Croix de Fer? Vaya? « Singletrack Forum

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Croix de Fer? Vaya?

31 posts & 18 voices | Started 4 months ago by kayak | Latest reply from Pinkstiffee

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kayak - Member

Hi all. I'm in need of a new bike for commuitng (20 miles each way) which can also be used on the local bridleways. I initially thought about the Vaya as it would be just the job - guards, rack and plenty of room for 40/45c tyres.

I'm currently looking at the Croix de Fer which may also be just the ticket. I'm wondering what the tyre clearance is like on the CdF? Anyone out there used one and can confirm if it will run 35c tyres with guards? Also, how well do guards and racks fit with the disc brake placements? On the Vaya the brake is situated on the inside of the seat stay, out of the way of mounting points.

The Vaya is looking favorite at the mo, although I'm uncertain about it's American looks and heritage.

Any help appreciated.

Cheers, Windy

Posted 4 months ago #
Sideways Tim - Member

Have a look at the Singular Peregrine too. I've built a few lately for just what you suggest. Vaya's too, but the CdF is going to be the lowest cost option.

http://blog.sidewayscycles.co.uk/2011/10/13/just-like-buses/

As far as guards and sensible sized tyres go they wil all cope admirably.

Posted 4 months ago #
davidtaylforth - Member

Surly cross check, I just bought one myself. Havent used it with racks yet, but it rides very well. My new favourite bike.

Edit - I did a custom build, the full builds look ****.

Posted 4 months ago #
Sideways Tim - Member

The Cross check doesn't take discs though - I think that's a key thing for Kayak/Windy.

Posted 4 months ago #
jameso - Member

You won't get 35c tyres and guards on the CDF, the geo's a bit closer clearance than some others. Road 28s, yes, but not a 35c CX and any mud room worth having. It's probably tighter at the front than the rear.

Posted 4 months ago #
Sideways Tim - Member

You won't get 35c tyres and guards on the CDF, the geo's a bit closer clearance than some others. Road 28s, yes, but not a 35c CX and any mud room worth having. It's probably tighter at the front than the rear.

It can be done, as I've done it with some white SKS Chromoplastics. Looked great too. Just trying to find a picture, but you're right about not loads of clearance in there.

Posted 4 months ago #
kayak - Member

I'm really wanting 35c and guards - currently running 25c and the roads are hell. Just like many others I guess, I'm fed up of rattling about in pot holes and crap tarmac repairs on relatively narrow tyres. Before being accused of being a some form of lightweight, I'm getting on a bit in years and I'm not bothered about losing a few minutes over the 20 miles to work. Conform all the way for me I'm afraid.

Looks like the CdF is out. The Vaya is still top of the list. The Peregrine looks like ti would be ideal, but I'm not sure about the looks.

Thanks for assisatance so far.

Cheers, Windy

Posted 4 months ago #
Sideways Tim - Member

The Pergrine in the picure above is a 59cm whopper. The more sensible sizes look better.
It's a great bike for fiddling with as you can hub gear it up easily too. Bags of clearance, but the front mudguard eyelets let it down a little in terms of disc caliper clearance.

Posted 4 months ago #
davidtaylforth - Member

Oops, didnt see the disc mount bit.

The next choice must be a Soma Double Cross DC then?

Posted 4 months ago #
jameso - Member

35c CX, or road tyres? When people asked about the CDF and guards, it was with 35c CX tyres in mind and the risk of mud jamming's a bit higher than ideal. Then again I never used guards and CX tyres on the same 700c bike anyway so it's not something I've tried any combos of.

Posted 4 months ago #
kayak - Member

It would be 35c road tyres (Kojak or something like that) with the guards. For a bit of bridleway action I'd change the tyres and remove guards. If 35c road tyres will fit with guards then the CdF becomes top dog perhaps.

Cheers, Windy

Posted 4 months ago #
kayak - Member

Sideways Tim - be really happy to see some photos of the CdF with guards if at all possible?

Cheers, Windy

Posted 4 months ago #
Sideways Tim - Member

I'll try and find a couple, but they're proving elusive!

Posted 4 months ago #
druidh - Member

Kinesis Tripster?

Posted 4 months ago #
Rorschach - Member

Pompetamine?

Posted 4 months ago #
mcmoonter - Member

http://blackmountaincycles.blogspot.com/

The next bike to go on the sale table is a 2011 model year Salsa Vaya in size 55. Seems strange that the 2011 model year bike is now old when it's still 2011, but I digress. According to Salsa's fit chart, it should fit guys in the 5'6" to 5'9" range (ideally 5'7" or 5'8") and gals in the 5'8" to 5'10" range. If you live in the Bay Area and are in that range and have been waiting for a killer deal on a 55cm Salsa Vaya, this is your chance.

As mentioned, it's a 2011 model which means it's got a Shimano 9-speed drivetrain with a double crankset. All the specs are on the link up in the very first sentence. Rack is not included, but can be added for and additional $80. Pedals aren't included as well. The brake housings were upgraded to compressionless housing which makes a huge difference is how the disc brakes feel and perform with the road brake levers.

