Genesis Flyer / Pearson Touche Riders

ChrisX
ChrisX Posts: 5
edited February 2008 in Road general
Morning All

Is anyone over this way riding a Genesis Flyer or Pearson Touche at the moment? Thinking about getting one but would love some feedback on current owners. Usual dilemma as to 'what to buy'.
I have a Planet X Kaffenback so Popmino's out as I would like something a bit different.

Cheers
CHris

Comments

  • madmix
    madmix Posts: 65
    I bought a Flyer for the new year and I love it. The only downside is that it although it comes with flip-flop hub, there is no fixed cog. But easily solved. I tested a couple of singlespeed bikes and the Flyer stood out by a mile. Its light but strong. The acceleration is ace and there was no choice when it came to spending my hard earned.

    The pearson comes recommended by friends too but I never got a chance to try one.
  • beesneez
    beesneez Posts: 18
    I'm a week into my new Flyer and it's fantastic. It was a bargain for £399 (normal RRP £499). I commute into London each day approx 11 miles. Previously I was riding a specialised S-works, a top of the line bike, and can say that I far prefer the Flyer for commuting. The steel frame is lovely - road chatter is noticably subdued, you don't get sharp jolts when you hit a pot hole. Geometry is pretty good too - I usually ride compact frames as I have long legs and short body, so a short top tube usually suits me better. But no worries with the flyer, it's very comfy.

    The only thing I didn't like about the flyer was the brake levers - Shimano BR600's. They rattle! But I got around that by buying come carbon TT levers and bullhorn bars :wink:

    Another minor thing is the gearing, depending on how fit/strong you are a smaller free wheel might be good. I'm a girl and find the 48 - 18 pretty easy to push around. I'd consider dropping to a 17T if it wasn't for a reasonable hill on my way home.

    So all in all I reckon the Flyer is good value for money, even if you do pay full price. Another option to consider might be the Genesis Skyline. It's more or less exacltly the same as the Flyer but black, with mud guards and no-name shimano brakes.
  • il_principe
    il_principe Posts: 9,155
    Very pleased with my Pearson, fantastic for commuting and seems very tough.
  • colint
    colint Posts: 1,707
    another vote for the touche, I tried both and found the pearson a bit more responsive. they're both great though, so nice decision to have to make
    Planet X N2A
    Trek Cobia 29er
  • xio
    xio Posts: 212
    I've had a flyer since about August - been very pleased with it. Actually had to wash it for the first time the other week, had forgotten it was white ;-)

    I've had a couple of problems with it though - I'll second the earlier comment about the rattling brake levers (I have a set of bullhorn bars but haven't got around to fitting them yet). My rear brake caliper started to seize - I think this may be because even though I love the bike, it's been a bit unloved in terms of it's care by me. Still, a new set of 105 calipers for £30 fixed that. Other problem I have is that it gets a bit noisy when you're cranking it up a steep hill - haven't figured out why yet, but my suspicion is the freewheel. I've found the gearing to be quite good, but I guess it depends on the terrain where you live - I'm in the hilly bit of north London and commute with a reasonable sized backpack. You tend to run out of puff a bit on the flat, but I think I just need to work a bit harder.

    Prefer it for commuting over my Litespeed even though it's a lot heavier.
  • don_don
    don_don Posts: 1,007
    I've been so impressed with my Pompino that I've just bought a Kaffenback!

    I would urge you not to dismiss the Pomp if you like your current bike.

    Having said that, I wouldn't mind a Touche as well... :wink:
  • beesneez
    beesneez Posts: 18
    xio wrote:

    I've had a couple of problems with it though - I'll second the earlier comment about the rattling brake levers (I have a set of bullhorn bars but haven't got around to fitting them yet). My rear brake caliper started to seize - I think this may be because even though I love the bike, it's been a bit unloved in terms of it's care by me. Still, a new set of 105 calipers for £30 fixed that. Other problem I have is that it gets a bit noisy when you're cranking it up a steep hill - haven't figured out why yet, but my suspicion is the freewheel .

    Snap, exact same things have happend with mine. The rear brake hasn't seized, but it is slow to release after being cranked on. I thought it was due to me changing the brake cables & outers to fit my TT levers.

    It also makes a little bit of noise when cranking up hill out of the saddle too. I put that down to not having the rear wheel sitting straight in the drop outs as it first started to happen when I moved the wheel to tighten up the chain and have since measured each side of the drop out and it's probably 5mm out on one side.

    But don't let the above put you off the Flyer - it's a fantastic bike and great value for money. Heaps of fun to ride and it 'flies' along!!

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