Winter/Endurance Bike Opinions

dazz_ni45

I am currently looking for a new winter bike/endurance bike for long days in the saddle.

The main requirements are that it is hydraulic disc brakes and is able to take full mudguards.

Budget wise would be preferably be under £1,500, but would I would prepared to spend up to £2,000 if it was getting me a much better bike.

Club training runs in the winter are fast so I don't want anything too heavy as I also do a lot of climbing. I don't really mind if it is alloy or carbon as long as there is no weight penalty.

Options I have looked at so far are:

Giant Defy Advanced 2 2017 for £1,300 (Rutlands). The 2017 seem to have Shimano BR-RS505 hydraulic disc whereas the 2018 model has the Giant Conduct Hydraulic Disc which I'm not as keen on.

Cube Attain GTC Pro Disc 2017 for £1,100 (Rutlands). Not sure how this compares to Giant or if the Giant is worth the £200 more. Is there any more news of the Cube specific mudguards or are there any other options?

Giant Defy Advanced Pro 1 2017 for £1,950 at my LBS. This has the Shimano BR-RS805 hydraulic disc brakes.

Is there any opinions on the above or any other options I should be looking at? I don't want to buy a bike and then have to spend money upgrading it.

Has anyone actually fitted full mudguards to the new Defy discs? They do have eyelets but I can't find much information online about what will actually fit.

Any advice appreciated as I do have to move quickly as the LBS will only hold the Pro 1 until Monday.

Thanks

cougie

I like the look of this

https://www.boardmanbikes.com/gb_en/products/418-cxr

sloppyschleckonds

Only 5 weeks of winter left, get something for Spring

alan_sherman

Pinnacle dolomite.

Whyte carbon thing was winning bike mag reviews.

dazz_ni45

SloppySchleckonds wrote:

Only 5 weeks of winter left, get something for Spring

Going by the weather the past few years, the winter bike gets about 8 months use a year!

It won't just be for winter, it will also be for longer summer miles when I want a bit more comfort. I currently have a rim brake cannondale synapse carbon so it will be its replacement as well as the winter bike replacement

dazz_ni45

oxoman wrote:

The only real difference between the 2017 pro and adv defy,s is that the pro has carbon wheels and comes set up tubeless slightly better brakes, ultegra. Personally if I was looking at either now I think I would save the money and just get the adv and get some handbuilts at some stage. I wouldn't want the 2018 with the conduct system although I may try it on my TCX as a cheap upgrade to hydraulic. Certainly can't fault my Pro.

Thanks. The other option is the 2017 Advanced Pro 2 which can be picked up for £1,600 which may be an in between option and closed to the original budget!

You didn't by any chance fit mudguards to yours?

Or any thoughts on a Genesis Datum 20?

dazz_ni45

I can get a Datum 20 in my size for £1450 so comparable to the Defy. I had always through of it more as a gravel bike which is why I hadn't originally shortlisted it. Would it be a better buy than than the Giant?

dazz_ni45

Thanks. Yes just noticed the weight of the Datum after posting. Probably an issue when used as an all rounder but considering mine will be 100% round use I’d prefer lighter if possible.

dj58

dazz_ni45 wrote:

I am currently looking for a new winter bike/endurance bike for long days in the saddle.

The main requirements are that it is hydraulic disc brakes and is able to take full mudguards.

Budget wise would be preferably be under £1,500, but would I would prepared to spend up to £2,000 if it was getting me a much better bike.

Club training runs in the winter are fast so I don't want anything too heavy as I also do a lot of climbing. I don't really mind if it is alloy or carbon as long as there is no weight penalty.

Options I have looked at so far are:

Giant Defy Advanced 2 2017 for £1,300 (Rutlands). The 2017 seem to have Shimano BR-RS505 hydraulic disc whereas the 2018 model has the Giant Conduct Hydraulic Disc which I'm not as keen on.

Cube Attain GTC Pro Disc 2017 for £1,100 (Rutlands). Not sure how this compares to Giant or if the Giant is worth the £200 more. Is there any more news of the Cube specific mudguards or are there any other options?

Giant Defy Advanced Pro 1 2017 for £1,950 at my LBS. This has the Shimano BR-RS805 hydraulic disc brakes.

Is there any opinions on the above or any other options I should be looking at? I don't want to buy a bike and then have to spend money upgrading it.

