Lowoctane
Member
Hi there!
I've been in love with everyday commuter-type cycling on my Whyte Whitechapel for about 6 years now, and/but I'm thinking it might be nice to upgrade to something a little higher spec that I can hopefully be loving even more for the next ~10 years. The Whitechapel's general deal seems to be ideal for my use-cases, so I'm looking at the higher end models in their R7 range - specifically the Stirling or the (now discontinued - but I'm looking second-hand) Cambridge. In both cases the carbon fork is a major appeal, mostly for road-buzz reduction but also for weight.
I'm struggling to choose between them though. My understanding here goes to the depth that the Stirling has always been slightly more expensive, and so its componentry is, uh, better? As in, better braking power and slicker gear changes? And that it maybe has slightly thicker tyres, but that this isn't necessarily better (I'm not planning any off-road antics, so maybe the more nimble Cambridge tyres are better?).
I also understand that Stirlings had a 10x2 speed setup until about 2019. I've got a definite preference for single ring though, so would only be looking at post-2019 models, or just the Cambridge.
There don't seem to be any bike shops near me stocking either, so I can't get information that way.
Would anyone be able to help me understand the distinctions bit better?
Any input very much appreciated!
I've been in love with everyday commuter-type cycling on my Whyte Whitechapel for about 6 years now, and/but I'm thinking it might be nice to upgrade to something a little higher spec that I can hopefully be loving even more for the next ~10 years. The Whitechapel's general deal seems to be ideal for my use-cases, so I'm looking at the higher end models in their R7 range - specifically the Stirling or the (now discontinued - but I'm looking second-hand) Cambridge. In both cases the carbon fork is a major appeal, mostly for road-buzz reduction but also for weight.
I'm struggling to choose between them though. My understanding here goes to the depth that the Stirling has always been slightly more expensive, and so its componentry is, uh, better? As in, better braking power and slicker gear changes? And that it maybe has slightly thicker tyres, but that this isn't necessarily better (I'm not planning any off-road antics, so maybe the more nimble Cambridge tyres are better?).
I also understand that Stirlings had a 10x2 speed setup until about 2019. I've got a definite preference for single ring though, so would only be looking at post-2019 models, or just the Cambridge.
There don't seem to be any bike shops near me stocking either, so I can't get information that way.
Would anyone be able to help me understand the distinctions bit better?
Any input very much appreciated!