Winter bike choice , which one .

mattythemod
mattythemod Posts: 289
edited April 2013 in Road buying advice
Am in the process of starting a project to build up a Geared winter/wet weather bike for later in the year and have narrowed it down to 3 choices , its just a frame i will buy as i can build it up easily from the parts bin and the classfieds .

Would prefer a more upright riding postion , mudguard eyes are a must and the option to run 32 mm tyres a bonus .

Looking at the Tifosi ck7 which is super value but only allows 25 mm tyres with guards fitted although the longer headtube and sloping toptube seem favorable , also looking at the Kinesis Crosslilght which has eyes for guards and will allow 28 mm or even 32 mm tyres with ease and might be more suitable for some rough stuff riding when i travel overseas to visit the in laws , really unsure so some first hand input / opinions are more than welcome .

Comments

  • crikey
    crikey Posts: 362
    I think a winter bike is a tricky choice; it has to be good enough to make you want to ride it.

    Too functional and you can't bring yourself to ride it when it's cold and raining, too bling and you don't want to get it wet.
  • luv2ride
    luv2ride Posts: 2,367
    Definitely recommend the Tifosi CK7. Here's my self-build with SRAM Apex compact:
    viewtopic.php?f=40044&t=12887619&hilit=Tifosi

    I love it and it does everything I ask of it. Running 25mm Krylion Carbons at the minute, and I find the ride plenty comfy with them running at 95 psi. It's a fun bike to ride and has turned into a bit of a favourite TBH 8)
    Titus Silk Road Ti rigid 29er - Scott Solace 10 disc - Kinesis Crosslight Pro6 disc - Scott CR1 SL - Pinnacle Arkose X 650b - Pinnacle Arkose singlespeed - Specialized Singlecross...& an Ernie Ball Musicman Stingray 4 string...
  • arlowood
    arlowood Posts: 2,561
    Hi there

    I've just finished a winter build project based around the Forme Longcliffe frame. Might be worth adding that to your list of options. Pic of the final build below:-

    8643132350_7b6ee8aa52_b.jpg

    I sourced the frame on Ebay from Paul Milnes Cycles at a cost of ~£200. Rest of the kit was acquired from the classifieds on here or from Ebay.

    http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/160973266526? ... 1438.l2649

    The Loncliffe frame has mudguard eyelets fore and aft. Would refer you to the guys at Paul Milnes tho to check on max size of tyre the frame will accommodate - certainly 28mm is possible but not sure about sizes above that.

    I'm so impressed with the ride of this build that I am preparing to sell my Trek Madone and just use the Forme year round - just fitting guards when winter beckons.
  • cal_stewart
    cal_stewart Posts: 1,840
    This would be the dream winter/do everything bike.

    http://www.hampsten.com/bikes/strada-bianca
    eating parmos since 1981

    Canyon Ultimate CF SLX Aero 09
    Cervelo P5 EPS
    www.bikeradar.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=40044&t=13038799
  • mattythemod
    mattythemod Posts: 289
    Thanx for the thoughts , pretty sure i am going to order a crosslight as it gives options with tyre widths and will still take guards for the english winters.