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Morning all
On the way home after a bike packing trip in the Atlas Mountains (highly recommended).
On day one the seat stay on my Arkose 3 failed. Morocco being the place it is meant I was able to get it 'fixed'. I'm pleased to say it lasted the rest of the trip.
I doubt I'm in a position to make a warranty claim (bought in 2020 before Evans was taken over).
Looking for a replacement frame and fork that will take 2x11 and a minimum of 45mm tyres (bolt through).
Cheers.
If I ever replace my gravel bike frame it will be with one of these:
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005004671491800.htm
Note: That may not be the cheapest, it's just the first one that came up when I searched.
Alternatively:
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005005678330464.htm
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005009252609372.html
I'm going to go with the tried and tested method of suggesting both what I own and what I desire. And that is a Kinesis Tripster ATR (own) and a Fairlight Secan (want).
I have a secan, only a couple of rides so far but it's a very nice thing to ride.
Other option I looked at was a Ti Camino but decided I wanted something closer to an all road bike rather than closer to a rigid mountain bike which I already have. It's really a replacement for my Giant Defy but far more capable off road without feeling sluggish on the road
Can't recommend a Fustle Causeway enough. Absolutely love mine
https://www.ridefustle.com/products/causeway-gr-1-5-emerald-green
I doubt I'm in a position to make a warranty claim
Worth asking - I think they had a Limited Lifetime warranty then, if not it may have been 7 years (can't remember now). Either way, SD may honour that.
Edit. Now I can repost a day later without doing anything!
I really like my Mondince FM326 which is a Chinese open mould frame "inspired" by the Mondraker Arid. If I had the cash I'd have bought a Santa Cruz Stigmata but this is as close as I could find geometry wise.
The Causeway 1 frames, if they're your size, are keenly priced for aluminium. Otherwise, in the Arkose ballpark, and in alu: Kinesis Tripster AT? In steel, I'd immediately think about a Fairlight Secan or Brother Mehteh.
I doubt I'm in a position to make a warranty claim
Worth asking - I think they had a Limited Lifetime warranty then, if not it may have been 7 years (can't remember now). Either way, SD may honour that.
Good to see you're still on here Jameso. Just got home and have checked the paperwork - 'limited lifetime warranty' for the frame.
What does that mean in real life? The bike is just over six years old. I'll drop into the local Evans and see what they say.
Thanks for all the suggestions - some really nice options out there, especially the Secan. Unfortunately its loaded weight limit (rider + luggage) of 115 kg is a bit close to my max set up.
I'm ideally looking for something more affordable.
The Causeway was a strong contender, until I noticed the push fit BB (I should have said, ideally I'd like a BSA 68mm BB).
I've always fancied a Kinesis - the AT looks like what I'm after but is more that I was hoping to spend.
I was expecting lots of love for the Sonder Camino. Seems to tick a lot of boxes. Any red flags I should be aware of?
PS - Weren't Bird planning a gravel bike? The only reference I can find is a page saying it was going to be launched last year.
PS - Weren't Bird planning a gravel bike? The only reference I can find is a page saying it was going to be launched last year.
It's been on hold. According to Ben, some moving of the goalposts from the factory about minimum order quantities. But, according to their socials today (or possibly yesterday), sounds like a V2 Aerolon is on its way sometime this summer.
I had a previous generation Camino and loved it, did 3,000 miles without missing a beat and only changed for something different. That said the newest ones are going to feel very different to your arkose - much longer (as is the fustle, which is what I have but I see you don’t want press fit) and I’d imagine a fair bit slacker.
some really nice options out there, especially the Secan. Unfortunately its loaded weight limit (rider + luggage) of 115 kg is a bit close to my max set up.
The Faran limit is 125kg for rider and 25kg for luggage. Same geometry but 631/4130 tubing and steel forks
The secan sure looks lovely. It was high on my list recently but went with a Camino ti partly because I could get a better build kit for the same money and partly because the ti finish looks fresh pretty much indefinitely, regardless of how much you abuse it with bags strapped to it etc. I probably would have slightly preferred the more road leaning geo of the secan but I'm not disappointed in the Camino at all..feels absolutely fine to me on the road and a great all-round gravel and adventure rig.
Also, might be worth considering a full bike on c2w rather than just a frame? ( Depending on your situation, obvs)
You may be able to get a full bike at probably not much, if any, additional cost to you vs. just getting a frame.
Also it was rumoured to be getting the chop at the last budget so may be some of the last chances to take advantage.
I have a Faran and other than it being a slightly rubbish colour I absolutely love it. Run 700 x 44 or 650 x 50ish and its great with both.
'limited lifetime warranty' for the frame.
What does that mean in real life? The bike is just over six years old.
