A "do it all" disc braked road bike
Discussion
I've been looking to get something to take away on hols with me, can only take one bike as the family take theirs too. This is to ride canal paths, cycle routes, woodland tracks but then I want it to be as good as possible to do 60 to 80 miles comfortably, with plenty of lumps along the way therefore it need to climb reasonably well too.
The Genesis Croix de fer looked to tick a lot of those boxes but it's nearly 11kg with a light wheelset. Its not lightweight climber. Everything else seems ok except for that, but then I'm wondering whether the latest Cyclocross bikes which have rack and guard mounts with 60mm drop BBs would be suitable for the same purpose. The likes of the CAADx or Kinesis Crosslight might be a better bet? As much as I'd love steel, the weight counts against it. Not sure what other good alternatives there are.
The Genesis Croix de fer looked to tick a lot of those boxes but it's nearly 11kg with a light wheelset. Its not lightweight climber. Everything else seems ok except for that, but then I'm wondering whether the latest Cyclocross bikes which have rack and guard mounts with 60mm drop BBs would be suitable for the same purpose. The likes of the CAADx or Kinesis Crosslight might be a better bet? As much as I'd love steel, the weight counts against it. Not sure what other good alternatives there are.
Tried a CaadX today, and was really impressed with the ride. Geometry seemed to be good on a 54, reach just about right and a fairly small seat to bar drop making it ideal for off road stuff (due to higher head tube than other road bikes). Tiagra worked very well, but the brakes were pretty garbage. Couldnt get the rear to lock up as much as I tried, whereas on the TRP HYrds, I could do it on top of the hoods. Would have to swap out chainring for a compact, and probably get some lighter wheels.
jamiebae said:
Brakes is probably just setup, they should be able to lock up with ease. With the chainset remember it's BB30 so you can't just throw a Shimano one on so you're in for £150+ unless you can swap the rings out (which I guess you can easily enough).
Very good point, I'd thought of throwing a Tiagra crank on it. I'd have to buy FSA I guess.Never heard of these - Oreo Terra
https://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=t&source=web&a...
But it looks good on spec. Geometry looks a bit steep for off road though? There's a couple of retailers local to me so might have to have a look. Decent group and finishing kit and the frames look pretty striking.
https://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=t&source=web&a...
But it looks good on spec. Geometry looks a bit steep for off road though? There's a couple of retailers local to me so might have to have a look. Decent group and finishing kit and the frames look pretty striking.
Yes the Genesis CDF shouts to me. The Orro looks nice but not sure if it's a bit too racey and is opposite end of the spectrum. Should accept 35c tyres also.
Off to Annecy this summer, will be in the Lakes for about a week and also may get to Scotland. Spare weekends usually around the Yorkshire Dales. All of those are a bit or a lot lumpy. I really want to buy the steel option but I really don't want to be complaining about it being terrible up the hills. I'm trying to do enough so that the engine is in good order!
Off to Annecy this summer, will be in the Lakes for about a week and also may get to Scotland. Spare weekends usually around the Yorkshire Dales. All of those are a bit or a lot lumpy. I really want to buy the steel option but I really don't want to be complaining about it being terrible up the hills. I'm trying to do enough so that the engine is in good order!
wobert said:
Not sure of the size you need, but what about something like this?
https://www.ukbikesdepot.com/m89b185s1041p24656/Ex...
Datum looks awesome, but its Carbon, and I'm looking to pull a child trailer with it. Additionally, i've always been a bit unsure about carbon off-road. https://www.ukbikesdepot.com/m89b185s1041p24656/Ex...
1
Going to see the Orro Terra over the next couple of days. I've been offered a Croix de fer 30 2017 model at £1200 but its out of stock until the start of April. Can still get 2016 for £999.
dai1983 said:
Is there genuinely any tyres out there that would roll and last on the road but also give enough grip and absorbtion around the woods?
