Winter/Commuting Bike

[uclown2002]

I need an all-weather commuting bike so naturally been looking at a CX. Clearance for mudguards and ability to fit fat studded tyres on when it gets bad. Initial Budget was £1K until I found these:-

http://www.canyon.com/_en/roadbikes/series/inflite-al.html

I like the look of the more expensive one and could stretch but is it worth £350 more than the cheapest? Need to factor in mudguards + delivery to UK on any of these bikes.

One concern is that their sizing (assisted by 11 yr old daughter ) has me at a small. I'm 5.9.5 with 32 inch inside leg. Rest of me seems to be in proportion so expected to be a medium like my other - boardman and specialized bikes.

Any other bikes in that price range give me similar value for money?

 

[YIMan]

I need an all-weather commuting bike so naturally been looking at a CX. Clearance for mudguards and ability to fit fat studded tyres on when it gets bad. Initial Budget was £1K until I found these:-

http://www.canyon.com/_en/roadbikes/series/inflite-al.html

I like the look of the more expensive one and could stretch but is it worth £350 more than the cheapest? Need to factor in mudguards + delivery to UK on any of these bikes.

One concern is that their sizing (assisted by 11 yr old daughter ) has me at a small. I'm 5.9.5 with 32 inch inside leg. Rest of me seems to be in proportion so expected to be a medium like my other - boardman and specialized bikes.

Any other bikes in that price range give me similar value for money?

The differences seem to be Ultegra rather than 105 and different wheels. Personally for an all-weather/commuting bike I'd save my £350......

 

[uclown2002]

I'm a little confused. Am I right in thinking that all 3 models come with MTB wheels?

If that is the case I won't be able to put some thinner road tyres on after winter?

I did want to use a new bike for commuting (on-road) all year in all weathers, but not much fun with fat tyres in summer!

All a bit confusing.

Appreciate any help.

 

[jowwy]

No the canyon cx bikes come with 700cc wheels, so road tyres can be fitted.

 

[Dusty Bin]

I'm a little confused. Am I right in thinking that all 3 models come with MTB wheels?

If that is the case I won't be able to put some thinner road tyres on after winter?

I did want to use a new bike for commuting (on-road) all year in all weathers, but not much fun with fat tyres in summer!

All a bit confusing.

Appreciate any help.

They are MTB wheels, but they are 29er MTB wheels - which is what the MTB fraternity confusingly calls 700c. Not sure what the rim width is, but this may influence the number of road tyres you can usefully fit...

 

[uclown2002]

Thoughts on this one please?
http://www.evanscycles.com/products/cannondale/caadx-disc-5-105-2014-cyclocross-bike-ec053952

£100 cheaper (with delivery costs) than canyon; looks a similar (105) spec.
Takes away some concerns about sizing and buying overseas also.
Looks like I can get some proper mudguards on it and some 25mm tyres after winter.

 

[uclown2002]

http://www.evanscycles.com/products/cannondale/caadx-disc-5-105-2014-cyclocross-bike-ec053952

About to pull the trigger on the CAADX, so my thoughts are turning to mudguards.

SKS seem to be a popular choice on this forum. Am I right in thinking the Chromoplastics are considered the best?

 

[theloafer]

have these on my Boardman cx team http://road.cc/content/review/2716-tortec-reflector-mudguards

 

[uclown2002]

Mudguards from Evans would be perfect as they'll fit them before I pick the bike up.

 

[uclown2002]

Are these a good choice?

http://www.evanscycles.com/products/sks/mudguards-wide-road-ec004915

I notice some guards clip on where these are 'full with stays'
Bike will be as above, CAADX 105 2014.

 

[sazzaa]

If you're buying the bike and guards from Evans then just ask them?

(Cube and Genesis have lovely cx bikes for around that price btw. And the Orange one is meant to be decent too.)

 

[uclown2002]

If you're buying the bike and guards from Evans then just ask them?

I have but not good advice so far. They initially told me full mudguards wouldn't fit, then when I point out it's meant to, they adviced the SKS Raceblades XL would work. This only fits a 25-32mm tyre. CAADX has 35mm standard which I'll be keeping until snow time then will fit a 35mm studded tyre.

So not much progress on that front. I'd probably get better advice in the shop but it's not particularly close but will make a trip next week.

 

[vickster]

Go to another shop? Not saying they are great, but Cyclesurgery tried to fit 3 different sets of mudguards before settling on the Cruds (which are rubbish IMO) - decent service considering they were free even if what I ended up isn't geat!

 

[uclown2002]

Go to another shop? Not saying they are great, but Cyclesurgery tried to fit 3 different sets of mudguards before settling on the Cruds (which are rubbish IMO) - decent service considering they were free even if what I ended up isn't geat!

Well I'm buying the bike from Evans and wanted to buy mudguards and have them fitted for free before I pick up bike. I can't be arsed to do it myself after attempting to fit Cruds on other bike!

 

[vickster]

Well have them try Otherwise, call Cannondale UK and ask which guards fit if they know?

I fully agree, who wants to fit mudguards!