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Hi Guys,
I'm thinking to buy a CX bike for commuting and going around in the city and I'm stuck in 2 models, I need your help!
Basically I will use this bike for quite everything like going to work or from A to B, to the pub or to the beach (I live in Barcelona). I wanna be able to go up and down to steps or bad roads without worrying too much about the wheels and use it with all kind of weather.
At the moment I own a 90' road bike but I know is not mean to use in this way.
The models which I'm stuck to are:
Genesis Day One Disc: http://www.genesisbikes.co.uk/bikes/urban/urban-cross/day-one-disc
Vitus Dee 290 2015: http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/es/es/bicicleta-urbana-vitus-bikes-dee-290-2015/rp-prod120678
These bikes are quite different, the Vitus Dee seems to have more slope on the top tube but in some real pictures I seen on the web it seems not that much, also I don't know too much about the components of this bike and I really don't want to upgrade it since the begin because are't good.
These bike cost as well half the price of the Genesis and have very good review so if it do what I need would be perfect.
The Genesis seems much better in everything but worth the price for what I need? I don't wanna buy a bike which would be too much for what I need, I'm not a poses and if I can save some money would be cool! I could even get the Vitus Dee and upgrade the mechanical brakes to a pair of hidraulic ones like TRP HY/RD but what I'm worried about is the complete bike.
Sorry for my english and the long thead 🙂
Thanks
Basically, the Vitus is based on a basic 29er mountain bike with slick tyres and the Genesis is a more like a single speed cyclocross bike.
Do you want a head down, road bike position or a more upright MTB position? If it were me, that's what I'd base my choice on.
Head down = Genesis
Head up = Vitus
I've had two Genesis DayOne's, they are ace, would recommend them in a heartbeat if you want a simple drop-bar bike. Another alternative would be a Charge Plug, which is similar to the DayOne but comes with flat handlebar options and is cheaper.
[url= http://www.chargebikes.com/plug/plug-0 ]http://www.chargebikes.com/plug/plug-0[/url]
[url= http://www.chargebikes.com/plug/plug-1 ]http://www.chargebikes.com/plug/plug-1[/url]
Ah, not a true flat bar option at the moment, but easy/cheap to swap if you wanted.
i had a Vitus Vee 29. Similar to the Dee, but with v-brakes instead of disc brakes. I rode it for about 8 months (spring to autumn) and ended up selling it.
But, i never rode it if it was raining/wet or if i had to carry luggage...
- Fitting full-length mudguards was very difficult and a bodge. So i didn't fit any.
- Fitting a proper pannier rack was nigh-on impossible. Mine had a 120mm rear wheel spacing and no proper mounts. So i had to use a rucksack
Besides that, it was a nice bike to ride. It felt like a massive bmx and steamrolled over everything. I replaced it with a Spesh Tricross, which can take full-length mudguards and a proper pannier rack. The tricross isn't much fun to ride but it is more practical.
HansRay posted while I was editing and makes a good point about mudguards and a rack, though I suppose that depends where in the world you are posting from, (much rain?).
The Genesis has mounts for both, and the rear drop out has been redesigned this year to make fitting easier, no need to bend the mudguard stays.
Thanks for answer guys!
I'm actually based in Barcelona (Spain) so no much rain over here and when do better take the metro coz floods everywhere!
I have a pair of SKS Raceblades which I used on a Planet-X CX bike when I was in UK, it should fit the Genesis frame but what really will annoy the bike I'll choose is the sand when I'll ride along the beach, that's another reason why I'm choosing SS: less maintenance.
Anyway I think I would prefer a head down position so I can push stronger and go faster which is a good things for someone is always late like me 😀
The charges bikes tthew suggested seems nice as well, I also fancy bullhorn handlebar for urban riding, I can head up and rest my back sometimes but considering the price Charges Plug are at the same level of Genesis Day One?
Cheers.
Charges Plug are at the same level of Genesis Day One?
I'd say no. Rim brakes, (I forgot about that requirement in your original post) and the frame is more basic. Double butted tubes on the Genesis, plain for the Plug. Also clips for brake cables and no bottle cage bosses save money, but closer in price to the Vitus.
Helsinki, Finland. Loads of rain! Maybe in barcelona, that wouldnt be an issue.
Also, having big mountainbike tyres meant that it was comfortable to ride, but pretty slow. I could've changed the gear ratio or tyres, but the options were quite limited.
Have a look at the Arkose SS from Evans Cycles.
Consider a belt drive one?