New Bike required

[Uriel]

Well yeah, I'd stick a brake or two on it.

[dubbs]

Uriel said:

If you had a 15 minute commute on traffic free, paved roads would you rather a Caterham or a lifted, expedition spec Defender with a snorkel and 35" mud tyres? That's the way I see it.

Depending on the route I take, my commute is a 30-40 mile round trip and I do it on a Look 464. If for some reason the only one of my bikes that was available to use was my 29er, I'd probably drive.

If however I was on London roads I'd make sure I wasn't on something that's a bonshaker or on wheels designed for speed not longevity.

Smooth road in a car, ain't smooth road on a bike - of course we all know this, right?

For the same reasons I use a specialized allez converted to flat bar for commuting (strong ally frame not worth much) and Aksium wheels which are strong enough to cope with the odd pothole, rut or other unintentional traffic calming the council decide to ignore.

I'd never let my racing bike face the torture of a commute - at least the London Triathlon is closed road so you have plenty of room for the smooth bits without arguing with a lorry for the space

[a11y_m]

Cyclocross-type bike or a flat-bar 700c-wheeled bike would be a big more durable option than a full-blown road bike, as others above say. Another advantage is the option to fit full-length mudguards - I wouldn't be without them on a commuting bike personally.

I previously commuted on a Genesis Vapour CX bike, but recently changed to a Cotic Roadrat as discs were a bit of a necessity due to the conditions/route I take (can be v muddy!) and preferring flat-bars instead of drops.

I managed to get my Roadrat via work: had the choice of "cycleplus" (independent shops) or "cycle2work" (Halfords) schemes.

http://www.cotic.co.uk/product/bikes/roadrat/geare...

[DrTre]

Am weighing up the Specialized Sirrus Comp and Giant Rapid 2/3 and the Whyte equiv (whihc is what it looks like Mars has got?) ...but might look now at the cx bike now..

[Bonefish Blues]

Furberger said:

Tool for the job:

http://www.on-one.co.uk/i/q/CBOOPOMPETVERSA/on-one...

Interesting bike, was unaware of it - seems 2-3lb heavier than it perhaps should be at 25lb though - hub gear weighing a ton?

[buccal]

a11y_m said:

Cyclocross-type bike or a flat-bar 700c-wheeled bike would be a big more durable option than a full-blown road bike, as others above say. Another advantage is the option to fit full-length mudguards - I wouldn't be without them on a commuting bike personally.

I previously commuted on a Genesis Vapour CX bike, but recently changed to a Cotic Roadrat as discs were a bit of a necessity due to the conditions/route I take (can be v muddy!) and preferring flat-bars instead of drops.

I managed to get my Roadrat via work: had the choice of "cycleplus" (independent shops) or "cycle2work" (Halfords) schemes.

http://www.cotic.co.uk/product/bikes/roadrat/geare...

How have you found the Roadrat? i'm just about to pull the trigger on one.

Edited by buccal on Sunday 23 January 17:15

[a11y_m]

buccal said:

How have you found the Roadrat? i'm just about to pull the trigger on one.

The Roadrat's been ideal so far. My only niggle is realigning the rear wheel in the horizontal drop-outs after removing/refitting the rear wheel. It's not the lightest bike in the world: with XT hydraulics, full-length SKS guards, 2x9-speed (I removed the inner chainring) and MTB SPDs mine's around 26lbs, but TBH it's light enough for me and my commute. Handling offroad is pretty good considering the skinny tyres!

I ordered the standard "geared V-brake" model with an upgraded Hope headset, then added my own discs but that's just because I'm not a fan of Magura discs. I'm 186cm and riding a medium/long frame with a long seatpost, although I could've got away with a large/long instead according to Paul @ Cotic.

Pic as it is now, minus mudguards (photo taken when I was between old and new ones):


More pics here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/a11y_m/sets/721576248...

[buccal]

Thanks for the info/photos, much appreciated.

I'm going to spec single speed and discs but can't make up my mind whether to buy it complete or just frame only and give to my LBS.

Whats up with the standard discs?

How have you found the handling?

[a11y_m]

buccal said:

Thanks for the info/photos, much appreciated.

I'm going to spec single speed and discs but can't make up my mind whether to buy it complete or just frame only and give to my LBS.

Whats up with the standard discs?

How have you found the handling?

I'm just fussy - probably nothing wrong with Magura discs but I already have a mixture of Shimano XT and Formula RX discs on my other 3 bikes (and the wife's 3 bikes!) and wanted to avoid carrying a 3rd type of spare pad! So a purely practical reason for me, Magura have a decent reputation so would probably be fine.

Handling? Erm, nothing particularly good or bad stands out to be honest. Not sure how the angles compare but it feels less twitchy front-end compared to my previous Genesis Vapour CX bike. Seems stable at speed too. As in the pic, my front end is quite low (flipped stem) so my weight's quite far forward, but it still handles perfectly well including off-road. No toe-overlap with the front wheel either which is ideal for me.

[Boycie999]

After going through just about every option from turning into a roadie (I just couldnt make the change!) to getting a hybrid (I would have ended up wanting to go up the bloody woods on it!) I have gone back to option 1 and the first shop I visited so I think unless something changes my mind im going to go with the Rockhopper comp.
It rides well and doesnt look half bad so now i've just got to work out how to use the staff benefits system at work and then wait for my voucher.
I know its not the most exciting or different choice but I think ill be able to easily use it to get to work and still be able to get back into the woods and throw it around some trails!
Thanks for all the suggestions and help tho.....

[Boycie999]

Now ive decided on the bike I think I need to ditch the standard pedals.
I'm not sure what to get. Some nice big flat pedals or some spd's. Ive never used spd's before so I have got no experience of them so your advice would be appreciated. And any suggestions on pedals / shoes.
Cheers.