Possible new bike to replace SS commuter

[Twizit]

I'm sure I don't really need to make any changes to my bikes, but since when did that stop anybody...

17.5 mile, pretty flat commute from Surrey into central London.

I've got a choice of road bikes I can use when the weather is nice, but through winter and for rainy summer days I'm currently using a self built single speed - On One Pompino, hand built H Plus Son wheels, full guards and it generally looks like it's been ridden through the Somme - but I do look after the important oily bits.

Am hankering after trying something a bit different, and being able to use a new round of cycle to work scheme isn't helping curb my need for something new.

Constraints:
- must be from Evans and <£1,000 - see above cycle to work (I realize there are other options to get around this but without boring with details it will be this or nothing)
- must take full proper guards
- looking for low maintence options, so hub gears, belt drive are appealing (and different)
- wouldn't mind hydraulic disc brakes
- Needs to be fairly swift - avg commute speed is around 17 mph

Currently identified this https://www.evanscycles.com/cube-hyde-race-2017-hybrid-bike-EV287866 - Cube Hyde Race as a possibility.

Pros
- low maintenance belt drive and hub gear (never tried either and I'm curious to give them a go)
- disc brakes
- Geometry looks reasonably ok for my needs, but I'd probably add bars ends or bullhorn bars to give some variety and ability to stretch out a bit more

Cons
- Aluminium frame and forks - might be harsh - but then my Pompino is pretty much made of steel gas pipe so it's hardly sophisticated
- Weight - 11.5kg - but then my commute is pretty flat

Really I need a test ride to see if it feels ok and not sluggish or too heavy - but nothing in stock until April - but I'm in no rush

The above aside... any other suggestions???

 

[Twizit]

I see the tumbleweed....

I guess the responses give me a gauge as to how popular (or not) belt drives and hub gears are. No one out there in CC with an opinion or alternate suggestions???

 

[rowan 46]

Can't help with an alternative from Evans and don't ride the cube but do have a similar spec bike the Roux A8. I assume you are most interested in how the belt drive performs. I have found it to be pretty much as advertised in respect of the maintenance no having to clean and oil the chain and gears after each wet ride, no oily stains on the trouser leg, shifting is pretty good but can get a little clunky when under load eg a steep hill. I have been lucky with punctures but if you get one in the back wheel it's not a 5 minute job to replace a tube and you will need to carry tools for it as there are no quick release back wheels, hope that helps

 

[Twizit]

Thanks Rowan, much appreciated, and yep any thoughts on belt drive and / or hub gears is what I'm after I guess.

Faff changing rear tyres I'm already used to from my singlespeed, which also requires a 15mm spanner for the hub, 10mm spanner for the chain tensioners and an allen key to release the brakes - so I don't think I'll lose out here!

Do you find the belt drive adds any more resistance to a normal chain set up? Have read that in theory it adds a bit more, but in practical terms not, given none of us operate on totally clean / lubed chains all of the time.

I guess I also wonder about the added weight of a hub gear, and how much you notice this in day to day riding?

Cheers

 

[rowan 46]

it's definitely not a road bike but 17mph is an easy enough average to maintain on a flattish ride. There is a bit more resistance and it does squeak in the wet which is why I have gone for long boards to see if that will mitigate the squeak but the joy of no more faff with the chain after a wet ride for me outweighs the niggles a quick brush with a stiff brush removes any grit from a dry dirty belt and on a dry road it is very quiet

 

[Goggs]

I have a 2016 Hyde Pro. It uses a Nexus hub & I love it. The ability to change gears at a standstill transforms urban cycling. I initially wanted to go for the Race with it's belt drive but I couldn't justify the initial cost as well as the cost of replacements. Also, any bike shop can deal with a chain but that might not be the case with a belt. The frame is excellent and the finish is superb with beautiful welds and paint. Disc brakes are also superb in all weathers. There's also the ability to fit the Cube integrated kickstand, again, invaluable in an urban environment.

Downsides? The geometry is fairly aggressive for my liking. I ended up changing the stem for a shorter one and changed the bars to something with more sweep. While the bike is light it has to be noted that hub gears make the rear end heavy, although the Alfine used on the Race migt possibly be lighter than the Nexus on my bike. The original grips are rubbish and I replaced them with Ergon grips which have proved to be excellent. The original saddle looks good but was painful for me. That's a personal thing though & you might like it fine.

I hope that helps you a bit. If it's worth anything I'd buy the same bike again. Good luck.

 

[MarquisMatsugae]

What about a Quella and a shoot load of accessories?

 

[vickster]

What about a Quella and a shoot load of accessories?

Don't think Evans sell them? Are they not also SS rather than hub plus belt drive as desired by the OP?

 

[MarquisMatsugae]

Don't think Evans sell them? Are they not also SS rather than hub plus belt drive as desired by the OP?

He was looking for any other suggestions,thought the simplicity of a Quella might appeal.
Although desirable,belt drive not an absolute must as I read it.
But it's CTC,so that's that farked.

 

[Twizit]

it's definitely not a road bike but 17mph is an easy enough average to maintain on a flattish ride. There is a bit more resistance and it does squeak in the wet which is why I have gone for long boards to see if that will mitigate the squeak but the joy of no more faff with the chain after a wet ride for me outweighs the niggles a quick brush with a stiff brush removes any grit from a dry dirty belt and on a dry road it is very quiet

Thanks Rowan appreciate the feedback

 

[Twizit]

I have a 2016 Hyde Pro. It uses a Nexus hub & I love it. The ability to change gears at a standstill transforms urban cycling. I initially wanted to go for the Race with it's belt drive but I couldn't justify the initial cost as well as the cost of replacements. Also, any bike shop can deal with a chain but that might not be the case with a belt. The frame is excellent and the finish is superb with beautiful welds and paint. Disc brakes are also superb in all weathers. There's also the ability to fit the Cube integrated kickstand, again, invaluable in an urban environment.

Downsides? The geometry is fairly aggressive for my liking. I ended up changing the stem for a shorter one and changed the bars to something with more sweep. While the bike is light it has to be noted that hub gears make the rear end heavy, although the Alfine used on the Race migt possibly be lighter than the Nexus on my bike. The original grips are rubbish and I replaced them with Ergon grips which have proved to be excellent. The original saddle looks good but was painful for me. That's a personal thing though & you might like it fine.

I hope that helps you a bit. If it's worth anything I'd buy the same bike again. Good luck.

Brilliant, thanks Goggs for all the detail. i actually want something fairly aggresive so that's not a downside for me. Likely would swap out saddle and bars anyway, so again no issues. I also do pretty much all of my own mechanics / tinkering so swapping out belts vs chains etc is no issue, likewise (probably) any servicing of a gear hub.

I just need to wait for some stock to come in and test one now.

 

[Twizit]

He was looking for any other suggestions,thought the simplicity of a Quella might appeal.
Although desirable,belt drive not an absolute must as I read it.
But it's CTC,so that's that farked.

Thanks - yep after other suggestions, but by that I should probably have clarified that as being something different enough from the existing single speed that I've already got. If nothing works I can just stick with the single I've already got.

Quella's nice looking for sure though!