame with a tiagra groupset for £600 until the end of the month which is stupidly cheap.


Tony.

 

[Fab Foodie]

http://road.cc/content/news/108625-just-surly-straggler

Look at Kona too ....

 

[simon.r]

Is this another thread where we all recommend what we ride?

Take a look at http://www.chargebikes.com/

 

[KneesUp]

Thanks for the suggestions.

The Charge Plug 3 looks lovely - what is the maximum tyre width it will take?

The Kona Rove and Surly Straggler both look fabulous, but are both about £500 more than I would be happy to spend.

 

[KneesUp]

Hmm. I have been reading around the forum and have now looked at the Giant Revolt, which seems to meet the criteria, apart from it's not steel. Why does this have to be so complicated? :-)

 

[totallyfixed]

Hmm. I have been reading around the forum and have now looked at the Giant Revolt, which seems to meet the criteria, apart from it's not steel. Why does this have to be so complicated? :-)

Un-complicate it, lose the gears .

 

[KneesUp]

I live in Sheffield - no chance!

 

[Chris M]

http://www.sjscycles.co.uk/thorn-sherpa-mk2-610s-gloss-red-expedition-touring-bike-new-prod31238/

Worth a look depending on what size you're after.

 

[vickster]

Have you looked at Spa cycles offerings, including Dawes?