Cycling UK Forum

SamSam, if it helps, the CDF frame looks very similar to the Genesis Day One frame, including the fork and chainstay gaps. I got a Day One disc some weeks back (a brilliant bike I might add) and it's got 35 mil tyres. I've put Crudcatcher's on rather than full mudguards, but wouldn't risk putting mudguards on with tyres any wider than 35 mil anyway. There isn't much gap, especially under the fork.

Have you considered the Surly LHT? Not the prettiest, but well designed and built and with a cracking reputation. One of the guys on the club run today was on his, got to admit, it's an impressive bike.

mrjemm wrote:I suspect the Hobo is another that nobody has ever seen, let alone ridden. Except hipster-hero Luis Bunuelle(?) on his advertising junket for it.

I think a large number of manufacturers now do a model that fits this genre (marketing target), so you've a lot of choice out there. If you're thinking of adapting over time (or building yourself to get right from the off), it's worth looking beyond stuff that could be changed easily when preparing for your big trip, gearing being one thing, especially as touring gearing, depending on how/where you tour, is likely to be different to commuting gearing (again depending on how/where you commute). Also, as time nears for your adventure, your knowledge, views and desires will change, so a bare-bones machine may make more sense. Or even a currently commute/day-to-day use oriented bike (as most of the models really are, I think).

That makes sense. Not sure if I understand you completely though, but do you mean that the Croix de Fer (and similar bikes) are good bare-bones machines? Or is the Croix de F a less good bare-bones machine because of the rather limited tyre clearance? Ok I know, that sounds silly

pioneer wrote:SamSam, if it helps, the CDF frame looks very similar to the Genesis Day One frame, including the fork and chainstay gaps. I got a Day One disc some weeks back (a brilliant bike I might add) and it's got 35 mil tyres. I've put Crudcatcher's on rather than full mudguards, but wouldn't risk putting mudguards on with tyres any wider than 35 mil anyway. There isn't much gap, especially under the fork.

Have you considered the Surly LHT? Not the prettiest, but well designed and built and with a cracking reputation. One of the guys on the club run today was on his, got to admit, it's an impressive bike.

That is exactly what I was thinking today at work! I was wondering the following:

If I would buy a Croix de Fer, I would change the cassette/gearing before I go on a loaded tour anyhow. So if the Day One (which I also think is pretty pretty by the way) is essentially the same frame (but with lower graded steel?), it might not be a bad idea to get that one (because single speed/fixed gear is fine for commuting and everyday use to me) and thus transform the bike into a touring bike when the adventure nears.

However, in the end I guess I might end up spending the same amount of money? Because next to a touring cassette, I would have to buy and install derailleurs, shifters (and maybe some other things that are missing on the Day One which I'm unaware of) on the Day one.

I have considered the LHT, but I dismissed it because of the looks, the price, and the availability here in Belgium (The dealer information for Belgium seems very outdated, and it is unclear whether there still are Surly dealers in our country at the moment). Also, a few people have informed me that the LHT might be a little less fun to ride unloaded than some of the other candidates, and like mrjemm said: views and desires might change, and for all I know I might end up doing more unloaded/light loaded than heavy heavy loaded touring.

Curious to hear your thoughts

Have to correct myself, the Day One is out because it is not designed to be able to take a front rack

Just an idea, but if part of your difficulty lies in availability of particular bikes in Belgium, Have you thought of nipping over to London and spending some time visiting different shops to really have a good look at your possible steed?

There is another type of Day One/CDF. It's basically a slightly downgraded CDF. Can't remember the model name but a fine looking bike.

The Day One can take a front rack, but not a lowrider one. And the singlespeed model is no good for future transmission changes to derailleur because of the track ends and no boss for a hanger.

Thank you for the info!

And that is actually not such a bad idea to cross the pond to go check some bikes, might have to look into that

pioneer wrote:There is another type of Day One/CDF. It's basically a slightly downgraded CDF. Can't remember the model name but a fine looking bike.