Has anyone actually fitted full mudguards to the new Defy discs? They do have eyelets but I can't find much information online about what will actually fit.

Any advice appreciated as I do have to move quickly as the LBS will only hold the Pro 1 until Monday.

Thanks

I had a close look at a 2017 Defy Advance Pro and although it does have threaded fittings on the fork legs, there is no fitting on the fork crown to attach a mudguard mounting bracket to. Same for the rear triangle, there is no seat stay or chain stay bridge to attach a full mudguard sliding bridge mounting bracket to, or to fix the front lower part to. I asked the shop owner to ring Giant UK and ask them if there was anyway to fit a set of full mudguards to a composite model Defy, they said no and any attempt to do so would probably invalidate the bike warranty.

dazz_ni45

DJ58 wrote:

dazz_ni45 wrote:

I am currently looking for a new winter bike/endurance bike for long days in the saddle.

The main requirements are that it is hydraulic disc brakes and is able to take full mudguards.

Budget wise would be preferably be under £1,500, but would I would prepared to spend up to £2,000 if it was getting me a much better bike.

Club training runs in the winter are fast so I don't want anything too heavy as I also do a lot of climbing. I don't really mind if it is alloy or carbon as long as there is no weight penalty.

Options I have looked at so far are:

Giant Defy Advanced 2 2017 for £1,300 (Rutlands). The 2017 seem to have Shimano BR-RS505 hydraulic disc whereas the 2018 model has the Giant Conduct Hydraulic Disc which I'm not as keen on.

Cube Attain GTC Pro Disc 2017 for £1,100 (Rutlands). Not sure how this compares to Giant or if the Giant is worth the £200 more. Is there any more news of the Cube specific mudguards or are there any other options?

Giant Defy Advanced Pro 1 2017 for £1,950 at my LBS. This has the Shimano BR-RS805 hydraulic disc brakes.

Is there any opinions on the above or any other options I should be looking at? I don't want to buy a bike and then have to spend money upgrading it.

Has anyone actually fitted full mudguards to the new Defy discs? They do have eyelets but I can't find much information online about what will actually fit.

Any advice appreciated as I do have to move quickly as the LBS will only hold the Pro 1 until Monday.

Thanks

I had a close look at a 2017 Defy Advance Pro and although it does have threaded fittings on the fork legs, there is no fitting on the fork crown to attach a mudguard mounting bracket to. Same for the rear triangle, there is no seat stay or chain stay bridge to attach a full mudguard sliding bridge mounting bracket to, or to fix the front lower part to. I asked the shop owner to ring Giant UK and ask them if there was anyway to fit a set of full mudguards to a composite model Defy, they said no and any attempt to do so would probably invalidate the bike warranty.

Thanks for that. That is really strange, why go to the both of having eyelets but not be able to fit full guards. Do you know if this applies to all Defy Advanced or just the Pro range?

dj58

Both have the same fittings on the 2017 models from what I could see, and yes it does seem a strange decision, though I think that Giant must have changed their mind about mudguard fitment for the Defy composite bikes, or those threaded fittings are there for some other reason, I asked the question though could not get a definitive answer.

Have a look at the 2018 Cannodale Synapse, it has hidden mudguard mounts IRC also the Trek Domane.

dj58

Yes I think you are correct, in 2016 Giant had on their website a set of half mudguards that attached directly to the fork legs and seat stays, the bike shop owner told me that these had been withdrawn due to problems with frame damage, fretting I think he said on the rear stays in particular.

molteni_man

Slightly different from your current thinking, but a great bike for winter is the Focus Paralane which comes with full mudguards designed for the bike itself and easily removed/ fitted . A good friend bought one and I bought an Orro Terra . We have both enjoyed the gravel bike route and the capabilities they have for everything. So pleased with the winter performance with hydraulic discs and the sure handedness on all road surfaces - especially here in Hampshire. I’ve got 35mm tyres which are planted although I think 32mm would probably be best option overall. I’ve just posted a PB going up Old Winchester Hill today so not that slow and descend brilliantly.
Probably not what you’re looking for but thought might be worth a shout! Happy hunting!

dazz_ni45

Molteni Man wrote:

Slightly different from your current thinking, but a great bike for winter is the Focus Paralane which comes with full mudguards designed for the bike itself and easily removed/ fitted . A good friend bought one and I bought an Orro Terra . We have both enjoyed the gravel bike route and the capabilities they have for everything. So pleased with the winter performance with hydraulic discs and the sure handedness on all road surfaces - especially here in Hampshire. I’ve got 35mm tyres which are planted although I think 32mm would probably be best option overall. I’ve just posted a PB going up Old Winchester Hill today so not that slow and descend brilliantly.
Probably not what you’re looking for but thought might be worth a shout! Happy hunting!

