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I’ve been looking for a bike to be used for commuting, exploring and just general riding about and having fun whilst trying to regain my fitness. I’ve narrowed it down to a few options, but just can’t make the final decision.
That’s where you lot come in! My choices are:
Genesis Fugio
On One Free Ranger
Kinesis Tripster AT
Planet X / Titus Ti things.
Or building up a Nordest Super Albarda.
They’re all similar, yet different and I just can’t decide which one to go for.
The various Planet X offerings seem like great value (if you buy at the right time) and I’ve never owned a Ti or carbon bike. Tales of woe leave me a bit dubious.
I’ve always liked Genesis bikes and owned a couple before. This one is slightly over budget and would therefore mean possibly taking out a bit of finance.
The Kinesis looks nice and seems well reviewed. Also has a mad paint job which I’m a sucker for. Other than that I don’t know much about it.
The Nordest seems great on paper. A proper mountain bikers gravel bike. I’ve never built a bike before though and have visions of spiralling costs or me royally ****ing something up!
Hmmm what to do? Help me STW.
Build up your own.
You get exactly the components you want,
save money on bits of complete bikes that need changing,
get some 2nd hand bargains of here,
learn how it all goes together,
real sense of ownership of "your" new bike.
APF
I reckon I’d buy the Free Ranger - or if it’s cheaper and still on sale the Space Chicken.
It's way more than I'd ever spend at On One/PX tbh considering the lack of support. But you do get a lot of bike for the money I suppose, if you just consider it to be essentially used and come with no warranty or aftersales.
Thanks guys. The Free Ranger does look good, especially in 70’s curtains brown and orange. It’s just the after care that worries me. I like the thought of building something, but I’m a cack handed fool!
I bought a Fugio 30 a few months back and am really impressed with it. I do have a couple of other Genesis bikes as well - a Vagabond, for bike packing and general duties, and a CDF30 for winter road and touring.
The On-One sells on bang for buck only - awful support and geometry is looking dated - short reach for a gravel bike as other brands are tending to go longer for stability. Good tyre clearance though, but only due to the long chainstays.
A mate has a Tripster AT and its a really nice bike , plus you can buy it from a LBS and get it built to your budget / spec.