All round bike suggestion (mainly commuting)

[totem]

Hello All,

Looking to get a good all round bike to use for commuting mainly (20 mile round trip per day in London) and have narrowed it down to a few. As I only plan to have one bike, am I correct in thinking that a CX bike or something similar would serve me best (flexibilty - tyre size, mudguard/rack options, different terrains).

I like the look of the following:

Genesis Equilibrium Disc 10 2016 (£800)
Eastway Balun C2 2016 (£640)
Giant Defy Disc 1 (£800)

As I have to budget in for everything else (shoes, pedals, mudguards, etc) I'm leaning towards the Balun C2, but there is just something about that Genesis that keeps drawing me back.

I appreciate that my list is somewhat diverse, but I'm still new to this. Feedback greatly appreciated, especially from owners of said bikes or similar, and about the main aspects of the bikes, such as wheels, brakes and anyhting elses hat might be important.

Thanks for reading.

 

[mjr]

What are you riding on? My all round bike is a dutch three speed (think a London hire bike but about 70% the weight with faster gearing and proper handlebars, saddle and rack) and before that it was an old English one and before that an urban hybrid. I don't understand a CX and (usually) exposed drivetrains, disc brakes, lightweight and limited luggage capacity unless you're expecting to ride a lot of rough stuff or your route involves portages where you're carrying the bike. Some CX may have rack mounts but they don't often come with racks so you (or the shop) is probably going to have the fun of bending an off-the-shelf one to fit.

Of those you mention, surely Defy is more of a road bike and the Balun is described as an all-out race bike, which I wouldn't expect to be a comfortable London commuter, so that means the Genesis is the better choice of those IMO, but it really depends a bit about your route and riding style. Maybe you'd hate being upright and varying your cadence to cope with 33% gear steps, so wouldn't understand my viewpoint either

 

[Markymark]

I only ride on roads of in paved areas of parks in London. Never gravel and the canals are a nightmare. What type of surface are you riding on?

So for that reason I have a hybrid that's pretty much a road bike without the drops. It's fast and light. Sirrus Sport. I love it.

 

[steveindenmark]

The Genesis is a class bike. I think it comes with 25c tyres. If could fit 28c tyres, it would be my choice.

 

[totem]

@mjr I currently don't have a bike, this will be my first for a very very long time. The route is failry flat, a couple of elevated bridge crossings to account for. As for riding style, I'm too sure - how would I judge that?

@Markymark The surfaces are pretty much your typical flat London roads, with the usual uneven, potted areas.

@steveindenmark I've heard good things about Genesis. According to this spec, it's supplied with 28c tyres, waiting to found out about clearance for use with and without muudguards.

 

[Kajjal]

I would think about what size tyres you want and make sure there is space for mudguards. If the roads are rough a minimum of 28mm tyres to take the edge off them. CX or Gravel bikes tend to have bigger tyre clearance and also disc brakes which work well for commuting.

 

[Markymark]

Then if it's roads you want either a road bike or hybrid that's light if you prefer straight bars. Anything else may well be fine on tracks or forests or canal paths but it'll slow you down on the road.

 

[MichaelW2]

I would specify clearance for 32mm tyres + 'guards.
Disc brakes are much better in mucky wet conditions, but the rear should be mounted on the chainstay for compatibility with std rack and 'guards.
Giant need special 'guards, so avoid.
Studded tyres are a useful option to keep cycling in winter ice and snow but in London, that is quite a short period.
I like the modern CX/all-rounder but my own daily commuter is a 26" wheel Alfine-equipped bike. CX doesn't slow you down on the road compared to road bikes. The is mostly up to your choice of tyres, which is up to you. On wet days, you can ride faster because your brakes bite sooner.

 

[Spiderweb]

Unless you take a trip up north then you won't be able to try before you buy but still this is worth looking at.
http://www.planetx.co.uk/i/q/CBPXLDNRIV/planet-x-london-road-sram-rival-11-bike
And this (no disc brakes I know) a decent Reynolds steel frame and mounts for mudguards and panniers if required.
http://www.ribblecycles.co.uk/ribble-reynolds-525-steel/

 

[Biff600]

I'm leaning towards the Balun C2, but there is just something about that Genesis that keeps drawing me back.

Get the Genesis, otherwise you'll buy a bike full of regrets (regardless if they are better or worse)

 

[ianrauk]

For all year, all weather cycle commuting in London. A bike with discs is the way to go.
No rim wear and you don't have to change pads every couple of months. Studded tyres for a London commute? Nah.. never needed them in all the years I have commuted in London.

So in that case... I would go for the Genesis. (at £800, that's a bargain as the Disc 10 2016 was originally a price of £1100).. have you a link to the one at £800?

 

[mjr]

As for riding style, I'm too sure - how would I judge that?

Describe it: for example, do you sit up or lean right forwards or somewhere between like @ianrauk's current avatar, and whereabouts are you on a scale between trying to go as fast as humanly possible and wafting along peacefully?

 

[totem]

@Kajjal I plan to run 28c tyres with mudguards, so this will affect bike choices/specs.

@ianrauk heres the link http://www.edinburghbicycle.com/products/genesis-equilibrium-disc-10-16, Evans will probably price match as well.

@mjr I'd say I'm right in the middle of those two metrics you mentioned - sitting is somewhere in the middle and speed/pedal power is also somewhere in the middle.

 

[totem]

For the Genesis Equillibrium Disc 10 what would approximately be the right size to aim for. I'm 6ft 1 inch (187cm) tall with inside leg of 35 inch, so I believe large would be the correct size?

 

[AndyRM]

Hard to see past the Genesis at that price. That would be my choice (though the Giant does have a slightly higher spec).