Do it all bike advice please

galatzo

Thinking of a do it all bike.

Mudguards used be a no no but common sense is taking over having seen a Planet X Kaffenback disc at the weekend at the showroom.
I need something that is easy to ride on tow-paths for family rides and will take guards for winter training.

I've never really looked at this end of the market before (preferred the bling) but I think I need something more practical than my Chorus equipped Scapin !

Any ideas on what other frames I should be looking at ?
The Kaffenback is over 3 kilos with forks so with discs is going to be pretty lardy.
Do I need discs (want them as they looked smart on the one I saw) ? And what wheels would you recommend for disc use and what for cantilevers ? What size tyres with which wheels will I need ? (only ever had 23mm before so I really don't know)

Would prefer a Campag set up but Shim/Sram seems to be cheaper with more options.

I'd like to pick frame and bits myself rather than buy a complete bike too and happy to go used for some bits.

All advice appreciated.

Cheers

nochekmate

You might wish to consider a Kinesis Racelight - just the job for winter riding. If you're local to Repton you are welcome to check mine out.

galatzo

Cheers nochekmate, Im other ised of Derby so not far away.
I'll have a look at them and let you know.

petemadoc

Cyclocross?

keef66

I got a racelight Tk (now called the Tk2; -different paint). Love it.

Interestingly Cannondale's 2011 Alu Synapse takes guards / fatter tyres.

If you'd consider steel, you should include the Genesis Equilibrium or the Condor Fratello. Or possibly the Dawes Audax LE.

I know nowt about disc brakes for bikes. Cars yes, bikes no.

galatzo

I like the Genesis Croix de Fer and can get one for about £800.
I just wonder how much I'm gonna use it.
If roads aren't too bad then I'll use my best bike when I can though winter.
Family rides will be a couple a month when weathers good.
Almost happy to use my best bike through winter it's just it can't go on tow-paths in summer.
I could be needlessly spending again !

Monty Dog

Choosing a CX style bike will give plenty of tyre clearance and therefore choice, particularly if heading off road. If carrying a heavy load, towing or riding in wet or muddy conditions then discs make a difference in terms of reliable braking the downside being weight. Obviously, if planning to use the bike for faster road use, then weight is going to slow you down a little. I had one of the first Kaffenbacks over 7 years ago which then got me into CX bikes and CX racing - sold the Kaff, but I now have a ti custom CX with discs, a CX race bike and a new custom ti CX on the way - I love the versatility and simplicity