New bike for the commute+long rides

[Breedon]

Hi every one seeing as we haven’t had a new "Which New bike" thread I thought I’ll start one.

Im looking for a bike I can commute on, miles will vary from between 10-50 miles round trip, and it would be used in winter as well, but I would also like to go out on rides at the weekend.
I think a cyclo-cross bike would be the bike for me as you can add a rack and mudguards and take them off for the road bike look.

Been looking at the following.
http://www.wiggle.co.uk/p/cycle/7/Focus_Mares_2009/5360037602/

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/p/cycle/7/Focus_Mares_Disc_2009/5360037601/

http://www.evanscycles.com/products/specialized/tricross-sport-2009-cyclo-cross-bike-ec016874

http://www.evanscycles.com/products/pinnacle/expede-10-cyclo-cross-bike-ec000947

The bike im using now is a cheap MTB Weighting a hefty 17kgs, im kind of leaning towards the focus mares disc for the winter weather mainly.

look forward to your replys.

 

[Tynan]

you don't need to go cyclocross to get eyes for a rack and mudguards, granted you have to look but they're out there, I ended up with a Condor Fratello but they did an alu Agu? as well, some of the audax type bikes have eyes etc

any bike will go all year round, for 50 miles I'd wnt something half decent

 

[palinurus]

Road bike with mudguard clearance and eyes or Audax bike. Might want to look at tourering bike but these will tend to be on the heavier side.

 

[Greenbank]

Definitely an Audax bike. Mudguards, rack bosses (stuff goes in panniers), drop bars and a slightly relaxed geometry over faster road bikes.

Ribble Winter Training Audax (I'm not a fan of Aluminium frames for distance though).
Aravis Audax / Hewitt Cheviot.
Condor Fratello

I've got an Aravis Audax from Byercycles for long distance riding on gears. Happily done a 400km ride on it.

 

[RedBike]

Unless you're going off-road don't get a cyclo-x bike.

Look at Ribbles winter bike.
I have done several 100mile rides on my Ribble. Even done a few road races. Although it will never be as comfortale as a steel tourer it's not what you would call uncomfortable. On the flip side of the coin the frames very stiff/ efficient so it's quicker than most touring bikes. It will certainly leave any similar priced CX bike for dust.

 

[scook94]

I have a cyclo-cross bike. I looked at tourers/audax and road bikes, but I like the fact that it's pretty much a "go anywhere" bike.

As RedBike says though, if you're not going to take it off-road then there may be better options for you.

 

[Breedon]

Ok every one thanks for your feedback, some thinking to be done me thinks.

Had an unforeseen day off on wensday so went to my LBS where they had the Specialized fixed gear tricross and had a test ride, all though it wasnt the geared version i was smiling ear to ear.

Im trying to get my employer to do the C2W Scheme so gives me more time to think.

 

[Noodley]

Specialized fixed gear tricross

That's what I was gonna suggest. it is singlespeed/fixed BTW not just fixed. I got one a few months ago (as did a few others on CC) when the 2008 version were being sold cheaply by Pearsons (275 quid). Great bike. Goes anywhere. Road and off-road. With a Rack.

Mine is sitting in my dad's garage just now as I only have room at home for one bike til our extension is built....I might just have to go and get it at the weekend and go for a wee blast. I bet I need de-greaser first

 

[Breedon]

looked at the Ribble and seen this one, Ribble Winter Training Audax 7005 Veloce 10 Double
Looks quite tasty.

 

[RedBike]

looked at the Ribble and seen this one, Ribble Winter Training Audax 7005 Veloce 10 Double
Looks quite tasty.

Having ridden a tricross and been a Ribble owner I can tell you there's no comparison. The Ribbles ligher, quicker, more comfortable (on the road) and is arguably fitted with much better parts through-out including brakes.

The Tricross is lower in price (for the fixed wheel) and has the ability to have larger tyres fitted in order to cope with mild off-road routes.

As above, if you're not going off-road forget all about cyclo-cross bikes and get the Ribble!

 

[Breedon]

Im going up to Ribbles shop tomorrow to have a look but i cant find a phone number for the shop, they have one for mailorder but not for the actual shop does anyone know it.

I'll be leaving at 1pm so need it quick.

 

[Breedon]

Went to ribbles yesterday and im pleased to say that its the bike for me, so now i need to choose the parts for the bike so now i need your help again.

The parts wil be.
Alpina Carbon/Alu Mudguard Eyes Forks Winter
Shimano 10 Spd Ultegra 6600 Cassette
Shimano Ultegra SL Grey Double 6601 10spd Chainset
Shimano Ultegra SL 6600 10 Rear Gear
Mavic Pair Wheels Aksium Black Clincher
Deda Big Piega Oversize Handlebars
Deda Quattro 31 (Oversize) Handlebar Stem
Selle Italia XO Alloy Transam Saddle
CSN Carbon Seatpillar
Vittoria Zaffiro Rigid Tyre

Is it worth paying the extra for the ultagra (all though it is lighter) as i did think of the 105 group set first off
Allso worth changing the forks to the Alpina Carbon/Carbon M/guard Eyes Forks Winter.

Cheers

 

[bonj2]

Is it worth paying the extra for the ultagra (all though it is lighter) as i did think of the 105 group set first off

probably not
but it's up to you

 

[Sittingduck]

I have Zaffiro tyres on my newly built road bike. Thought they would be an okay budget choice. Had my first p*nct*re Yesterday and they're an absolute b*tch to get off the rims (Campag Khamsin). I am already considering changing them out for Conti's. Seems a high specced bike you are getting - I don't think I would skimp on the tyres

Cheers,
SD

 

[Breedon]

Thanks to every for there advice, i have just put in my order so should be with me in 2-3 weeks.

Thank you