what commute/winter bike

[phillip scott]

Hi, I'm in the process of buying a new bike, I need a bike that will be good for my daily commute (mudguards, pannier rack,) but can also be versatile enough for my winter club ride. My budget is no more than £1000, I occasionally use a canal path that can be rough with cobbles. Any suggestions please. I was looking at the Ribbler cyclecross. What are others using, thanks, Scott.

 

[bikingdad90]

I have a Norco Threshold A2 from 2014. I am putting some 700x28c Rubino Pro Techs on it soon as I want some tyres which are fast but tough.

It is kitted out with Tiagra as standard but I upgraded to 105 brifters as I prefer the cleaner look.

It also has guard and rack mounts and internal cabling.

It came from Evans and is a few hundred quid under budget so you can get a rack, panniers, lock etc all within your £1k budget.

 

[bikingdad90]

I have been very impressed with the bike. It deals with the rough roads well and rides smooth. As the cable outers go through the frame all the way they can rattle sometimes which can get a bit annoying. I think the 2015 onward models have been modified to fix this issue.

 

[Tenacious Sloth]

I've been very impressed with my CAADX this winter. 1400 miles since Christmas with no problems.

It has all the necessary mounts for mudguards and rack etc. and with road tyres fitted is reasonably rapid and very comfortable over bumpy country lanes.

Graham

 

[wisdom]

Here's mine cover about 4500 miles a year I carry altura panniers and rack bag.Used every working day whatever the weather. apart from summer when I use the roadie.
It's a ridgeback supernova picture taken last year and it's about 6 yrs old now.
Cannot fault it any way at all.It does get well maintained though.

 

[biggs682]

i used an early 80's steel road bike through out the last winter and it never missed a beat , it came complete with guards and can easily have a rear carrier fitted if needed .

A lot of you will know that i favour older retro road bikes over modern bikes anyway but i must admit i was pleased how well it worked out

 

[wisdom]

Very nice retro bike just proves bikes don't melt in the winter.

 

[samsbike]

Whatever you get more sure you really like it. I think winter miles are too hard not to be on a bike you don't love and I have particularly struggled commuting this/ last season.

In terms of bikes for £1000, I would get anything that had disc brakes and guard fittings. Particularly like the genesis Croix de Fers (but heavy) or the planet x London road.

My winter/ commute bike is a burls ti, running discs and guards. Its comfortable but heavy (14kg) which surprised me a bit!

 

[broady]

Focus mares?
105 with discs or Di2 ultegra rim brakes for under £1000?

 

[biggs682]

Focus mares?
105 with discs or Di2 ultegra rim brakes for under £1000?

nice old steelie with centre pulls and 10 speed for well under £200 cant go wrong

 

[Darren Gregory]

Take a look at the Pinnacle Arkose and the Pinnacle Dolomite. I bought the 2015 Arkose 3 in Autumn 2014 and I am very impressed with it. Depending on which model you go for they are all pretty much around your budget and fit the description of what you are after. My only complaints with the Arkose 3 where the bar tape, easily changed and before I went clipless my heel would occasionally strike the rear brake caliper. This years Arkose 3 come with the new 105 hydraulic brakes.

My decision making process can be found here:

https://www.cyclechat.net/threads/b...ing-for-some-opinions-advice-comments.165377/

Lots of similar suggestions that might help on that link.

 

[broady]

nice old steelie with centre pulls and 10 speed for well under £200 cant go wrong

I'd always go for secondhand over new.
You don't have to give the government 20% for one!

 

[Drago]

Take a look at the Pinnacle Arkose and the Pinnacle Dolomite. I bought the 2015 Arkose 3 in Autumn 2014 and I am very impressed with it. Depending on which model you go for they are all pretty much around your budget and fit the description of what you are after. My only complaints with the Arkose 3 where the bar tape, easily changed and before I went clipless my heel would occasionally strike the rear brake caliper. This years Arkose 3 come with the new 105 hydraulic brakes.

My decision making process can be found here:

https://www.cyclechat.net/threads/b...ing-for-some-opinions-advice-comments.165377/

Lots of similar suggestions that might help on that link.

My winter commuter is an older Pinnacle 105, an excellent poor weather tool. Might not suit you at all, but worth a test ride to see.

 

[phillip scott]

Thanks for the replies, I like the look of the pinnacle and the price. I thought I was going the dolan prefisio but the pinnacle is looking a feasible option right now. I did really like the Ribble winter bike but limiting to 23ml tyres put me off a little

 

[Sim2003]

My all year round bike. Holds up great , very reliable and low maintenance required. Trek 520 2015.