Limited there means limited to reasonable use within the natural lifespan of a frame that will fatigue at some point, no manufacturing defect failures within that reasonable lifespan. i.e don't expect a warranty on a 15+ year old frame as it's done well to last that long under regular use but if it's clearly not been used much in that time, it should be considered. I don't really like the term bc it's open-ended but 'lifetime warranty sells'. If they do consider it (old co. Vs new co. might be the main thing) at just over 6 years old it might come down to whether it's looking hammered or looked after.
Also, might be worth considering a full bike on c2w rather than just a frame? ( Depending on your situation, obvs)
Good idea and one I considered. Alas, my employer (public sector) follows the rules to the letter and will expect me to evidence that the bike has been used "mainly for qualifying journeys". It's also the Cycle2Work (Halfords) scheme which limits who I can buy from. 🙁
'limited lifetime warranty' for the frame.
What does that mean in real life? The bike is just over six years old.
If they do consider it (old co. Vs new co. might be the main thing) at just over 6 years old it might come down to whether it's looking hammered or looked after.
I'm going to drop into my local store this morning to see what they say.
It's done ~4,500 miles and has been ridden as intended, but it's still a great looking bike. I'll update.
I've always fancied a Kinesis - the AT looks like what I'm after but is more that I was hoping to spend.
Merlin have close to 25% of the GX Race at the moment.
https://www.merlincycles.com/kinesis-gx-race-gravel-frameset-272795.html
There's 33% off a Tripster AT but only in 60cm.
Otherwise, in the Arkose ballpark, and in alu: Kinesis Tripster AT? In steel, I'd immediately think about a Fairlight Secan or Brother Mehteh.
After saying the AT was out of my preferred price range, I've found a F&F in the right size (I think - I need to understand the differences in stack and reach) which is nicely discounted.
There's 33% off a Tripster AT but only in 60cm.
Cross post - that's the one I spotted. 🙂
My Camino is fine although definitely a bit mountain bikey to my mind but I moved to that from an On One Dirty Disco. A mate who just bought a Camino reckons it is nicer than his older Reilly. I bought a Felt Breed as a winter road bike , partly because of price and also because it seemed a bit more nippy than the Camino.
Cross post - that's the one I spotted.
Silly money off a full build in your size too!
https://www.merlincycles.com/kinesis-tripster-at-grx-820-2x12-gravel-bike-336758.html
A mate of mine has ordered a BXT gravel frame, mainly as it's quite an aggressive geometry. Just got some nice 30mm carbon ali-express hoops for it. He's a bit of an ali-express addict.
Silly money off a full build in your size too!
https://www.merlincycles.com/kinesis-tripster-at-grx-820-2x12-gravel-bike-336758.html
STOP! That is a hard deal to overlook and no c2W faff. Top of the list if Evans don't come good. 😀
I've been to the local Evans - the store manager took the necessary details and is passing it to head office for a decision. 🤞
I've heard back from Evans - 'out of warranty'. They've offered 10% off a complete bike as a goodwill gesture.
I'd go with the Tripster in that case. Literally the only bike I'd ditch mine for is a Secan, and I'd probably keep the frame just in case.
Can't recommend a Fustle Causeway enough. Absolutely love mine
2nd this, there's a sale on frameset and complete bikes too.
https://ukgravelco.com/fustle-causeway-gr1-review/
Thanks again for all the input and suggestions.
I've whittled the options down to a Camino, Tripster AT or Causeway.
The Tripster AT geometry looks very close to the Arkose. The other two look more 'aggressive' with lower bar positions and their head angles are clearly in a different league.
I'd welcome any thoughts/observations on the differences - comparison table.
Cheers
Good idea and one I considered. Alas, my employer (public sector) follows the rules to the letter and will expect me to evidence that the bike has been used "mainly for qualifying journeys". It's also the Cycle2Work (Halfords) scheme which limits who I can buy from.
What evidence have you got to go with that? I work for a County Council and I've never been asked a peep about a bike on C2W once the voucher/order has been issued... Never heard of anyone having to prove anything ever before either. I doubt any public sector workplace has the capacity nor the interest in doing this.
Good idea and one I considered. Alas, my employer (public sector) follows the rules to the letter and will expect me to evidence that the bike has been used "mainly for qualifying journeys". It's also the Cycle2Work (Halfords) scheme which limits who I can buy from.
What evidence have you got to go with that? I work for a County Council and I've never been asked a peep about a bike on C2W once the voucher/order has been issued... Never heard of anyone having to prove anything ever before either. I doubt any public sector workplace has the capacity nor the interest in doing this.
No direct evidence to be fair, but a suspicion that I'll be asked knowing the bean counters that administer the scheme and who are sticklers for rules generally. The c2w intranet page states that it's considered gross misconduct if you don't meet/follow the criteria - not a risk that I'm willing to take.
