buying advice please - Croix de fer v Specialized AWOL

[samsbike]

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/

I love the SOMA and its in orange!!!

[SamSam]

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

The Fuji indeed does seem pretty decent! And there also seem to be a very large amount of dealers here in Belgium, so I might try one out next week. I Think the bike is beautiful enough, and I don't care about bike snobs

Can't find information regarding the tire clearance ANYWHERE though

Limited lifetime warranty on the fuji, but reports seem mixed, some have gotten a new bicycle within a week, others had to wait more than 5 weeks

[SamSam]

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/

The Cinelli Hobo's are expected to hit the stores somewhere in January, probably by the end of january I guess. So that is indeed somewhat of a problem, there are no reviews and only luka bravi (or whatever his name is) has ridden one.

I indeed noticed the Hobo on evans, costing almost € 1600 in the UK, but according to Italian discussion boards the bike costs € 1200 in Italy, and I have found it even for € 1080 here: http://www.ciclimattio.com/en/ciclismo/detail/CINELLI_BOOTLEG_HOBO_TELAIO_E_FORCELLA_CUSTOM_2014/73165. Does anyone has experience with ordering something from that shop?

that Soma Wolverine is nice, but not for sale yet so he is out

[SamSam]

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.

Yes, I have absolutely no idea what to think about the Columbus reinforced steel Cinelli is using. The predecessor of the Hobo, The Cinelli bootleg Racing Rats frame, has gotten horrible reviews, and I have found more bad reviews of steel Cinelli bikes. However, that might not mean that this Columbus reinforced steel frame is bad, because maybe they've gotten it right this time?

Anyone out there with experience on a Columbus reinforced steel bike?

[BrianP]

Singular Peregrine. http://www.singularcycles.com/shop/inde ... grine.html



As monstercross



as classic tourer



Description

A tourer? Commuter? Monster ‘cross? Dress it up whichever way you like, the Peregrine is our most flexible frameset, with a classic lugged construction. The Peregrine harks back to some of the classic all-rounder bikes of old. Sturdy enough to hit the dirt, nimble enough for some singletrack, stable enough for touring – the Peregrine will do what you want to do, take you where you want to go.

There’s enough clearance for 2.0” wide 29” tyres for true off-roading, or a nice fat 700x37 (even with mudguards) for touring, around town, or a bit of rough-stuffing. Full braze-ons for racks and mudguards mean you’re set for some long touring as well. The frame is designed to give you sharp yet predictable handling. Long stays and a low bottom bracket mean stability even with a load.

[SamSam]

That is a very interesting bike and indeed the versatility I am looking for (and maybe even more)! The one Singular dealer in Belgium listed on their website seems outdated though, it is not clear if he still sells bicycles at all, and I can't find an e-mail, but I have sent Singular a mail to see what it would cost to get me a complete peregrine. That might be already a problem because it seems they only sell the frames and do not do complete bikes?

[BrianP]

Glad you like the Peregrine. People who ride Singular's always seem to write very nice things about them.

With all the terrific sales that are on just now, you are in a great position to specify exactly the bits you would like, rather than buying a full build which has some bits you like and others you don't. Your local bike shop could then expertly build the bike up for you.

Easy start by ordering a lovely set of Spa wheels, with exactly the hubs, rims, and tyres you want.

Brian

[mrjemm]

The singular peregrine is a beautiful bike in my eyes. Be aware it has an eccentric bottom bracket.

[reohn2]

Anyone out there with experience on a Columbus reinforced steel bike?

No,and that's a very good reason not to buy one given Cinelli's track record on building steel framed touring bikes
Salsa Vaya & Surly LHT/DT OTOH..............

[mrjemm]

Anyone out there with experience on a Columbus reinforced steel bike?

No,and that's a very good reason not to buy one given Cinelli's track record on building steel framed touring bikes
Salsa Vaya & Surly LHT/DT OTOH..............

And don't forget the Straggler... (We need a thumbs up smilie, hmmm).

