Forced to lower budget. Hows this for an entry level do it all?

[Hopey]

Long time lurker here, signed up just to ask this.

To cut a long story short, unexpected car troubles this week have meant that I've had to cut my budget for a new bike pretty low. For months I've been researching and comparing bikes whilst putting a little away to save, and with many of my local shops now having sales on, I just want to buy something and get riding. I'm sick and tired of comparing bikes that are within a few £100 of each other. I just want to ride.

With that in mind, I'm thinking of heading down to my LBS for a fit and test ride on this: http://www.edinburghbicycle.com/products/revolution-cross-2-16

The Revolution Cross 2 '16. It was originally at the lowest end of my budget but now with a lighter wallet than before, and with a sale on, I've decided this will probably be what I'll go for.

I want a rugged but comfortable bike for commuting, on and off road exploring (day trips through the countryside, etc), the odd weekend tour, sportives, charity rides, etc. Something I can change tyres on and then go relatively fast on down roads and hills (so that I can keep up with people on amateur group rides if I ever decide to join a club). I won't be doing anything competitive.

I haven't ridden properly in long time, and this will be my first "real" fitted bike, so I'll have nothing else to compare it to. What are your thoughts? If I like it should I just get it? Does it look like it'll last me a few years? I know it's a bit on the heavy side, so what's the upgrade potential like?

Thanks all.

 

[Nebulous]

Try it and see what you think then make your own mind up. Edinburgh Bike tend to be quite helpful with letting you try something and answering questions.

I have the previous version in grey and it doesn't really hit the spot for me. The new one seems to have upgraded discs though. Claris always feels slightly clunky. My previous commuter was an Edinburgh bike tourer and I liked it better. I feel CX bikes are trying to do too many things at once - which of course is likely to be what is drawing you to it!

 

[MarquisMatsugae]

People were always trying to get me to try their MTB's back in the late nineties.
But being a brand snob,I didn't but wished I did.
I hear a lot of good things about them and that one seems to a nice bike for the dough.
I say go for it,why not ?
I have a pair of their Revolution pedals on my bike and they are excellent for the money.
Not that that helps you of course

 

[bonsaibilly]

what size?

thought you could do better than claris and Spyre brakes for 450. It's one thing to say you're sick of window shopping for minor differences but really if there are £10s to be better spent elsewhere then aybe post a few options up here. I don't like the Edinburgh bike personally. I think it's dull but hey. bb

 

[shouldbeinbed]

I had a Revolution Cross bike that was so good some evil scumbag decided to relieve my eldest son of it.

Good and nippy, responsive handling, set the gears and just used them, the brakes were good and the cross top levers plenty good enough to use with confidence. The ride was forgiving and the geometry and gearing was for fast comfort rather than out and out speed, it climbed steep inclines and long draggy slopes perfectly happily. Mudguards were a doddle to fit and I liked the black and red understated style.

As a family we have had/got another couple of Revolution bikes and they've been just as impressive examples of their style.

I found mine very good VFM and the quality of the bits belied the comparatively low price.

 

[outlash]

TBH, that's not bad for the money. Like so many of these bikes that call themselves cross bikes, they're not a proper 'crosser but you're not racing on it so it's not an issue. My only concern is the weight, not far short of 13kg is heavy.

 

[biggs682]

@RealDealWheel that doesnt look to bad , go and try it

 

[Bonefish Blues]

Hold on and buy a much better bike on the S/H market. Does the EBC do part ex - if so have a word with them and get them to tip you off when they take something in as next year's models start coming in. That way you get something that's been properly checked.

 

[Banjo]

I think the Rev. cross 2 with disc brakes is a good buy at that price and ticks all the boxes you specified.
just make sure you get the correct size.

Go for it.Its a great all rounder.

 

[Fab Foodie]

That looks a good deal to me and suits your needs (just check guard and rack mounts). EBC bikes have a good reputation for value. Have a test ride, make sure the fit is good. Don't get hung-up on weight, in regular use it's neither here nor there.

 

[growingvegetables]

EBC bikes have a good reputation for value.

+1 - we have 2 in the family. Lovely bikes. Try it - see how you like it.

 

[kalniel]

I think that will suit your purposes great. I had a very similar requirement and ended up on a similar (inc. budget) 'adventure bike' (Fuji Tread 1.3) and have been exceedingly pleased with it - essentially can do non-rocky off-road if it's not too wet (mud would require tyre change) as well as long road trips and anything in between - it simply flies on the crushed stone trails we mostly have around here. Mine's 2x9 but I think the 3x8 would be even more flexible and a kilo of weight is nothing in the grand scheme of things. Steel fork will probably be very comfy and strong. Disc brakes have a lovely progressive action in my opinion and adventure bikes don't need the sudden locking ability of hydraulics that mountain bikes do.

edit: my only comment on the slight negative, coming from someone quite ignorant so please weight accordingly, is that it seems pretty low geared despite the triple - really suitable for hilly and offroad stuff. Top gear is 'only' 48 front, 12 rear. Whether this is ever a problem in the real world when you can just free-wheel downhill going 'wheeee!' is another matter. And since you stated you would consider upgrading then you can find out how it is *for you* in practise and create your perfect combination of gears down the line.

 

[Nebulous]

In case you're still looking - they've been reduced again. Now down to £399.

 

[MarquisMatsugae]

In case you're still looking - they've been reduced again. Now down to £399.

Bite their hand off !!!

 

[Mikerider]

Try it and see what you think then make your own mind up. Edinburgh Bike tend to be quite helpful with letting you try something and answering questions.

I have the previous version in grey and it doesn't really hit the spot for me. The new one seems to have upgraded discs though. Claris always feels slightly clunky. My previous commuter was an Edinburgh bike tourer and I liked it better. I feel CX bikes are trying to do too many things at once - which of course is likely to be what is drawing you to it!

I'm looking for my first road bike did you get this one and how is it been looking at the vilano forza 4.0ost say it's a good starter