Was at Evans today browsing bikes for my planned roadish bike purchase.
They had a few decent deals in – Fuji CX, Kona CX, a couple of Kona roads bikes as well as a few Treks that fitted my needs.

They also had the this
http://www.evanscycles.com/products/kona/honky-tonk-2010-road-bike-ec021789

Which seems a bargain – is it though? Any opinion on it?

And just for kicks this.

http://www.evanscycles.com/products/jamis/bosanova-2011-touring-bike-ec025746?query=jamis

What would it be like as an everyday commuter?

Why is the Honky Tonk a bargain? Its a steel road bike with Shimano Sora?

Could probably get a similarly specced alloy bike for the price, so its just another choice of bike?

Why is the Honky Tonk a bargain? Its a steel road bike with Shimano Sora?

Cheers. That is the sort of thing I need, perspective.

Easy to get swayed by the steel.

Just got a honky tonk frame and built it up with 105 and American classic wheels.
Lovely looking frameset
Rides well
23 pounds all in.
It ain’t 853 but it’s a very capable road frame.
I am quite in love with it.

It gets good reviews. http://www.bikeradar.com/gear/category/bikes/road/product/review-kona-honky-tonk-10-38691/

Cheers for that.

Will i notice much difference inw eight between a 61cm HOnky and a 61cm Trek something or other?

If you want a steel framed road bike have a look at the Charge Juicer. Wiggle are selling off 2010 bikes

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/charge-juicer-mid-2010/

I just got the Hi version and really pleased with it.

after much mulling I got a honky tonk quirrel

http://www.singletrackworld.com/forum/topic/shere

For the price it seems good, but then I wonder do I want carbon forks and alu frame and do the road bike thing properly.
I just don’t know.

I narrowed it down to the Honky Tonk 2010 and the Specialized Allez 2011

What brought me to my decision was:

-I wasn’t fussed about carbon parts, carbon forks seem more of a liability in the long run (to me at least)
-should manage some winter riding as long as it gets dried after
-should take guards without any aggro and racks if I ever need to
-weight is not hugely different and fitness can sometimes compensate for [some] weight differences
-didn’t think I needed the more race orientated geometry
-big reduction in price
-good reviews reviews on the such as the bikeradar one
-I like the retro look of it

The Kona seems more versatile to me and bloomin good value, one would be hard pushed to build a similar bike for 550

If you want to be at the front of a club ride or races then the Kona is probably the wrong bike

(don’t get me wrong the Allez looks great and I prob would of got it if I wanted a more racy build or perhaps a Giant Defy or Cube)

^ I think my personal mass would negate any real weight saving.

Looks like the Honky Tonk is pulling into the lead. The only other contented is a CX bike but I don’t really think I need one.

Had an 09 one sky blue they are very heavy.But sound bikes.There was some place awhile back banging them out for £449.Last you years.I only payed £450 for my 09 new,mine had down-tube shifters.

As soon as I saw the picture alarm bells began to ring.

NO…it’s crap!!!!

HTH

SB
<<<< gone to breathe now >>>>>

PS – OMFG!!!

You troll!!!!! I hate you!!!!

<<< nurse, my eyes, my eyes!!!! >>>>>

What would the max tyre size be for the honky tonk and could I run guards with them?

Nah its not heavy.. see below 2010 Honky Tonk against 2011 Spec Allez

If you can trust these numbers its not a huge difference (bearing in mind also the Allez is more racy).. and eventually you might change the wheels on the HT…

http://www.ibikedb.net/bikes/36927-kona-honky-tonk

Weight 24lb (24 pounds = 10.88kg)

http://www.evanscycles.com/products/specialized/allez-24-2011-road-bike-ec025026?query=allez%202011

Weight Approx. 22.31lbs (10.12kg) for the 52cm Size.

Just discovered the HOnky Inc – wish I hadn’t found it now.

Ye the Honky Inc looks nice.. but depends whether you need the discs and carbon forks

The groupset and wheels you could upgrade over time on the normal HT or even immediately flogging the some of the orig HT bits

2011 Boardman CX bikes look rather fine – not out just yet but it will be soon. they do a comp team and pro to suit budget etc. The team is £899
Boardman webshite

Have you taken the plunge Quirrel?

No!

Need two car tyres, which is going to eat into any fun money.

MrsQ also thinks that the now overdue baby might take priority over a bike, I’ve tried to convince her but she isn’t having any of it.