Long distance "Allroad" bike with mudguard and rack mounts?

pigeontoes

I’ve finally decided to replace my Scott Speedster S35. I’m looking for a single replacement bike - lack of secure storage space limits n+1 options. I’ve identified 2 bikes so far that meet my criteria, I’m looking for suggestions of some alternatives:

1. Kona Roadhouse http://www.konaworld.com/roadhouse.cfm
I really like the look of this and quite fancy a steel frame but want to get my hands on one before ordering. It seems far better value than a Croix de Fer but they are apparently not due into the UK until 15th January and there are no LBS stockist of Kona road bikes nearby. Sunset MTB in Cardiff were exceptionally helpful on the phone and they are about 1.5 hours away (I’m in Malvern) so they are an option but they will only stock to order so I won’t get my hands on one prior to committing. Evans are only 10 miles from where I work but they don’t know whether they are going to be supplying them or not yet. They wouldn’t be my first choice supplier but a least I could get my hands one and get my money back if not suitable.

2. On-One Bish Bash Bosh http://www.on-one.co.uk/i/q/CBOOBBBRIV1/on-one-bish-bash-bosh-sram-rival-1-hrd-gravel-bike
Again appears to meet my criteria and will probably be a bit lighter than the Roadhouse and take wider tyres. Slightly concerned about rack mounts on a carbon bike and the colour schemes shown on the website are awful in my opinion - there is supposed to be a more subdued colour not shown. I can get up to their showroom when visiting relatives but I’m a bit worried about their quality/customer service – seems to be quite a bit of negative feedback around.

I was sorely tempted to add the Condo Frattello disc to my shortlist because of the superb service when I went into their shop but it doesn’t really meet the criteria below and I’m based nowhere near London.

The bike will be used for the following in descending order of priority:
• Year round commute 15 miles each way on country roads, 2 to 3 times per week, carrying lunch, laptop and bike repair essentials.
• 60 mile hilly weekend ride including poor country roads, canal towpaths and fire road.
• Hilly 100 mile plus sportives/audaxes – planning on doing the 180 mile Caernarfon to Chepstow Wales in a Day ride next year.
• Local shopping trips
• 2 to 3 day credit card tours

I’d also like to do mixed terrain rides such as the Hell of the North Cotswolds but this isn’t essential.

Based on the above the key features I am looking for are:
• Take full mudguard with at least 30mm tyres.
• Fully hydraulic disc brakes.
• Rear pannier mounts – looking at using Tubus Fly rack with Ortlieb front roller panniers.
• Bike weight initially sub 10.5kg and one I could get down to at least 9kg with future upgrades.
• Bike, rack, panniers and mudguards cost less than £2,000 total
• Drop bike with fairly relaxed geometry for long-distance comfort.
• Compact with 11-32 at the back, at least 105 or equivalent 11 speed groupset.
• Willing to consider any frame material but a change from aluminium would be nice and might be better for comfort.
• Tubeless ready wheels and tyres, so I can run lower pressures when off road.

arlowood

This could also be added as a possibility. Meets your specification needs although it's SRAM 11 -speed rather than Shimano

http://www.planetx.co.uk/i/q/CBPXLDNRIVHRD/planet-x-london-road-sram-rival-11-hydraulic-disc-road-bike#reviewstab

Not sure what the negative vibes for Planet X refers to. I bought the mechanical disc version of this bike a few months back and all has been fine. Fast delivery - bike well set up etc.

Anyhoo it should be a contender apart from the fact that the frame is Alu and you seem to want a change from that

pigeontoes

arlowood wrote:

This could also be added as a possibility. Meets your specification needs although it's SRAM 11 -speed rather than Shimano

<span class="skimlinks-unlinked">http://www.planetx.co.uk/i/q/CBPXLDNRIVHRD/planet-x-london-road-sram-rival-11-hydraulic-disc-road-bike#reviewstab</span&gt;

Not sure what the negative vibes for Planet X refers to. I bought the mechanical disc version of this bike a few months back and all has been fine. Fast delivery - bike well set up etc.

Anyhoo it should be a contender apart from the fact that the frame is Alu and you seem to want a change from that

Thanks for the suggestion. I guess I was looking at something other than aluminium because that's what I currently have and there seems to be a general consensus that steel and carbon frames tend to damp vibration more, decreasing fatigue on long rides. Would love a titanium bike but I think that they the disc brake versions are out of my price range.