The Tripster AT geometry looks very close to the Arkose. The other two look more 'aggressive' with lower bar positions and their head angles are clearly in a different league.
I'd welcome any thoughts/observations on the differences
One thing I can say is the Tripster AT tubeset is quite different to the Arkose. Much burlier/stiffer. I remember a guy in the Evans office buying one and taking a close look at the frame. I don't know how it rides as it was wasn't my size and there's plenty of good reports on it anyway. One thing I did like in the Arkose was that it wasn't a really stiff Al frame, it had a nice ride feel from the relatively light tubing. All quite subjective stuff though - some like stiff bikes, some like a bit of flex.
Love my causeway, it's a very capable bike and can be configured in many different ways
The Tripster AT geometry looks very close to the Arkose. The other two look more 'aggressive' with lower bar positions and their head angles are clearly in a different league.
I'd welcome any thoughts/observations on the differences
One thing I can say is the Tripster AT tubeset is quite different to the Arkose. Much burlier/stiffer. I remember a guy in the Evans office buying one and taking a close look at the frame. I don't know how it rides as it was wasn't my size and there's plenty of good reports on it anyway. One thing I did like in the Arkose was that it wasn't a really stiff Al frame, it had a nice ride feel from the relatively light tubing. All quite subjective stuff though - some like stiff bikes, some like a bit of flex.
Useful to know - I did wonder if that might be the case (I've seen references to using a 27.2 seat post to make the Tripster more 'compliant').
Agree about the Arkose, I found the frame very comfortable even on the rough stuff. The seat stays are super thin...as I found out to my expense. I would buy a replacement if they were still available.
I've had another look at the Faran. Seems to tick a lot of boxes, my only concern is the head angle at 72.5.
I'd be wary of that Tripster full build - I don't think the discount is what it seems. The frameset appears to be on sale for 600 and the groupset for 750. The rest of the build is nothing special.
I think the Fairlight is likely a good bike, but a triumph of the marketing manual (Lookbook).
The Cotic escape looks like a much tidier steel option and I'm sure that's closer to 500 than 1000.
The Cotic escape looks like a much tidier steel option and I'm sure that's closer to 500 than 1000.
Thanks for that suggestion. It looked very tempting at first glance.
I did some digging and discovered it won't take my current 105 groupset. I don't fully understand why.....
"Conventional Shimano road chainline (105, Ultegra, Tiagra etc) DOES NOT FIT."
I've never ridden an Arkose so can't make a direct comparison, but I really don't find my Tripster harsh at all, at the end of last summer I sold my carbon road bike because I always ended up choosing the Tripster over it even on road rides, to be honest I think that geometry and fatter tyres make far more difference.
I think the Fairlight is likely a good bike, but a triumph of the marketing manual (Lookbook).
The Cotic escape looks like a much tidier steel option and I'm sure that's closer to 500 than 1000.
Read any review of the Fairlight, there's a lot more to it.
The Escapade closer to 500? - "The new Escapade frameset will start at £1,999 (UK)"
The Escapade closer to 500? - "The new Escapade frameset will start at £1,999 (UK)"
I took he was referring to the older model at £699 (not sure what the previous price was, but £699 seems reasonable)
I've never ridden an Arkose so can't make a direct comparison, but I really don't find my Tripster harsh at all, at the end of last summer I sold my carbon road bike because I always ended up choosing the Tripster over it even on road rides, to be honest I think that geometry and fatter tyres make far more difference.
Thanks Bazz - good to know as the F&F is very tempting at the price.
The only niggle I have is the internal routing - never installed any before so wondering how difficult it would be (reasonably competent on the spanners).
Don't let that be a barrier, it's only on the down tube and the bottom end is a huge slot so nothings getting lost in there, and at the headtube end because of the various set ups that the frame can accommodate the entrance holes have removable and replaceable caps, I found it pretty straight forward and I'm only competent on the spanners on a good day 😂
Don't let that be a barrier, it's only on the down tube and the bottom end is a huge slot so nothings getting lost in there, and at the headtube end because of the various set ups that the frame can accommodate the entrance holes have removable and replaceable caps, I found it pretty straight forward and I'm only competent on the spanners on a good day 😂
That's reassuring! Do I need anything special or do all the 'internal bits' come with the frame? I've seen mention of cable guide liner...
I've been in contact with Kinesis, the bits from the donor bike should swap over. 🙂
If the frame is new then it should come with all the different cable port caps and the kit to change the fork rake. When I set mine up I didn't use any cable liners and whilst I have no rattles at all I'm going to change it to run full cable outers when I change the bar tape over, just because I can.