Can’t remember if you specced a budget but I’ve got one of these and it’s ace.
Last one in medium it looks like. They’ve also got a couple of other hooks/ audax which look like good options.
Love my hook extc, had it 6 months after having an escapade with 700x40c nanos for the 5 yrs before. It is a lot lighter than the cotic and has more cushioning due to the 650bx50 tyres (wtb ventures which are great all rounder) but still flies. I use it for 1hr gravel blasts from the door, Sunday afternoon explore type rides on gravel tracks, old byeways, rubbish backroads etc. It’s got loads of bosses if you need them and will take a decent size 700c wheel as well.
The guys in the shop have sold a good number. They’re a great compromised bike and it reminds me of my ‘93 Orange Clockwork for smiles per mile.
I’ve seen that nuroad race fe in the flesh, it looked truly stunning.
trail_rat
Free Member
I use a Kona rove Al gravel bike for a tourer.
Kick myself regularly for not buying one of these when they were on sale (£500?) a few years ago.
Never heard a bad word about them.
Never heard a bad word about them.
Not gonna lie....not much rove left.
I bought it for 500 quid got it home , stripped the wheels down and rebuilt the rims.on pro 2/exposure sp2 Dyno Hub. , Fitted a triple claris shifter + deore touring triple chainset (24/38/48) , Shimano xt touring pedals , carbon seat pin and brooks saddle , b+m iqx/rear light combo with rubus racks and pdw guards.
The bars are a nice shape , the rims are nice but the hubs were cheapos , the brakes were cheap but impressive Hayes model. I have bb7s off a previous build I kept to replace these and have not bothered. Came off mount althabasa in the Rockies descending the road for 30 so.minutes in traffic with 4 panniers on without any issues or even second thoughts with brakes.
It also.makes a great commuter, winter bike and general utility bike. My most used bike.
@burko73 thanks, the Hook is out of budget. I had no idea that place existed in Lyndhurst and just been looking at other stuff they have.
@martymac thanks that's worth knowing I'm sitting on a bit of a knife edge between the stripped down "racy"/lightweight experience and (and ability to add some mudguards and a rack later) VS. the more practical "go explore" leanings (and weight) of the Fe.
It is like there's a black hole in availability right now - I guess lockdown and some manufacturer choices/restrictions on production but an awful lot of "no stock til March" or "out of stock" out there for things that I would otherwise have lept at.
Salsa Vaya?
@garage-dweller no probs. I noticed your budget afterwards. The Woods Cyclery is a great bike shop and the lads in there are super knowledgeable and helpful. Its a shame I have to walk past it 4 times a day! Potential to get out of hand...
They've usually got a good demo fleet of gravel and adventure bikes etc. Its amazing having had a gravel/ do it all bike for a number or yrs here in the NF (its the best compromise for the miles of gravel tracks and lanes) how many nice looking gravel/ adventure bikes I see cruising around the place now.
You might pick up a steel hook ex in an end of season sale if there are any left about.
Sorry good folks of STW a couple more quick questions or perhaps more a sense check...The plan is to order a Free Ranger tomorrow but hovering between 650 and 700 versions. The 650 comes with 650x43 vs. 700x38
I think:
- 650x43 gets me to roughly the same OD as 700x25 and
- 700x38 suggests I'd probably get a 650x50 tyre in without any clearance issues (OO says 700x48 max tyre).
I don't really want (the cost of) a second set of wheels just now and I have a road bike for when that urge takes me (but never say never 🙂 ).
I think therefore I want to go with the 650 but might also want a set of 50mm or so tyres at some point. There seems to be plenty of vertical clearance but not sure about horizontal. Anyone got one who can confirm?
Can I expect the 650 option to be lighter?
Does my logic seem sound? I normally ride a 29r if that makes any kind of difference.
Can I expect the 650 option to be lighter?
I wouldn't expect much in it - you'll trade longer spokes and larger diameter rim against bigger tyres.
Will you run mudguards?
Mudguards are definitely on the agenda. I think I can see where you're going with that question - clearances.
700 all day long if you plan to tour.
You'll get a replacement tire in almost any bike shop in any town.....hell even bigger asdas/Testo/walmart/ Carrefour
650b. ....not so much
clearances
Indeed. We run two 'all road' ish bikes. With guards we will max out at at about 38/40mm tyres, despite having 50mm and 56mm of clearance overall.
Depends on the mudguard
I found I can get the larger wtb nanos under pdw full metals but not a chance under SKS chromoplasts
I just wanted to pop back one last time and say I'm very grateful for all your input.
I couldn't quite overcome my attachment to big wheels so I've gone for the 700c Free Ranger in the knowledge I could downsize / buy some other nice 650 wheels later if I want some more squish or clearance.
Now I just have to wait not very long for it. I don't really do being patient for new kit ...
