Trying to identify a Nippy Commute/Sportive/Audax/Light Tourer

[Capuchin]

I currently commute on my first serious bike, a specialized singlecross, which i have been enjoying. But want to start doing some longer rides, and been looking for a bike with some gears!

Mainly want to do longer rides, probably 200km, is that audax? Furthest i would want to go would be light touring (maybe a week max). Really want a bike that is comfortable, but still capable of laying down some speed when possible.

Gave this brief to the LBS, and they suggested a ridgeback voyage. I'm concerned about the weight of it and not meeting my 'nippy' criterea.

Bikes that have caught my eye:
Verenti Kilmeston/Millook
Charge Juicer Hi (Evans currently have 2010 model at 35% off)

Budget is ~£800

The ultimate aim would be to complement this bike with a fast summer racer, maybe next year.

Any thoughts/suggestions would be very very welcome!

 

[TheDoctor]

Have a look at the Ribble winter trainer/Audax bike. Alloy frame, carbon forks, Tiagra for under £600.
The website lets you upgrade bits and works out the price and weight implications as you go along.
I've been touring on one of these - it's fine as long as you're not camping.

 

[Scoosh]

It certainly sounds like you need an 'audax-type' bike - one suitable for fast day rides,light ('credit-card') touring and comfort.

I have a Condor Fratello

and it does exactly that. Not sure if it would come within budget, though

but if you are in London, I would highly recommend Condor Cycles - and that's a recommendation despite never having been there !

 

[GrumpyGregry]

on a very similar theme to the ribble idea put Surosa Bikes on your list; they do two own brand audax style frames and build to order for a great value package.

 

[frank9755]

I used to have a Voyage and really liked it, but if you don't want to carry a lot of gear then the sister bike to the Voyage, the Ridgeback Horizon, might be a better bet. Well within your budget.

The Surosa, and the people who supply them, have lots of fans - I've seen one owned by a forum member which is very nice. Not convinced by the Ribble - may be a nice winter bike but with short head tube and little clearance - it doesn't seem to have anything 'audax' about it apart from the name.

Dawes also does Audax bikes - now branded Sportive.

The Halfords Carrera range are not marketed as Audax but do have good clearances - and are great value if you can live with the brand (I use a Vanquish as my commuter and have done a 400k audax on it)

There are plenty of good options!

 

[gavintc]

Kinesis Racelight T or Tk are worth a look.

 

[Norm]

I currently commute on my first serious bike, a specialized singlecross, which i have been enjoying. But want to start doing some longer rides, and been looking for a bike with some gears!

How about a Tricross?

 

[Hydra]

I recently got a Verenti Kilmeston. It's my first 'proper-proper' road bike, and I love it. I can't really compare it to any other road bike - ride or handling wise - as it's my first roadie, but it's comfortable and handles well. It definitely picks up a pace as well. I'd definitely recommend it.

Bolt a pannier rack to it and you're ready to travel a distance, and you don't lose much speed/power either and it still handles well

 

[Long Distance]

How about a Tricross?

or a Kona Jake for better value?

 

[Norm]

Or a Genesis Day01 or Croix de Fer or a Fuji Cross or a Cannondale SuperX or... all of which would miss the point of recommending a Specialized Tricross to someone who has a Specialized Singlecross and is looking for more gears.

 

[frank9755]

If the OP wants a fast bike for on road then a cyclocross bike would be an option but not the best option.

 

[Capuchin]

If the OP wants a fast bike for on road then a cyclocross bike would be an option but not the best option.

Exactly, I wish now that i had gone for the tricross when picking out a commuter - but since i have that now i want something fundamentally different, a comfortable road bike capable of laying down more speed than a heavy tourer. I think i would be more keen on 'credit card touring' currently then going the whole hog, so a saddle bag will probably do but they look a little awkward to me?

Many thanks to all the replies so far. I see that there are many great options around. I am going to evans this afternoon but i dont think that will convince me of a bike having all-day comfort. Might have to take advantage of 30-day test rides from online retailers.

I'd love to support my LBS due to after purchase support, but they only stock Ridgeback or Giant - do LBSs normally order in other brands?

My budget can stretch a little if there's something amazing for a little more money, but i'm definately taking my time over this decision. Really glad for all the help i'm getting here.

 

[frank9755]

Saddlebags might not look the most trendy thing going but a bike handles far better with one than it does with panniers, because they put the weight where it is meant to be, not behind the rear axle.

If your LBS does Ridgeback, get them to show you a Horizon. It sounds like the sort of bike you are after. There are plenty of others but it is a reasonable one to benchmark against.

I can't think offhand of anything equivalent which the average Evans stocks - although the odd one (eg their waterloo branch) has things like a Dawes Sportif - which would be similar. They may have a Trek Pilot, which would be close or something similar by Specialized, but if they tell you you want Cyclocross you can assume they haven't got what you want!

 

[GrumpyGregry]

If your LBS does Ridgeback, get them to show you a Horizon. It sounds like the sort of bike you are after. There are plenty of others but it is a reasonable one to benchmark against.

2010 Ridgeback Horizon's currently £490 on wiggle in XS, S, M & XL A total and utter steal at that price.

 

[Capuchin]

2010 Ridgeback Horizon's currently £490 on wiggle in XS, S, M & XL A total and utter steal at that price.

Wow, i would pull the trigger, but at 6'2 ish i have a sneaking suspicion i need the large. thoughts?