What bike to replace my dead hybrid commuter?

[I like Skol]

Email Planetx about the Kaffenbach. If it's a long lead time or you don't get an answer, go for the Kona. I'd also throw a sideways curve into the mix and suggest a planetx titanium, maybe the Spitfire or the Pickenflick Ti frameset.

Already had a reply from Planet X, unknown date for if or when they will run production of the Kaffenback again. While I have no desire to run Ti I wouldn't rule it out but both those options have no mudguard or pannier mounts.
I am 99.9% certain the Kona is the bike I want but just need to broach the subject with Mrs Skol who may not agree with my reasoning and justification.....

 

[Salty seadog]

Already had a reply from Planet X, unknown date for if or when they will run production of the Kaffenback again. While I have no desire to run Ti I wouldn't rule it out but both those options have no mudguard or pannier mounts.
I am 99.9% certain the Kona is the bike I want but just need to broach the subject with Mrs Skol who may not agree with my reasoning and justification.....

Face it you're getting the Kona. I go through this process myself. The heart gets set on something, then you spend an age prevaracating all the while knowing the inevitable.

Just tell us what is like when you've got it.
I like Kona, they just look class

 

[potsy]

like Kona, they just look class

It will look class for all of a fortnight, then it will be covered in a permanent layer of shite!

Get yourself a bso to fit in with the other 99% of bikes in the work bike shed

 

[I like Skol]

Face it you're getting the Kona. I go through this process myself. The heart gets set on something, then you spend an age prevaracating all the while knowing the inevitable.

It has to be this way. Hasty decisions can be so very wrong decisions. At least by thinking about it for days, weeks or even months (probably 1st saw this bike around March!) I can be fairly sure if the desire persists then it will probably not go away.

 

[Crackle]

Face it you're getting the Kona. I go through this process myself. The heart gets set on something, then you spend an age prevaracating all the while knowing the inevitable.

Just tell us what is like when you've got it.
I like Kona, they just look class

look, we both knew from post 1 he was getting the Kona. Our job is to suggest things which don't measure up to ensure he gets the Kona.

 

[ColinJ]

look, we both knew from post 1 he was getting the Kona. Our job is to suggest things which don't measure up to ensure he gets the Kona.

Perhaps we need to find a Kona which costs twice as much as that one so he can then buy the 'budget' version ...

 

[I like Skol]

Perhaps we need to find a Kona which costs twice as much as that one so he can then buy the 'budget' version ...

Actually it is more than double the price, but it is is lovely, orange and has a brown leather saddle.
http://www.konaworld.com/roadhouse.cfm

I think i am being very prudent getting the Wheelhouse

 

[Elybazza61]

Just a biased spanner in the works;

https://www.thelightblue.co.uk/Sport/FMLBR50O/Robinson-Frameset

Here's mine in commute mode;

 

[Salty seadog]

It will look class for all of a fortnight, then it will be covered in a permanent layer of shite!

Get yourself a bso to fit in with the other 99% of bikes in the work bike shed

I'm well aware of @I like Skol and his cleaning philosophy.

 

[ianrauk]

You will not be disappointed with that Kona. Not only is it a lovely looking bike, Kona's are very well made bikes that are great to ride. I would have no hesitation getting another if it wasn't for my Ti fetish.

 

[si_c]

Actually it is more than double the price, but it is is lovely, orange and has a brown leather saddle.
http://www.konaworld.com/roadhouse.cfm

I think i am being very prudent getting the Wheelhouse

The roadhouse is on my wishlist. I'm due a new bike soon (not had a new one for over 18months!!!) and if it weren't for the fact that it's completely outside my budget I'd be in trouble right now.

 

[dan_bo]

Inbred 29er

 

[fossyant]

I have a nice fixie in the garage. One careful owner.

You broke another bike riding down steps.

 

[John_S]

Hi again,

Just as a couple of last throws of the dice for a frameset maybe either of the following. Neither is as cheap as the Planet X frame that you wanted but cheaper than some other options.

Sonder Camino
This is £300 however it's aluminium that you want to move away from so probably not really in the running.
https://www.alpkit.com/sonder/sonder-camino-alloy

Cotic Escapade (drop bar) or Roadrat (flat bar)
Their drop bar option is the Escapade and I know that the dropouts are important so I'll let you take a look to see if they pass the test.
http://www.cotic.co.uk/product/escapade#frame

Then there is the flat bar Roadrat:-
http://www.cotic.co.uk/product/roadrat


However if you're 99.9% certain that the Kona Wheelhouse then surely N+1 is very nearly in the door and so good luck with persuading your wife! I've got a Kona and I really like mine so if you do get it I hope that you enjoy yours.

John

 

[fossyant]

Nah, Skolly needs a nice red fixie. Low maintenance. I may know someone.