Lesser known brands

[AndyFletch]

Been looking at new bikes having fairly recently returned to the world of cycling to replace my low end Ridgeback (which has been great).

Obviously there are loads of commonly available bikes from people like Trek and Giant which seem great, however there are a couple of bikes from manufacturers I've got no experience of which I'd be interested to get some feedback on. Reason being is the specs look fantastic for the price in comparison to Trek / Giant / Scott / Ridgeback etc etc, is this because they're not the greatest makes or just that they're offering good value.

I'm looking at Claud Butler and Jamis, anyone got any recent experience??

 

[musa]

What's your budget may I ask?

 

[AndyFletch]

Actually I'm very fortunate in being completely flexible on budget. Happy to spend a bit more if it gets me exactly what I "think" I want, however I don't want to spend the extra if it doesn't really benefit me and I am open to suggestions if I'm being an idiot!!!

Looking to spend anywhere between £400 to £750

FYI, I do a lot of urban riding but also get the occasional blast along my local canal path. I'm therefore ideally after something that's pretty tough (as the canal path is in a terrible state and the city commute involves a lot of curbs) but has some decent road pace when I get the chance. Not looking at climbing up any mountains in the rain etc etc and hate drop bars in the City.

Ideally thinking Aluminium Hybrid frame, carbon forks, V brakes, road gearing (20 speed), 700 x 35 tyres (for the canal path). Sounds like a cheap Cyclocross bike with a flat bar (Jamis Allegro Elite appears to fit the bill at £750).

However, going for Alivio or Deore gears gives a better choice if the Jamis isn't up to it. (Claud Butler Urban 500 at £450, Giant Escape 1 at £500, Trek 7.3 FX at £500)

 

[Dave7]

Some advice I regularly got was to get the frame right and that many of the budget bikes have inferior material & design. A poor frame will always ride like a dog no matter what components it has. As this is a quote (as against me saying it) I can tell you that I was advised that makes like Dawes are "equivilent to using scaffold tube" while e.g. Marin/Trek/Giant etc will use good materials.
As regards gears/brakes etc......when they specify e.g.105 ask them "is it all 105" as they will often have, say, 105 at the back then mix the other components.
Decathlon do a decent range at good prices.....worth looking if there is a store near you.

 

[AndyFletch]

Sounds sensible, any idea on the Claud Butler or Jamis frame?