Planet X carbon frame, b/c wheels: tough enough for commute?

pete99

I know this isn't a commuting thread, but lots of people here have used the frame and wheels.

I'm considering putting together a commuter bike based around the Planet X carbon road frame and the model B or C wheels. I want something light and responsive, but would I be thrashing them to pieces on a daily London commute? I'm pretty slight - 66kg - and don't tend to knacker frames or wheels usually.

And is the frame flexy, as some claim? I'll be doing a lot of accelerating from lights, so want a very stiff frame. The Alu frame seems discontinued, so it's either carbon or steel.

I'm keen on Planet X as I can buy all the bits for a bespoke commuter on the bike-to-work scheme.

spasypaddy

the c wheels definitely, the b wheels not so sure. there isnt a huge difference in weight between them but the larger spoke count is better.

ive used mine for commuting on and off for a few years now, the wheels are straight and true barely needed a touch up. mainly use a steel fixie to commute on though

cougie

I can't see that you'd break any carbon frame on a commute unless you really ride like a sack of potatoes. 25mm tyres should be about the narrowest you'd want though.

moonshine

i don't think the PX pro carbon is suited to a daily commuter bike.

That is nothing to do with "flexyness" or anything so esoteric...I think the frame & forks are better than most riders...

Clearance is tight, meaning 25mm tyres will be the max you will manage, but that is not a great problem i guess. You want a bile that will take full mudguards, front and back.

you wont get proper guards on the back, as there are no eyelets,, though you could use a raceblade, but it will mark the paintwork / laquer unless you gaffer tape the frame up at contact points, and you cannot fit full guards or raceblades on the front, (of a small frame anyway) as there is insufficient clearance and the cable adjusters on the down tube get in the way.

If you are serious about it being a commuter, don't be vain... get a frame (maybe steel) with enough clearance for your needs, i.e guards and wide tyres). If it is only for occasional commutes and for w/e club rides, then thats different matter and get what you want to look good.

pete99

Thanks to you both. I don't tend to chuck bikes round too much so I should hopefully be fine - I've just never bought a full carbon frame before.

But yes, 25mm tyres is the plan.

skyd0g

I would suggest the Kaffenback may be more suited to commuting than the carbon frame, for the reasons already mentioned - tyre clearance/mudguard eyelets
...and it's cheaper.

For commuting, I'd use the cheapest that could do the job well, as it is going to be used in all weathers as well as from the aspect of replecement cost/security.

pete99

This is a bit of an indulgence as a commuter bike, admittedly, but just as long as I can put 25C tyres and raceblades on it I should be fine. Would a steel frame, full guards, and maybe even a rack and panniers be more practical? Of course. Would it be as much fun to ride - no.

I'm thinking about taking the risk.

moonshine

what size are you thinking of?

As i said, you won't get a front raceblade on a Small frame - I don't know about other frame sizes. Though you might manage a set of the crudcatcher guards.... i've not tried them though.

pete99

I'm 5' 10'', so I was thinking of a medium - would that work with Raceblades?

moonshine

pete99 wrote:

I'm 5' 10'', so I was thinking of a medium - would that work with Raceblades?

Ah, ok.... I don't know about that.... My GF has a small & that's the only one I've tried. Rear is fine. Front is a no go.

alfablue

I can fit Raceblades on a medium, but if I was buying now I would look at Crud Raceguards.

I commute on my PX in the dry, 28 mile round trip, though most is on a smooth Railway Path, and it certainly speeds things along

I have other options for foul weather days (an Audax bike with full guards) or for big luggage days (a tourer).