All-Purpose Steed: CX, Enduro, Gravel?

Big_Jack
Big_Jack Posts: 82
edited March 2017 in Road buying advice
Hi all, hoping to get a bit of advice as I am spoilt for choice / in a rut regarding my next bike. First things first, for full disclosure, I should let you know (on the road section of BikeRadar) that i'm a MTBer primarily. My road bike is generally a training tool for me, I won't ever race it and i'd like to turn it into a commuter too (25 miles each way) as well as being functional over the occasional long distance / mile munching few days.

My commute is mostly road but with some cycle track too (the Phoenix trail for anyone local to Bucks). It'd be nice to have some minor offroad ability in the bike to dive through some shortcuts, although I stick to my MTB for most of my offroad fixes.

With this in mind, I am at a complete loss between the bike options out there. CX, Adventure, Gravel, All-Road? It leaves me with a bit of a headache to be honest. My only real criteria are disc brakes (controversial :roll: ) and at least 25mm tyre clearance, preferably 28+.

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/vitus-bikes-zenium-sl-disc-bike-superlight-105-2017/rp-prod146535 caught my eye, but I can't really tell if this is race geo or relaxed etc.

All input welcome! Currently riding a CAAD 8.

Cheers,

Jack

Comments

  • meanredspider
    meanredspider Posts: 12,337
    Many CX bikes have slightly different geometry (higher BB) and different chainset. That's fine if it suits you - just be aware of it.

    Ultimately, each bike is subtly different across a continuum - what they are called doesn't matter too much.
    ROAD < Scott Foil HMX Di2, Volagi Liscio Di2, Jamis Renegade Elite Di2, Cube Reaction Race > ROUGH
  • Big_Jack
    Big_Jack Posts: 82
    Cheers both for the replies! I suppose on reflection I'll ride any bike in terms of BB height etc, I think the CX ruggedness / all-round potential appeals to me, but are they much slower on the road compared to something like my CAAD8?

    The Giant looks nice! It's a bit heavier than a few of them, but i'll add it to the list :) Cheers for the input!
  • arlowood
    arlowood Posts: 2,561
    A quick trawl of the Rutland website also throws up this cut price bargain

    https://www.rutlandcycling.com/374135/p ... -blue.aspx

    Carbon frame, 105 5800 11-speed, Shimano hydraulic brakes, mudguard mounts, will take up to 33mm tyres and still have room for guards if you want them.

    What's not to like with a discounted price of £1800 and the capability of road and "rough stuff" riding

    The Datum 30 gets a great review here - basically the same bike but with Ultegra Di2 instead of mechanical 105 5800

    http://road.cc/content/review/161471-genesis-datum-30
  • gweeds
    gweeds Posts: 2,550
    You could do worse than a Giant Defy as well
    Napoleon, don't be jealous that I've been chatting online with babes all day. Besides, we both know that I'm training to be a cage fighter.