Interested in this too, I think i'd get 2 pairs - 28c slicks for the road and only the road and then something 32c-35c with a fairly small pattern in centre with some bigger edges to it. I'm also undecided on what to do about pedals! I dont wear SPD anymore, only SPD-SL so that would be interesting off-road! Might have to try SPD again with a super stiff sole.
wobert said:
Sorry, didn't see the trailer requirement in your OP.
I have a work colleague with a CdeF, he speaks highly of it, despite having a bike for everyday of the week!
No problem, I didnt list it! In all honesty, this year might be the last year. Shes flying around on a balance bike right now and hopefully in 18 months, she'll be fully pedalled up. I think would probably take it (how many stress Carbon bikes on Turbos?) but it might be risking it. I have a work colleague with a CdeF, he speaks highly of it, despite having a bike for everyday of the week!
Edited by Chicken Chaser on Thursday 12th April 19:41
I think theres 2 schools of thought in here now.
Youve got guys who are looking at something which will take 35c tyres (or greater) with guards, be able to go over a variety of surfaces (comfortably and confidently) and then there are those who want a more relaxed geometry with high head tube race bike with clearance for 28c or 30c slicks.
Something like the Pickenflick, Croix De Fer or Canyon Inflite etc satisfies the big tyre options with a slack, easy going frame which would ride over anything whilst something like the Canyon Aeroad, Equilibrium Disc, Datum, Synapse probably is more akin to an endurance road machine. They would be absolutely fine for towpaths, probably forestry roads too but over Bridleways their geometry might not be so suited.
I've gone round and round and round again on what to get now (too much choice) and i'm just going to have to pick one and accept its shortcomings. I've still got the Supersix for blasting around on and that will be fine for another year or 2 when i'll probably upgrade to something like a Synapse Disc.
Youve got guys who are looking at something which will take 35c tyres (or greater) with guards, be able to go over a variety of surfaces (comfortably and confidently) and then there are those who want a more relaxed geometry with high head tube race bike with clearance for 28c or 30c slicks.
Something like the Pickenflick, Croix De Fer or Canyon Inflite etc satisfies the big tyre options with a slack, easy going frame which would ride over anything whilst something like the Canyon Aeroad, Equilibrium Disc, Datum, Synapse probably is more akin to an endurance road machine. They would be absolutely fine for towpaths, probably forestry roads too but over Bridleways their geometry might not be so suited.
I've gone round and round and round again on what to get now (too much choice) and i'm just going to have to pick one and accept its shortcomings. I've still got the Supersix for blasting around on and that will be fine for another year or 2 when i'll probably upgrade to something like a Synapse Disc.
Eddh said:
I have just bought a PX London Road, it seems great, came with 35mm tyres on it which are really comfortable and seem to roll well. I will be getting some knobblies to go on it too for taking it on footpaths and blue graded trail centres.
I do like the look of the PX London Road, and theres some great deals on them. Something about steel though....
Just to add to this, I tried a Pinnacle Arkose 4 the other day, aluminium frame with Ultegra spec hydraulic brakes and the drivetrain all 105. Wheels could probably benefit from an upgrade but I was quite impressed. Obviously lighter than the CDF and got up to speed quicker too. Takes 40mm tyres and has a carbon fork. Evans RRP is £1450 which is a lot for its own brand, but the RS685 shifters are over £400 by themselves.
The only thing that puts me off the Arkose is that its an Evans own brand, and if I decide in a years time that the frame isnt much good, I'll get nothing back for it. At least the CDF frames have some value in them if I dont like it. Its probably cost effective to build myself as if I dont like the frame, I can strip it and keep everything else to bolt onto another (within reason).
The Pilgrim is a lovely bike, but looking at the comments on clearances, its not as generous as some of these other bikes. To be able to take 30-32mm with guards would be ideal.
The Pilgrim is a lovely bike, but looking at the comments on clearances, its not as generous as some of these other bikes. To be able to take 30-32mm with guards would be ideal.
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