I've never used Planet X but I have seen a few comments on issues with quality. If I lived nearer to Sheffield that would probably be less of a concern. It's reassuring that you have been happy with your experience.

freefall_junkie

Bit over budget but the new Ridley X Trail bikes look like superb all-rounders http://www.ridley-bikes.com/gb/en/bikes/allroad/x-trail

Within budget and a fantastic spec for the money, Canyon Inflite 9.0 https://www.canyon.com/en-gb/road/inflite/2016/inflite-al-9-0-s.html

BTW I wouldn't rule out aluminium. My experience is that the size and pressure of your tyres makes far more difference to the ride quality than the frame material.

arlowood

[url=http://www.bikeradar.com/forums/viewtopic.php?p=19738901#p19738901]freefall_junkie[/url] wrote:

Bit over budget but the new Ridley X Trail bikes look like superb all-rounders http://www.ridley-bikes.com/gb/en/bikes/allroad/x-trail

Within budget and a fantastic spec for the money, Canyon Inflite 9.0 https://www.canyon.com/en-gb/road/inflite/2016/inflite-al-9-0-s.html

BTW I wouldn't rule out aluminium. My experience is that the size and pressure of your tyres makes far more difference to the ride quality than the frame material.

Agree that the OP should not get too hung up on the frame material. Fitting tyres of 28mm and above and running at 80psi, or even less for a lighter rider, will have a greater influence of ride quality than the frame material per se.

BTW your two suggestions, while attractive, don't seem to have rack and mudguard mounts which the OP has cited as a "must-have"

mrb123

With that list of requirements then surely a full custom build is the way to go.

The Croix de Fer can be had as a frameset for less than £400. That leaves plenty of the budget for full hydraulics, 105 and some nice handbuilt tubeless ready wheels, plus all the other bits you need.

ddraver

I'm in almost exaclty the same bpat and I ve 99% decided on the bish bash bosh - especially now they ve stopped faffing about with that 1 X nonsense

I just need to wait for the Duthc to pay me the taxes they overcharged me for now...

(FYI - there is a small view of the Anthracite (???) option on the right hand side of the screen -it's the sort of greeny frame)

pigeontoes

Thanks everyone for the feedback.

Arlowood - I think you are correct that the Ridley and Canyon don't have rack or mudguard mounts, shame as they do look good bikes. I'm not totally against Aluminium it's more a case of trying something different. If the price/feature/weight combination was right I'd definitely be interested.

MrB123 - Couldn't do a custom build myself - changing tyres, adding/removing mudguards and adjusting brakes are about my limit. There is a really good LBS who are good value on repairs and rebuilds who would probably be willing to do it. I'll have a think about that.

DDraver - Are you near to Sheffield, have you seen a Bish Bash Bosh yet? I'll try to find the picture you mention. I'm not interested in 1X either, it's probably good for cyclocross or off road but I find my 9 speed 105 a bit gappy for road riding so a 1 X would even worse.

freefall_junkie

I think both the Canyon and Ridley have mudguard mounts - they are just well hidden. Not sure about fitting a rack though.



Another interesting option might be the new Kinesis 4s disc. Bang up to date frame - internal cable routing, flat mount brakes, rack mounts, and it will take up to 32mm tyres with guards.
http://www.kinesisbikes.co.uk/Catalogue/Models/Racelight/4S-DISC

photonic69

[url=http://www.bikeradar.com/forums/viewtopic.php?p=19739023#p19739023]pigeontoes[/url] wrote:

Thanks everyone for the feedback.



MrB123 - Couldn't do a custom build myself - changing tyres, adding/removing mudguards and adjusting brakes are about my limit. There is a really good LBS who are good value on repairs and rebuilds who would probably be willing to do it. I'll have a think about that.

I think the custom build he was referring to was not for you to DIY it but to get a bespoke frame made to your requirements.

Look at Argos Cycles based in Bristol (not too far from Malvern) http://argoscycles.com/new-frames/reynolds/

Yes, I know the name is similar to a bargain basement catalog shop but they make some great bikes in steel. You'd get exactly what you require in a geometry that would be bespoke to you. Looking at the prices you could get this within your budget.

HTH

Nic

ddraver

[url=http://www.bikeradar.com/forums/viewtopic.php?p=19739023#p19739023]pigeontoes[/url] wrote:

DDraver - Are you near to Sheffield, have you seen a Bish Bash Bosh yet? I'll try to find the picture you mention. I'm not interested in 1X either, it's probably good for cyclocross or off road but I find my 9 speed 105 a bit gappy for road riding so a 1 X would even worse.