Isn't that the CDF? As opposed to the Croix de Fer?
http://road.cc/content/review/61480-genesis-cdf

SamSam - btw, if you find something you like but can not transport it to Belgium, let me know. I go back and forth all the time.
You can guess why - the clue is in my "name". Don't forget also that if you will cycle to work on it, the employer can pay a rate per km.

Hi Sam, I don't mean tĥe Genesis, no. I don't know much about them besides the looks, which I prefer the Surlys/Salsas to!

Really saying that it is good to get the best frame, even with less suitable parts for an adventure, as those can all be changed, & by then may be worn anyway- good to start big trip with fresh kit!

I do know though, that the CdF (small d) is, as mentioned, the more basic cousin of the Croix de Fer.

Am surprised Surly/Salsa (QBP) not easily available there, them being bigger (outside UK) & very well known. I see there are dealers: http://surlybikes.com/dealers/#Belgium

I wonder what it is about the Genesis looks that you like that makes you forgive their deficiencies...

Don't know about deficiencies, other than possibly a bit tight for larger tyres, but mine certainly is great to ride.

Claireysmurf, thanks, that's the one!

pioneer wrote:Don't know about deficiencies, other than possibly a bit tight for larger tyres, but mine certainly is great to ride.

Claireysmurf, thanks, that's the one!

Sorry, yes, there seemed to be a lot of chatter about tyre sizes and mudguards as ever. Also, Samsam talked about lower gearing and so on re the Hobo compared to the genesis.

And of course I'm spoiled by being a Vaya owner...

@chocjohn: Thanks for the offer! Will let you know if I make it across the pond!

The Cdf (cheaper cousin of the Croix de Fer) is out because of the road.cc review (the bigger brother seems to be worth the extra money)

Specialized AWOL is also out

The dealers listed at the Surly website are outdated! I know some of them and they don't stock Surly anymore

So still in the running for me are:

Genesis Croix de Fer
Cinelli Hobo

Cinelli Hobo can take bigger tyres and to me seems a little bit more specced as a touring bike? Although I'm not sure, don't actually "know" all those components. On the other side, the Croix de Fer has the advantage of its very good and proven reputation while the Hobo is completely new. If the Hobo is considerately cheaper I guess I go Hobo.

I also noticed the "Fuji Touring" today, but it seems dangerously cheap? And maybe I shouldn't add new options and stick with the two I have narrowed down to

Re the Fuji;

these bikes are very often a good spec for the price and seem as well made as any. If the bike fits you and has the spec you want, go for it.

However if you are looking for downsides to a Fuji then;

1) bike snobs won't drool over it (maybe this is an upside.... )

2) check both the warranty conditions and the customer experiences of people who have had to use their warranties.

I think on paper you get a lifetime frame warranty but how well this works in the UK is anyone's guess.

cheers

SamSam wrote:Cinelli Hobo

Cinelli Hobo can take bigger tyres and to me seems a little bit more specced as a touring bike? Although I'm not sure, don't actually "know" all those components...If the Hobo is considerately cheaper I guess I go Hobo.

Hi Sam, I don't think Cinelli are known for cheap bikes! Also still wonder about this bike, whether it is anywhere in the real world- have you seen one, or are aware of them being available anywhere?

Maybe the Genesis is the only one actually available in the real world! (Not counting Surly and Salsa etc., we've all seen'n ridden those, but they're ruled out... ). Hobos and AWOLs I think are perhaps vapourware... Unicorns.

Now here is something really interesting to add to the mix...

http://www.bikerumor.com/2013/12/20/fou ... wolverine/

SamSam
Your two choices are not available in Belgium but are at Evans Cycles - which happens to have a showroom at Gatwick - not too far from here (Bel) then... plus being a huge online retailer, you might see other stuff at the same time. Certainly worth a trip over.....
Spec wise, they seem fairly similar but the Genesis does have a 725 frame - excellent and is £125 cheaper. At the end of the day, components are important but the frame is king of the list of things to want to get right first time around.