Got discharged from hospital after 2.5 years of outpatients appointments, also gave me the all clear to start cycling again (3 months off), so I'm treating myself to a new bike. I am currently running a hack single speed for a 20 mile round trip (slightly hilly) commute that I made from scrap bits that have come into the scrap yard I work at. (Alu frame, Rigid alu forks V brakes). Made overkill because of bunny hopping kerbs and other light abuse.
After something without a chain tensioner, I love the look of the Cannondale bad boy it has everything I'm after; Alu frame, disc brakes, 28 inch wheels ,very clen lines and the right price. BUT I have heard all kinds of problems with the EBB that it runs, are they really this bad?
Budget is £750 max so unfortunately a SS Scandel is out. Would prefer horizontal dropouts because of the EBB problems I read about, or is this the minority moaning?
Tips and advice greatly welcomed (perhaps looking 2nd hand aswell)
Got a time limit because wife has agreed for the time being and if I dont have something in the pipeline very soon she could change her mind!
I'm also looking into this but less money to spend but the Genesis IO gets good reviews and with the extra money chnage the fork over to a carbon etc.
MF: I run an EBB SS for commuting without hassle. Once a week I re-grease the ebb shell with copper slip to prevent creaking - which is prob due to my SS frame being Ti. This only takes 2 - 3 mins. You shouldn't have creaking probs with a steel frame, which would be cheaper than Ti anyway. EBBs are best option for that sleek look - v dropouts & disc brakes. I would also recommend running a SS free hub and not a screw-on hub for screw-on free-cog (ala Shimano BMX) as I have had the latter slip or give way on steep hills.
My advice would be to buy Steel framed EBB SS second hand or make up your own.
I've just got myself one of these through cycle2work:
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The tyres on it are a bit flimsy for my 20-mile round trip commute, so I'm waiting on schwalbe marathons, but liking it so far. Was 450 quid. I wanted steel, flip flop rear hub and full mudguard mounts.
I've also been using a converted Kona Dew Deluxe for most of the last year, its been good with an Izumi track chain and spacers/tensioner. It has low-end Shimano hydraulic discs, removed the back one as the winter crud meant pads were lasting a fortnight and its fine with just the front. Think that was 450 quid last year. Rack, mudguards etc all fine, decent wheels, etc.
After something without a chain tensioner
Why not go fixed? Couple of chaintugs - sorted.
New Giant Bowery looks loooooverly.
and if its 26" your after, the escape is basicly an SS XtC with a rigid fork
Roadrat?
cheers acanno taking a look at Genesis IO, found dealers close.
Crankenstein, I was looking for alu frame because of weight, but looking at the spec of some of the new steel frames, they are damn light anyway.
2tyred: I physicaly cant do drop bars and need mtb geometry because of the way I ride, thanks for input though.
As for fixed, that would be an experiment that I could cobble together at work, always fancied it but not got round to it.
Charge Plug
Roadrat indeed, thanks jackthedog that could be in the running, looked at them a long time ago and since forgot.
As for the Charge 29erK its not quite what I'm after.
TREK Soho with Alfine = £700
EBBs are fine. I have them on three bikes, two steel, one Ti, all with disc brakes, not once of them has ever slipped or creaked.
For your purposes, I'd get a Roadrat, or Pearson Hanzo (I think that's the steel frame one) or the Pearson Touche (aluminium). Either of the Pearsons could be ridden with a flat bar or risers, just need a slightly longer stem than 'normal' (my rule of thumb is 20-30mm longer stem for flats than drops).
yeah, the roadrat has alot of appeal.
Have you thought about a WI Eno hub ? - I've got one and had no problems running it - then you can use whichever frame you like
Cheers,
Ti_Tim
Roadrat 8)
i thought i wanted a road rat, then i picked up Kevs, Lightish road wheels, Avid Vs, XT drive chain.
weighs more than my trance!
steel isnt real, steel is niche.
if i was worried about buzz, ide get an alu with dampers in the frame
Genesis Day One SS is a good value all rounder - got mine built with drops and 'cross tyres and it's more fun than a monkey in a clown suit
Just got myself a sh Specialized Tricross SS for commuting and playing in woods/road duties.
Very nice bike, with the added bonus of being able to take it off road, with makes the commute more fun. Still very fast on the road also,you start to spin out with your legs making no impacts to your momentum at about 34mph 🙄
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