[BrianP]

The complete Surly Straggler seems a bit overpriced to me, but Triton sale has just started and they have framesets reduced by 20% at £365

http://www.tritoncycles.co.uk/road-bike ... enta-p1428

The earlier comment about AWOL being vapour ware or a unicorn is unfair. It's a 2014 bike and is promised by mid Feb 2014. Both confirmed by Evans on their website and Prima Sport my local stockist just this morning.

Brian

[mrjemm]

I know it's against the principal of bike releases, but they do typically come out well ahead of the year they're a model for. Sorry if I come across a bit mean to Mr Specialised, after all, they're a warm fuzzy company that deserves no criticism.

I agree about the standard complete Stragglers, they do seem to be charging something silly for a set of BB7 (when comparing to the Cross-Check, though really other parts are a bit better spec), as I've mentioned elsewhere, but Keep Pedalling are doing a sub £1K (well, £999 IIRC) RTW version, and the frameset is the way to go anyway (as ever for many), but of course the OP is not keen to build I think. That's a good price at Triton indeed.

Was looking at some Genesis bikes yesterday, and though they generally look quite nice, there are some disappointing aspects, like the dropouts that seem to be stencil cut plate. Definately got a bit of style though. Always kinda liked the Amplitude Adventure (?), but having seen one of those frames, I think I'd stick to QBP though...

[reohn2]

The complete Surly Straggler seems a bit overpriced to me, but Triton sale has just started and they have framesets reduced by 20% at £365

http://www.tritoncycles.co.uk/road-bike ... enta-p1428

I agree,I'd never buy a complete bike and IMHO even a beginner can build a bike up with a modicum mechanical experience or even a bit of common sense and youtube directions.

The earlier comment about AWOL being vapour ware or a unicorn is unfair. It's a 2014 bike and is promised by mid Feb 2014. Both confirmed by Evans on their website and Prima Sport my local stockist just this morning.

Brian

The thing is Specialized are sussing out the market before committing,minimum risk maximum profit(?),if their publicity stunts don't work and they don't get the interest they perceive needed for high volume sales required for X profit they'll just shelve the 'project' and either it'll resurface later or disappear completely it's the way such companies work.
They're a high volume loadsa froth media company that I've no faith in TBH.
Any company that threatens a small bike shop in Canada with legal action because it trades under the name Roubaix,because one of their bikes has the same model name,is a waste of space IMO
Especially when there's such a backlash from the cycling community the MD of Specialized spots the threat to sales then goes cap in hand to the shop owner and apologies personally.
And it's not the first time either,others' with less determination and support have backed down when similar threats have been made by Specialized.
Some would call it aggressive marketing,I'd call it a bullying monoculture
I wouldn't buy anything with Specialized written on it!
Hate bullies

[SamSam]

Building the bike myself is something I would want to do, but someone earlier in this thread told me that this will almost always be more expensive than buying your best bet complete bike and swapping the things you don't like later on. Or is it cheaper/about the same price in some cases?

[reohn2]

Building the bike myself is something I would want to do, but someone earlier in this thread told me that this will almost always be more expensive than buying your best bet complete bike and swapping the things you don't like later on. Or is it cheaper/about the same price in some cases?

Costs:-
Decent wheels and tyres(XT 756 hubs Sapim spokes,DRC ST19 or similar rims,choice of tyres,tubes and rim tape)=£250
9speed decent drivetrain(Deore rear mech Tiagra front mech,HG50 11-32 cassette,Sram 971 chain,Spa's own triple chainset,UN55 BB,Shimano Claris STI's* )=£220
H/bars,stem,seatpost,saddle,bar tape,headset=£110
Brakes; BB7 discs=£130.
Other bits(bolts,cables,etc)=£25
Total=£735
*minus £50 if Barend changers prefered.
If you need any special tools and lubricants for the build add £20
+cost of frameset=
£320 to £450 depending on frame chosen,Triton cycles are doing some good deals on Salsa Vaya's and Surly Disc Trucker and you can get a Croix de Fer f/set for under £400


The build is well above a standard equipped bike.The wheelset would be far,far better and you'd get to choose other various components instead of accepting what come on a stock bike and all for less than £1200.
You'd need M/guards,rack(s)and bottle cages to complete but you'd need to add them to a standard bike anyway.