No, I'm not even living in the UK right now. Even with the shocking exchange rate now, it's still the best balance of spec v price i ve found

With regard to the service from PX/OO, i think you have to remember that they re not another CRC or wiggle and so don't expect super service, At the end of the day they re cheap for a reason, but that doesnt mean you don't get a decent frame with good spec at the end of it. Canyon are a global brand and to be honest they re not a lot better. If you want LBS service then you have to pay for it

ForumNewbie

The Specialized Diverge could be an option for what you are looking for:
http://www.specializedconceptstore.co.uk/diverge-comp-smartweld/38046/16diverge

tangled_metal

I got an alu hybrid a couple of years or so ago after 20+years using a Reynolds steel road bike. Harsh vibration despite front suspension. Glad it got nicked, relieved despite not insured (ooops).

I replaced with PX London Road with tiagra. Aluminum frame with carbon forks. IMHO with 700x37c tyres run at lower pressures and I'd say it was a lot better than my steel road bike running 700x23c at higher pressures. Less road buzz I think. I'd consider it since IMHO/IME it's a decent bike for the price.

You do hear of bad service from px/OO but I got nothing but excellent service. Yes.their website messed up and charged me for a free upgrade after having never recorded it in my first attempt at buying online two phone calls got these issues sorted in about 5-10 minutes each time. Lead time was 3 weeks because it was April just when people tend to kit up for spring. I'm not the only one who rates them and have had excellent service. Part of the issue could be expectations perhaps. I've not bought many bikes but all of them took upwards of 3 weeks to come in and be made ready to collect. PX deliver in a box ready for riding in 10 minutes.of setting up. So.easy even I could cope with that.

Doubt it suits but have you thought of a tourer? Spa cycles do a titanium tourer for within your price. Might take 30 tyres and a bit different.

pigeontoes

Thanks everyone, I really appreciate the helpful and wide ranging advice. There are obviously a lot of options I hadn't considered:

Specialised Diverge - like the look of this. The 2016 version comes with pretty skinny tyres, the 2015 looks a better bet. Not totally certain it takes mudguards as advice seems to differ on websites. Will look into this.

Custom Build - I'd be really happy to get a custom build that included fully hydraulic brakes in my price range. Couldn't see any prices on the Argos web site but I'll give them a call.

Tourer - had thought of this but they all seem a little heavy

On One- the positive feedback means I'll try and get up there. Clicked on their website a few minutes ago and there were plenty of pictures of the grey one (anthracite), which weren't there yesterday. Think it looks pretty good.

ForumNewbie

[url=http://www.bikeradar.com/forums/viewtopic.php?p=19739214#p19739214]pigeontoes[/url] wrote:

Thanks everyone, I really appreciate the helpful and wide ranging advice. There are obviously a lot of options I hadn't considered:

Specialised Diverge - like the look of this. The 2016 version comes with pretty skinny tyres, the 2015 looks a better bet. Not totally certain it takes mudguards as advice seems to differ on websites. Will look into this.

Custom Build - I'd be really happy to get a custom build that included fully hydraulic brakes in my price range. Couldn't see any prices on the Argos web site but I'll give them a call.

Tourer - had thought of this but they all seem a little heavy

Yes, a standard tourer is too heavy for what your looking for, but a light tourer might be okay. I have a Dawes Audax light tourer with steel frame - 11.2 kg - still a bit heavy but not like a 14 kg tourer. Although they don't do that model anymore, I'm sure Dawes and others still do similar type models.

ddraver

Dude, that grey is awful! At least the orange/green ones have a bit of personality...

pigeontoes

ddraver wrote:

Dude, that grey is awful! At least the orange/green ones have a bit of personality...

I hate to admit it but the orange one is growing on me. I originally thought over my dead body. Can't quite work out whether one that colour is more or less likely to get stolen.

kfinlay

How about a Shand Stoater - maybe over budget though - shandcycles.com

dstev55

The problem I see with the two On One models is they are both specced with a single front ring. With the mixed type of riding you have described you are going to do then surely you will need a bit more versatility and range in the gearing?

ddraver

Not all of them any more...the London thingum is for Communting for which a single ring does make a bit of sense...

dstev55

[url=http://www.bikeradar.com/forums/viewtopic.php?p=19741473#p19741473]ddraver[/url] wrote:

Not all of them any more...the London thingum is for Communting for which a single ring does make a bit of sense...

