What hub geared, disc braked, fast commuter from CycleScheme

[louiebaby]

I don't normally do a "What Bike" thread, but this one has got me a bit stumped for options.

I have almost comprehensively knackered my MTB by using it for commuting during the winter, but as luck would have it, I'm shortly going to be eligible for some form of cycle scheme, and have sign off from the wife for something to commute on.

My pre-requisites are:

1. Hub Gears. (Lower maintenance, ideally Alfine over Nexus, or a competitor, not bothered about belt drive.)
2. Disc Brakes. (Will be using in all weathers, ideally Hydraulic over cable.)
3. A little bit sporty-ish. (It's my training, so not a full on hybrid, not concerned by weight though.)
4. Mainstream manufacturer. (Not sure which scheme yet, so probably not custom built etc.)

So far I've found the following offerings from Genesis and Cube, is there something else I need to consider?

http://www.genesisbikes.co.uk/bikes/urban/urban-an...

https://www.cube.eu/uk/2018/bikes/trekking/tour/tr...

As you can see, I don't mind considering flat bars, but if that was a deciding factor, I'd go road style.

They're both about at the top end of the cycle scheme prices, and whilst I don't mind putting a bit of cash towards it if I can and need to, it doesn't want to be more than about £1,300 total price.

What else should I be putting on the short list?

[louiebaby]

Well, in case anyone cares, I'm now getting a bit closer to a decision...

The Pinnacle Arkose Alfine is a Cyclo-Cross bike with Alfine (the clue's in the name) 8, and hydraulic discs. This, in my book puts it ahead of the Genesis. I'd need guards and puncture-proof road tyres, and perhaps a sprocket change, depending on the gear range, but it moves up into first place:

https://www.evanscycles.com/pinnacle-arkose-alfine...

Focus and Marin have a couple of offerings, but with flat bars:

https://www.focus-bikes.com/gb_en/43153-planet.htm...

https://www.marinbikes.com/gb/bikes/fairfax-sc6-dl...

[louiebaby]

idiotgap said:

Looks good, shame about the bar-end shifter, are there any brifter options with Alfine (non-di2)?

I don't think there are, I think that's the only option for curly barred bikes...

[louiebaby]

SixPotBelly said:

Can you get Canyon on CTW though?

If you can, I'm all ears.

Not sure there is a Canyon option currently available, but I'd sack off all the criteria and put the CTW voucher towards an Endurace, and sleep in the garage until she forgives me.

[louiebaby]

The Charge goes on the list, great spot, thank you!

The BMC ones are a possibility, but need to be heavily discounted to be within spec really.

I quite like the Bad Boy, but I think they are likely to be well loved in the theft world too. (Correct if I'm wrong.) As a £1,500 RRP though, I might struggle to get it past the missus / CTW Scheme. Worth keeping an eye on though.

[louiebaby]

Jimboka said:

I have a Marin Fairfax sc4
Hub gears / hydraulic discs / belt drive, which is spookily quiet

Hi,

Thanks for replying to the topic, always good to have first hand knowledge. I have a couple of questions if you don't mind...

The frame has a "break" in it to allow the belt to be changed. I'm a big chap, so a little concerned about this, have you noticed any flex / weakness etc from this?

What sort of mileages are you doing? How does the belt stand up to this? Does it ever slip? I'm going to be doing 100 miles a week in all weathers, including climbing where I will need to be out the seat, so want to be sure of the drivetrain.

Many thanks in advance.

[louiebaby]

Jimboka said:

Stuff including...

You can download an app to audibly ‘tune’ the belt if adjustment required !

Many thanks for your reply. The app sounds interesting (pun intended), more good knowledge to have.

[louiebaby]

Update time...

It's taken a while, due to a change in job and waiting until I'd passed the probationary period, but I've finally got sorted ans pulled the trigger.

In the end, the Pinnacle Arkose won out, so I have hydraulic discs, 8 speed Alfine, chain drive and carbon forks, with curly handlebars.



https://www.evanscycles.com/pinnacle-arkose-alfine...

Since Evans are doing a trade in offer I will be on the lookout for some POS bike to trade in for £100 off, and I can equip it with a rack and guards within the £1000 limit I've set for myself. (The new place has a £5k limit, but spousal sign-off was not forthcoming.)

This now bike will replace a very nearly knackered Giant 29er on winter commuting duties, so I might be looking for some very puncture-proof tyres and a waterproof rack bag, ready for the winter coming.

Next year (if you can to CycleScheme each year) something carbon and slippery might be on the radar, but I need to build up brownie points with the wife.