Thanks for recommendations. I had actually looked at both these bikes but the Paralane was out of budget and I had read some stories about issues with the Orro Terra bottom bracket. Have you had any problems?

dazz_ni45

DJ58 wrote:

Have a look at the 2018 Cannodale Synapse, it has hidden mudguard mounts IRC also the Trek Domane.

Good call on the Synapse. I have an older non-disc version and I didn't realise the 2018 had mudguard mounts. I might park my plans for now and wait for the 2018 discounts at the end of summer. Colour schemes on the lower end (105/ultegra carbons) 2018 models aren't great through

cycleclinic

Try buying a genesis equilbrium disc and a cheapest bike you can find with shaimno hydraulic disc brakes and swap the parts over. Sell whats left over. you should be able to keep the budget to £1500 with a bit of work and you will have a fine bike without compromise. Weight is not really a factor for a winter bike. mine is 11 kg as is quite quick

bendertherobot

The Equilibrium disc is great. Wait till the summer and you'll probably get a Ti one with hydro for £1500

micrographia

If you are after a 54cm frame, this is something of a bargain for £800. Mine is on its second winter and has had a lot of use. Replaced the wheels pretty quickly for something better and just had to replace the gear cables, otherwise hasn't missed a beat. Colour scheme a lot less lary in real life than it looks online.

https://www.hargreaves-cycles.co.uk/m39 ... nture-2016

molteni_man

Hi again dazz,
No problems with the bottom bracket after about a 1,500miles use. Gives me a grin on my face every time. Comes shod with 28mm rubber which does everything. I got the SE version last year which came with better wheels for around £1400. Shimano 105 . Paralane with 105 is just under the £1500 mark on Evans. I use the Terra mostly on road but it’s been fun to ride bridle ways etc too. Did the Isle of Wight circuit last year. If I had to have just one bike ( which I haven’t got to!) I reckon this would be the choice. I have a full set of mudguards when needed. The Paralane mudguards are neat I have to say though.

dazz_ni45

Thanks everyone for the input.

At the moment I'm favouring a Whyte Wessex. Spent most of yesterday reading reviews of various bikes and this seems to tick most of the boxes, plus my LBS can supply it.

The only slight negative is that their own brand mudguards don't get great reviews and the mounts are on the rear of the fork and rear stays. I assume this can be overcome by using something like the SKS direct straight fork mount so that I can fit a set of Bluemels
https://www.sjscycles.co.uk/mudguards/s ... unts-pair/

kingdav

micrographia wrote:

If you are after a 54cm frame, this is something of a bargain for £800. Mine is on its second winter and has had a lot of use. Replaced the wheels pretty quickly for something better and just had to replace the gear cables, otherwise hasn't missed a beat. Colour scheme a lot less lary in real life than it looks online.

https://www.hargreaves-cycles.co.uk/m39 ... nture-2016

Wow - stunning value hydraulic disc!

kingrollo

Interesting.
My thoughts are that a winter bike is just something that takes mudguards and lower end components - and costs no where near as much as your main bike (mines a used alu defy)

I try to stop using my winter bike around march (except for commuting) - to me an all year round bike will always make some compromises

dazz_ni45

oxoman wrote:

To the OP, what I don't understand is at the beginning you looked at lightweight bikes yet all of a sudden we see bikes 2 & 3kg heavier being looked at. Best option so far though has to be the cannondale.

I struggled to tick all the boxes and for essentially a bike that mainly going to be a winter bike/do it all I didn't mind it being a little heavier. The original bikes I had posted weren't exactly lightweight so the Wessex won't have too much of a penalty.