Wouldn't fancy it on a 180 mile sportive though!

ddraver

I wouldnt fancy it on a trip to timbuktoo

What's your point?

DeVlaeminck

If you want this kind of bike and the potential to get it down to 9kgs I doubt steel is an option.

Assuming the sportive comment means you want to be competitive in things like the Marmotte then something like the PlanetX options are probably the way to go as a light carbon bike with hydraulic discs from one of the big brands is likely to blow your budget even if they exist.

pigeontoes

Thanks for the additional advice everyone:

kfinlay - The Shand Stoater looks good but as you say is out my price range.

dstev55 - The On One website is confusing but the cheaper option labelled 1x isn't, it's Rival 22 when you get down to the bike build.

DeVlaeminck - I think I may have to compromise on weight, Kona have been particularly unresponsive providing any detail. My intention is to grab a test ride on one after they arrive in country on 15 Jan and go upto Sheffield before then to see an OnOne. Will also tryout the Specialized Diverge although I'm concerned about the challenges their 'Cludge and pray' mudguards seem to have on this bike.

bobmcstuff

I would probably get a Genesis Croix de Fer in your situation because they look lovely. My girlfriend has a CdF 10 and it's good. One of the higher end framesets will be a good bit lighter than the one on the 10 too.

I might also look at a Condor Fratello Disc (I have the non-disc and it is an excellent bike) - main thing is you wouldn't get as good a spec for the price and it wouldn't take the offroad stuff as well as the Croix de Fer (even if you put bigger tyres on, I've used mine for some light offroading shortcuts to link up roads I want to ride but it's not designed for that). Having said that it would be better on road. I just played with the bike builder on their website and looks like you can get a 105 build for about £1,750, but mechanical discs (didn't seem to be any hydro options). My non-disc version comes under 10kg with the mudguards off and a pair of Zondas on (only Tiagra and heavy finishing kit though).

dstev55

[url=http://www.bikeradar.com/forums/viewtopic.php?p=19741695#p19741695]ddraver[/url] wrote:

I wouldnt fancy it on a trip to timbuktoo

What's your point?

My point is:

I wouldn't fancy riding any 11 speed Road bike on a 180 mile trip.

Would you like me to break it down in to even simpler English for you?

ddraver

So....buy one of the ones that doesn't have a 1 x system then...?????

Comprehension of english is frankly irrelevant to this whole discussion, what's your point?

dstev55

[url=http://www.bikeradar.com/forums/viewtopic.php?p=19742277#p19742277]ddraver[/url] wrote:

So....buy one of the ones that doesn't have a 1 x system then...?????

Comprehension of english is frankly irrelevant to this whole discussion, what's your point?

Why does there have to be a "point", as you put it, to me voicing my opinion? If you don't agree with it then fine, but just stop bloody going on about it...

pigeontoes

[url=http://www.bikeradar.com/forums/viewtopic.php?p=19742011#p19742011]bobmcstuff[/url] wrote:

I would probably get a Genesis Croix de Fer in your situation because they look lovely. My girlfriend has a CdF 10 and it's good. One of the higher end framesets will be a good bit lighter than the one on the 10 too.

I might also look at a Condor Fratello Disc (I have the non-disc and it is an excellent bike) - main thing is you wouldn't get as good a spec for the price and it wouldn't take the offroad stuff as well as the Croix de Fer (even if you put bigger tyres on, I've used mine for some light offroading shortcuts to link up roads I want to ride but it's not designed for that). Having said that it would be better on road. I just played with the bike builder on their website and looks like you can get a 105 build for about £1,750, but mechanical discs (didn't seem to be any hydro options). My non-disc version comes under 10kg with the mudguards off and a pair of Zondas on (only Tiagra and heavy finishing kit though).

My original plan was to wait until the 2015 Croix de Fer were on sale and then get a Stainless Steel one as they were the only fully hydraulic brakes. I got distracted by the Kona Roadhouse which I like the look of more. I went to Condor in London, was really impressed by the bike and their service but you can't get fully hydraulic discs and as you say the max tyre width isn't really big enough for what I want.

bobmcstuff

Well, you could always buy the frame and build it up yourself with hydro discs.

But the genesis seems to be designed for exactly what you want.

ddraver

CdeF is a good shout...they are the sort of things that get discounted in sales too if you re not in a rush