Winter/Gravel/Commuter/Tourer advice

Winter/Gravel/Commuter/Tourer advice

Author
Discussion

Maxeh

Original Poster:

359 posts

219 months

Monday 20th November 2017
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As the title says, a few criteria need to be filled!

Currently my Giant Propel is taking a beating so I need something that can do the following:

Able to handle the dreadful local roads, canal paths and cobbles. (French/BE border).
Panniers if possible for commuting (I know some of these don't).
Decent tyre clearance
Maybe look into doing some longer days in the summer
Take it into the Ardennes for a bit of gravel/trails.

Just flicking through Evans I've found these for similar budgets.

Question is finding something that can do most of the above for the money or wether I need to invest more now in a better frame (higher end Genesis/Fairlight etc) and slowly upgrade.

Genesis Croix De Fer 20
Kona Rove ST
Specialized Crux E5
Pinnacle Arkose 4
Cannondale CAADX SE
Cube Cross Race Pro

Johno

8,401 posts

281 months

Monday 20th November 2017
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Fairlight strael.

Mines awesome. Built up with bits from the good bike, then upgraded that.

Super comfortable, Guards and rack mounts, discs, great finish and sweet handling.

Maxeh

Original Poster:

359 posts

219 months

Monday 20th November 2017
quotequote all
I did look at Fairlight (dribbled). Would the Faran may be more suited?

Johno

8,401 posts

281 months

Monday 20th November 2017
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Maxeh said:
I did look at Fairlight (dribbled). Would the Faran may be more suited?
Depends if you want it more commuter or off road focused. I wanted a winter/commuter and went that way. I absolutely love mine. I’m sure there are many brilliant bikes out there, but I have to say I’d struggle to be happier for what it delivers for me.

It’s how confidence inspiring the front end is that impresses me the most. I run it on Hunt 4s disc wheels with 28s tubeless set up and it is so sure footed in the wet and comfortable. It isn’t any slouch though and is great to ride faster on.

I think the Strael will take up to a 30/32tyre and would you want much more?

Maxeh

Original Poster:

359 posts

219 months

Monday 20th November 2017
quotequote all
Quite possibly, the local roads around here aren't great and the thought of chucking in a bit of light CX'in appeals.

Lovely bikes from what I can see.

Barchettaman

6,283 posts

131 months

Tuesday 21st November 2017
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Any bike doing that kind of work is going to take a massive hammering.

I'd be looking at a steel frame, 2x9 drivetrain with a square taper crankset, handmade 32/36 spoke wheelset, plenty of eyelets, a dynamo hub and lights for commuting, CX interrupter brakes.

Go disc if you want but Mini-V brakes with KoolStop pads are fine.

I'm just building one up right now with a flat bar for a mate, it's a Kaffenback frame, seems pretty good!

Jacobyte

4,718 posts

241 months

Tuesday 21st November 2017
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Maxeh said:
Cube Cross Race Pro
I bought this in October 2016 and have put over 1,500 miles on it from sub-zero winter commuting to gravel/cx racing and a bit of nasty pitted wet c-road training when the going is too rough for the road bike.

I can't fault it really, it's done exactly what I wanted, particularly the hydraulic discs - they're excellent. Mud guards fit solidly and it's easy to attach lights, etc.
On the MTB trails it's surprisingly capable, to the point where I'm considering fitting a dropper post. But then I have a MTB, so no need really.

Most modern equivalents will be suitable for you - test the different frames to find a geometry that best matches your shape.

bigdom

2,072 posts

144 months

Tuesday 21st November 2017
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Maxeh said:
Genesis Croix De Fer 20
I have one of these, I bought it in 2014 not really knowing what I wanted, just off the road bike for mainly commuting.

It's a bit like triggers broom now. It's run on a combination of 105/Ultegra/dura-ace, carbon fibre fork, custom built 36h wheels, so it handles me on and off trail with luggage. Rack, panniers and full guards, 35c fit fine underneath, it could probably go 38c with them still on. Comfy, and reassuring in more adverse weather.

Rob_T

1,916 posts

250 months

Tuesday 21st November 2017
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my advice is a kinesis tripster atr. titanium frame, i have now had mine for about 3 years and have used it every day for commuting. on road i use 25mm schwalbe marathon plus tyres in the summer, and the same but 32mm in the winter. then i have a spare set of mavic crosses slr's on 45mm scwlabe smart sams that i used as my offroad tyre when i want to do some more cyclocross type stuff on rocky / muddy terrain at weekends. there is plenty of clearance for mudguards and eyelets for panniers. being a ti frame it is light and compliant. running hydraulic disk brakes it works a treat for me in all conditions on any discipline. 46/36 upfront and 11/32 on rear. perfection in motion.

PomBstard

6,729 posts

241 months

Tuesday 21st November 2017
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I’ve got a Norco Search which handles tarmac and singletrack easily - rides 35c Clement USH which are awesome.

A friend has an Open UP which is a great piece of kit and gives massive wheel/tyres flexibility - worth a look if you’ve got the budget