The original price is $1595. Sale price for this baby is $1095 - a whopping $500 savings. Help me make some room and get yourself a sweet road/dirt all-rounder. This would make a great bike for dirt road loops around Mt. Tam. Photos are of the actual bike. Yes, there is dirt on the tires. No the bike is not used. I've got a dirt parking lot and in order to test ride any bike, it gets ridden through the parking lot. Price does not include sales tax. Shipping not available, sorry.

This is an awesome deal on a whole bike, twist Mike's arm and he may consider shipping.

Posted 4 months ago #
Handsomedog - Member

The Vaya is a great bike, beautifully made and rides lovely. Hugely versatile as well. BigDummy of this parish has one, pic below:

Also found on the BikeRadar forum a CdF with guards - I rather like the white but not exactly practical:

Posted 4 months ago #
Gasman Jim - Member

I've got a Vaya as my winter road bike. It's great and I can't wait for (lighter) discs to become ubiquitous on road bikes. It handles very nicely, but being steel isn't that light. The first few rides when I put the Merlin Extralight away for the winter were a bit of a shock! Still, the return to the feathery lightness of the Merlin will feel great in spring. I might look for a carbon disc fork to lop a couple of lbs off at some point.

You're right, the location of the rear calliper on the chain stay solves any mud guard stay fitting problems. The only niggle I've had was fitting the front mud guard stay on the right. In order to avoid fouling the calliper I ended up bending the stay and attaching it to the lowrider mount half way up the fork.

Posted 4 months ago #
gonetothehills - Member

I can highly recommend the Kinesis Tripster. I have SKS Chromoplastic guards on mine, BB5 discs (which work superbly) and Schwalbe Marathon Plus 28c tyres. It'll take way fatter though - I very nearly got some 35c the other day, but the vast majority of the riding it gets is fast(ish) commuting on the road.

Whilst the front guard mounts are relatively high up the fork legs, there's still a bit of bending required for the stays, but it's worth it - the whole set up works so well. The carbon forks make a difference too. It's a really great ride - a proper 'do it all' bike.

Posted 4 months ago #
calvjones - Member

Van Nicholas Yukon/Amazon, or is that out of budget?

Posted 4 months ago #
CokeItUpAndWatchItSmoke - Member

Kona honky Inc?

Posted 4 months ago #
kayak - Member

Thanks guys - will have a little time thinking about it. The CdF with white bits looks really nice - but going to stick all the bits off my current bike onto a new frame where possible - none of which are white. Nevertheless, the CdF does look good. With some 40c Shwalbe Marathon Extremes on it will be just what I need off road and with 35c road tyres plus guards on road good for everything this part of Lincolnshire can offer.

Cheers, Windy

Posted 4 months ago #
mattsccm - Member

My Cotic X is currently running 38mm Conti road tyres with guards and room for more. Have ridden it in sticky mud and its doesn't clog up. I think I went for 45mm or mm width guards,

Posted 4 months ago #
antigee - Member

kinesis crosslight pro6 disk only carbon forks - available as a frameset
takes mudguards
very pleased with mine handles well offroad
only running 32mm tyres but wider looks possible

Posted 4 months ago #
antigee - Member

a pic from yesterdays wet ride

one down side could be toe overlap - i'm only a size 8 shoe and hit the mudguards, which i swear i'll modify soon - i can live with it just but could imagine a pain on a commute if lots of tight turns

Posted 4 months ago #
maxray - Member

What's going on with your saddle? Looks pointed at the moon!

Posted 4 months ago #
druidh - Member

calvjones - Member
Van Nicholas Yukon/Amazon, or is that out of budget?
I was going to suggest an Amazon but I was trying not to fall into the trap of just recommending one because I have one

It certainly does everything the OP wants. I've commuted, toured and ridden Glentress on mine. It's currently set up as my winter road bike and will take 35C tyres easily (paired with a DC19 fork), plus proper mudguards and rack.

Posted 4 months ago #
antigee - Member

What's going on with your saddle? Looks pointed at the moon!

slighlty up at front, but not that much - think gate is less than horizontal - but the bailer twine does match nicely - good job photo isn't too sharp - pretty sure logos/valves not absolutely aligned

Posted 4 months ago #
mcboo - Member

I'm thinking along the same lines, maybe CdF but like the look of this BMC Alpen Challenge

http://www.evanscycles.com/products/bmc/alpenchallenge-ac01-105-tiagra-700c-2012-hybrid-bike-ec031081?query=Bmc%20alpen#features

Carbon forks, hydrolic discs......might be the one.

Posted 4 months ago #
Tonolina - Member

Have you considered a Marin Toscana? I had a Kona Sutra which was uncomfortable before I broke my arms, but when I was back on the bike the straight fork was far too harsh to ride. I replaced it with the Toscana which has curved carbon forks and I could ride without any pain. It is currently a bargain at Edinburgh Cycles.
Yes, I am bearded.

Posted 4 months ago #
Pinkstiffee - Member

Antigee. What size frame is that please?

Posted 3 months ago #