As I am allowed to do the cyclescheme again (woohoo) thinking of getting something of a skinnier tyred variety for commuting / canal rides and a bit of touring.

Anyone got any suggestions?

Ta,

Marin Lombard & Toscana and the Surly Crosscheck all come in at under £1,000.

Kaffenback?

Might not be the lightest option out there, but works for me 😉

Oooh shall look at that ski, I had ben thinking about a Langster or Roadrat but really want to make sure I make the right decision this time.
🙂

Have a look at the Scott Sportster range, some good options.
http://scottusa.com/gb_en/category/8270/sportster

Hmm not really feeling those Dan, a bit too like a MTB with skinny tyres.

I keep thinking about a Singular, the kite looks so so nice, I wonder if they actually available now or still in development.

Go for a Pompino. Had mine a few months now and love it.

Yeah a friend has had a Pompino for ages and loves it. Might give his a go actually to see what its like. 🙂

don't make them anymore, but if you can get an 08 or 09 one, the specialized singlecross's are ace 🙂

what about something from the genesis range. i like the look of the day one cross

Yeah a friend has had a Pompino for ages and loves it. Might give his a go actually to see what its like.

It's the first bike I hand-picked all the parts for. You can either build it up on the cheap, or go for the high-end stuff and kit it out like a tank, which is what I did. Took me the whole summer to amass the bits I wanted at reasonable prices, but it was worth it in the end.

FRAME – On One Il Pompino XL (57cm)
FORK – On One Il Pompino
WHEELS – Mavic Open Pro 36h / Goldtec / DT Swiss
SPROCKET – Dura Ace 16t
LOCK RING – Dura Ace
TYRES – Vittoria Randonneur 700 x 28C
INNER TUBES – Continental Cross 28 – 25-35c 42mm
CRANKSET – Sugino 75 – 170mm, 48t
BB – Sugino 75
PEDALS – Burgtec Penthouse Flats MKII
SADDLE – SDG Bel-Air RL Ti
SEATPOST – Thomson Elite 27.2 x 410mm
STEM – Thomson X2 100mm x 10deg x 31.8
BARS – Answer Pro Taper OS
BRAKES – Avid Single Digit Titanium
BRAKE LEVERS – Avid Speed Dial Ultimate Ti
HEADSET – Chris King NoThreadSet Sotto Voce 1-1/8"
SEAT CLAMP – Salsa 30.0mm Lip-Lock
GRIPS – ODI Ruffian
CHAIN – KMC Kool
C/TENSIONER – Surly Tuggnut
QR SKEWERS – Shimano XTR M960 / Quando

Cost me around £750. The way I see it is that an off-the-peg complete bike will never be specced as well as something you buy the parts for yourself second-hand, and then get built up. I built this to be bomb-proof. Crashed into a car the other day at full speed. Handled it no problem. 🙂

Having noticed they are chocolate brown I am nearly sold! With a brown spoon saddle and some black wheels/spokes it would look lush..

You can find them cheap second-hand too. Full bike or frame-only. Check eBay and the London Fixed Gear and Single Speed Classifieds section.

Its going to be on cycle to work scheme so will have to be new… oh well 😀

Genesis Croix de Fer. Got one a couple of weeks ago thru B2W (£999). Love it.

I keep thinking about a Singular, the kite looks so so nice, I wonder if they actually available now or still in development.

Still working on it, but posts like this bring it closer to reality.

I love my Pompy I think I will have it forever!!!!

i am looking at the same sort of thing:

like the lookof:

Charge Mixer 2010 – will take guards and a rack
Charge Tap 2010 – no room for guards
Marin Anselmo Alfine 2010 – comes in big sizes
Giant Rapid – lightweight though thionk for me the XL (59cm) is a wee bit small

like a roadrat but not big enough and the brown colour is vile

I know it's not niche but I'm happy with my Specialized Tricross Sport.

I'm picking up a Genesis Day One, Cross on the Cycle to Work scheme in January.

Matt

Frizzer – Member

I know it's not niche but I'm happy with my Specialized Tricross Sport.
Indeed I really like mine.

I sold my Tricross in August (for **** all) because I moved workplace and it wasn't feasible to commute. A fortnight ago, my offices have moved again to well within commuting distance so I've bought myself a dirt cheap commuter (already have a long travel HT on C2W :oops:)

I'm really missing the tricross!!!!