I agree that the Synapse was probably the best options but there are no real discounts around at the moment and I really don't like the colour schemes on the lower end options....

paulbnix

If you are after a 54cm frame, this is something of a bargain for £800. Mine is on its second winter and has had a lot of use. Replaced the wheels pretty quickly for something better and just had to replace the gear cables, otherwise hasn't missed a beat. Colour scheme a lot less lary in real life than it looks online.

https://www.hargreaves-cycles.co.uk/m39 ... nture-2016

I was so tempted by this that I bought it today. Looks nice. I’ll find out tomorrow if it’s as good as it looks.

ba68

Cervelo C3 105 can be had for £1800 from sigma! Will take 32mm tyres and guards. Lovely ride and probably sub 8kg

keef66

I thought back when I read your OP that the 2017 Datum 20 fitted the bill perfectly.

I set one up for a colleague who had it as a long service award, lucky bugger. Fitted SKS Chromoplastics very neatly indeed. Still felt pretty light for a hydro disc braked bike with wider tyres. And that electric blue paint job is even better in the flesh.

They were in the sale for £1500 at the time but the few remaining ones are £1300 now. And Rutland keep emailing me reminders...

dazz_ni45

keef66 wrote:

I thought back when I read your OP that the 2017 Datum 20 fitted the bill perfectly.

I set one up for a colleague who had it as a long service award, lucky bugger. Fitted SKS Chromoplastics very neatly indeed. Still felt pretty light for a hydro disc braked bike with wider tyres. And that electric blue paint job is even better in the flesh.

They were in the sale for £1500 at the time but the few remaining ones are £1300 now. And Rutland keep emailing me reminders...

I was very very tempted by the Datum. Rutland didn't have my size but I did find one from an independent in London but got the Whyte at a good price and felt it was a better buy

kingdav

Probably one of these is best. I'm saving up (to buy one 2nd hand in about 10 years time!)
https://www.bespokecycling.com/blog/road/colnago-c64

micrographia

paulbnix wrote:

If you are after a 54cm frame, this is something of a bargain for £800. Mine is on its second winter and has had a lot of use. Replaced the wheels pretty quickly for something better and just had to replace the gear cables, otherwise hasn't missed a beat. Colour scheme a lot less lary in real life than it looks online.

https://www.hargreaves-cycles.co.uk/m39 ... nture-2016

I was so tempted by this that I bought it today. Looks nice. I’ll find out tomorrow if it’s as good as it looks.

I'll just note that the UK distributor doesn't carry spares for the mudguards, so I'd loctite and regularly check the mounting screws and have put a turn of leccy tape around the jaws that grip the guard. Long flaps for the end of the guards went down well with club mates (used a dremel to drill a hole), gratuitous cross-chaining with the Yaw front derailer good for winding up those who notice that sort of thing

kingrollo

dazz_ni45 wrote:

Thanks everyone for the input.

At the moment I'm favouring a Whyte Wessex. Spent most of yesterday reading reviews of various bikes and this seems to tick most of the boxes, plus my LBS can supply it.

The only slight negative is that their own brand mudguards don't get great reviews and the mounts are on the rear of the fork and rear stays. I assume this can be overcome by using something like the SKS direct straight fork mount so that I can fit a set of Bluemels
https://www.sjscycles.co.uk/mudguards/s ... unts-pair/

Be interested to see how you get on. The whyte wessex does tick a lot of boxes - But leans towards gravel bike to achieve this - I can't believe you won't feel some loss of speed over a more lightweight, skinny tyres bike in the summer months.

w00dster

The Whyte Wessex comes with 30mm tyres, that's hardly wide? Also takes full mud guards which makes it the fastest bike to do so....the advert says that.
Anyway, I don't think the bike would lose speed over skinnier rivals. Just swap the tyres out for 25 or 28s if you felt they were limiting you. My winter road bike has 32's and is close to 1kg heavier than the Wessex and its absolutely fine.
The Wessex is a decent looking bike though and gets good reviews...

http://road.cc/content/review/208403-whyte-wessex

I personally don't see the Wessex as a Gravel bike though, but it could certainly do the job if you wanted to. As someone who rides off-road I prefer to have as wide a tyre as possible, and 30mm tyre for off-road isn't wide. Not sure what the max width the Wessex can take though but without guards probably a bit more than 33mm. For reference, my Trek Domane takes 32mm with full guards, 33mm aggressive knobbly without guards or 35mm Schwalbe G One without guards.