Guess what? A "what bike" thread

[benb]

I'm definitely getting a new bike this year, but I can't decide what I want.

I currently ride a Specialized Crosstrail, which is a great hybrid but, being a hybrid, it's heavy and not that fast.
I want a bike that can do decent distances comfortably and at a decent speed.

To start with, I was looking at Cyclocross type bikes, and I'm completely besotted with the Genesis Croix de Fer.
It's tough enough to handle light trail stuff, so I could continue my commute route up the bridal path.

But now I'm wondering if I should go for an out and out road bike instead, and just ride the roads to work, or if I'm in a bridal path kind of mood take the hybrid. Of course, I could always put thinner tyres on the Genesis and it would work well as a road bike, but it's obviously a bit heavier than a proper road bike.

What I don't want is to get the Genesis, and then regret not getting a pure road bike. As it is, I wish I had got the Genesis instead of the hybrid.

Someone please help me decide what to do.

 

[2Loose]

The CdF shouldn't be much heavier than an equivalent priced road bike tbh. 10kg is bandied about, so with road tyres I would imagine that it would be a pretty capable road tool, especially with the disks which would make it ideal for commuting imho.

I can understand the fixation on it because it is a very nice, practical looking bike.

 

[P.H]

You know the answer is both don't you?

The question isn't which one, but which one first. I went through the same thing a few years ago, the Cannondale hybrid I'd had for four years had been great but also limiting. I'd get a road bike first, the mix of that and the hybrid covers a greater range of riding than that of the Cross and Hybrid. Then work towards exchanging the Hybrid for the Cross.... then....

 

[accountantpete]

The sensible way is to hold on to your money and get a cheap second hand road bike- then if you think that is the way to go you vcan make a more informed purchase based on the knowledge that you have accrued.

 

[cyberknight]

The sensible way is to hold on to your money and get a cheap second hand road bike- then if you think that is the way to go you vcan make a more informed purchase based on the knowledge that you have accrued.

+1

I bought a new road bike early last year and i liked it so much i sold my hybrid and got a second hand road bike as a winter commuter.You can get some bargains if you know hat you are looking for.

 

[benb]

All good points.

The sensible option would be a second hand road bike.
But my heart says get the Genesis.

I could always fit slicks to it if wanting to only do a road ride.

Decisions, decisions.

I do also have a solid MTB hardtail that hardly ever gets a look in these days. I rode it a couple of times over the winter, but it doesn't get much use so I think I'll sell that.

 

[Jezston]

Bear in mind also that CX tyres can be a little on the heavy side, so you may find yourself knocking a few hundred grams off that overall weight by sticking slicks on it.

Also, the chromoly frame will be more comfortable for longer rides should you start wanting to tour or whatnot, and I *think* it has clearances and brazons for mudguards and a rack, which yer purist roadbike won't.

 

[BSRU]

Nice looking bike, I'm also thinking about a new bike, already green lighted by my better half. My current bike will become my winter/rain bike.

I'd like a road bike but not sure I will do it justice unless I go out on non-commute rides or extend my commute, not sure if I have the time for either.

 

[benb]

Bear in mind also that CX tyres can be a little on the heavy side, so you may find yourself knocking a few hundred grams off that overall weight by sticking slicks on it.

Also, the chromoly frame will be more comfortable for longer rides should you start wanting to tour or whatnot, and I *think* it has clearances and brazons for mudguards and a rack, which yer purist roadbike won't.

Yes, all true. The weight isn't an issue - it's much lighter than my hybrid, and probably isn't that much heavier than a road bike in the same price bracket.

Plus it's very versatile, could be used as a tourer (in fact it just got the speed record for cycling round the world configured as a tourer).

Plus is looks really nice, I love the retro brown bars and saddle.


You've made my mind up, the CdF it is.

 

[Jezston]

That's great then - as long as you don't blame me if you decide you don't like it

 

[Jezston]

Although if you do end up really liking it, and you go for a 56cm frame, you can thank me my letting me borrow it for my charity coast to coast in April/May
https://www.cyclechat.net/

 

[potsy]

That Genesis is definitely on my radar too for later in the year, keep looking around but always come back to it.
Looks ideal as a year round commuter, and 10kg is only slightly heavier than the average £800 racer.
Me want one

 

[benb]

Although if you do end up really liking it, and you go for a 56cm frame, you can thank me my letting me borrow it for my charity coast to coast in April/May
http://www.cyclechat...oast-on-a-bike/

I'm pretty tall so will definitely need the 58, if not the 60. Sorry.

 

[Pessable]

I've also been eyeing the Croix de Fer and the Day One Alfine. The round the world record was set on a CdF with an Alfine 8 fitted and I figure if its good enough for round the world its good enough for my 15 mile EW commute and maybe the odd sportive. I do wonder what the difference is between the CdF and the D1. Geometry looks very similar, but different dropouts.

My cuurent hybrid is 16kg so the "heavy" steel frames would be a big improvement anyway.