V specific bike advice

samsbike

My employer apparently joins the cycle scheme next week or so.

I am therefore in the position of being able to get a new bike.

Firstly some background. I started using a bike to commute with in April and have managed about twice a week. The commute is around 17 miles, along a road (5 miles ish) and the rest (12miles) along canal paths. The canal paths in some sections are quite bumpy, narrow and muddy. So much so, that when it rains I take a different route uisng more road and join the canal later.

I started commuting on a rigid mtb with slicks and then moved up to a steel road bike (with full mudguards). The mtb was for when the weather was rubbish but I enjoy ridind the road bike so much more I hardly ever use the mtb.

I have narrowed my choice down to 3 bikes and my preference is for something different to my road and mtb. To be honest I really don't need to change my Genesis equilibrium seems to be OK on the commute and I love riding it.

My preference is to spend a few hundred pounts less than the limit as I would like to buy some winter gear and lights.

Options

1. Genesis Day One Alfine - I like the colour, aethestic on this bike and the alfine would be a good choice for winter commuting (I think). It also has drops which I prefer but is expensive and there dont seem to be many discounts around.

2. Charge Filter Apex - this is a cyclocross which hopefully means it will be easier on the bumpier and muddy bits of the canal path. It is also the cheapest, currently around £650

3. Cotic Roadrat - the most expensive and flat barred. They no longer do the drop version and the long frame does not particularly suit drops.

Any advice greatly appreciated.

thanks

supersonic

Do you have links to these exact models? They can vary year to year.

samsbike

charge is off the list, no longer at wiggle.


cotic link

http://www.cotic.co.uk/product/bikes/roadrat/alfine/
genesis link

http://www.genesisbikes.co.uk/bikes/cro ... 01-alfine/

thanks

supersonic

The hub gears of course will be less maintenance, but can add in some weight. Both look really expensive for what you are getting - and I do believe that the 'steel frame is more comfortable' is a bit of a myth! How much the frame flexes depends on how the frame is constructed, and there is no doubt that they are heavier. Personally I can't see any value in either of these bikes, they seem to have lowly parts and look heavy.

The best way by far to add some comfort and bumpy/muddy track ability is to fit some larger tyres.

If they still appeal I think that the way forward is a test ride to get a feel for the frame and components.

If the scheme allows Halfords I'd seriously consider a Boardman hybrid - something along the likes of this:

http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stor ... 65534#tab2

Far, far better specced than either of the others you list, the frame is very light yet is not harsh due to the triple butting: add in the carbon fork that sucks up small bumps and ripples and an all in weight of just 21lbs and I am confident you'll have a bike that is faster, stops better, comfortable and will handle the rougher sections with more confidence.

samsbike

Thanks - you are right the boardman is the bike to have.

I am going to look at their cyclocross range - and may get something a lot cheaper. TBH I don't really need either of the above bikes as teh equilibrium does fine. Shame I can't spend the money on upgrading my current ride.

supersonic

You were allowed (not sure if you still can) to use the scheme to purchase parts for custom builds and the likes. Something to look into.