Drop bar, large tyre width, front basket frameset options?

matt-h

Hi guys,

i have a few nice bikes that i use for racing, training, long rides etc.
What i'm after is a bike to use for all conditions, such as gravel paths with m y wife and child, popping to friends house, coffee shops etc.
I'll be putting flat pedals on it, want 32mm plus tyres and ideally would like a baskety type contraption on the front - somewhere to put a coat or a laptop etc.
I want drop bars and to ideally build the bike up myself. Not bothered about frame material.
What do you recommend?

Matt

oxoman

I'd suggest a giant TCX but can't really see it with a basket up front, carradice type bag maybe. https://www.alwaysriding.co.uk/carradic ... ArL38P8HAQ
Just make sure you get a hydraulic braked one not mech brake, the difference is like light and day. Some idea of budget would be good as well.

matt-h

Hi Oxman,
i'm looking for 32mm + tyres (i've amended my post).
Not really got a budget as i have some spare parts lying around and happy with used if i can get my size

Matt

oxoman

The TCX comes with 35mm,s as standard.
http://www.tredz.co.uk/.Giant-TCX-SLR-1 ... m838P8HAQ#

matt-h

ah, thanks fella. I confused it with a tcr

w00dster

Have you seen these....

https://www.arkel-od.com/en/bike-handlebar-bag.html

Might be a bit more convenient than having a basket on the front. If it was my build, I'd just have any cross or gravel disc braked frame that could take large enough tyres. I'd also look at using wider than normal flared bars. The below link might be worth a read....

http://5metresofdevelopment.blogspot.co ... -bars.html

matt-h

Thanks W00dster, those bags and mount look ace.
I cant do those bars though - i dont have a beard and i dont like the look of them
Also, i'm thinking probably a steel or alu frame - something i can abuse a bit more and be less desirable in the theft dept

Matt

w00dster

Yeah the flared bars are a bit marmite, they just offer a small amount of extra stability and give you some additional space up front.
I had a steel genesis cdf, was a good frame, took wide tyres and was used for my family rides, gentle off road and light forest trails. Was also reasonably priced.
I now have an alu Domane and will be backpacking on it this year. Takes wide tyres and has hydraulic brakes. Might be overkill for your needs though.
Could be worth having a look at second hand kona or surly frames?

matt-h

Yeah, I have a genesis volare that i love, so definitely worth me considering.
Also found this, http://www.planetx.co.uk/i/q/FRPXFM/pla ... avel-frame, I just cant like the Planet X colours and logos.


Matt

antonyfromoz

You could look at the Alpkit Camino Al frame/fork combo - it costs £300, takes either 700 or 650 wheels and has big clearance for tyres in either size. Seems to be some good reviews on the net too, but not many as they are reasonably new.