Malvern Rider - Member
... It's the doing it that counts...
Bang on. 🙂
If this Pashley had fatter tyres, I wouldn't be able to resist it.
What's not to like? Proper frame made of Reynolds steel, decent stoppers, proper gears, and it's got that most important requirement for enjoying a bike in UK weather, the ability to fit mudguards.
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They even make a version with derailleurs for those who like to take road gearing systems into the mire. Ironically that version comes with mudguards... 🙂
I am looking at something like the ones in this thread and have to say I am stuck on what to go for I have around £2000 to spend and just can't decide at all.
Currently have a 29er and a Canti Cross bike but happy to move these on if I can find something that does both a little monster cross ish..
If I had £2000 I'd be looking at a Shand.
Not so often mentioned is the Bombtrack Beyond, maybe worth a look - Columbus tubing, fixings for 5 water bottles (!) - looks almost identical to a Vagabond yet with tapered headtube.
What website would serve the second hand market for these bikes, as a potential buyer?
Malvern, thanks for the memories. Mrs M had a pink ape for several years, until we gave it away. It was a lump. Is the new Spesh stem suspension related to the Girvin FlexStem?
Spesh suspension stem? They didnt did they? Are we back to oval chainring territory?
btw yum:
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Looked at Shand but just not sure about it.. maybe its the colour they have on their site...
I like that Bombtrack!!!
That Bombtrack looks lovely!
That Bombtrack looks [s]lovely[/s] like an awol!
😀
I agree though, looks perfect for its intended use.
I thought it was a sequoia!
AWOL, Beyond, Vagabond. All very similar in weight and appearance. If I'd the budget/knowledge at the time would maybe have opted for the Bombtrack over the Vagabond, simply for the many fixing points for bottles, cages etc. Nonetheless glad I eventually chose just on strength of the demo ride as the Vagabond feels 'just right' for me. I couldn't have guaranteed that with a mail-order bike. Never even got to try an AWOL which was my first choice on paper (wasn't even aware of the others, though had seen a Fargo which seemed very expensive by comparison). I couldn't be buying a touring bike (of any discipline) without first trying it out.
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What size tyres can you go up to on the AWOL?
How about the Spa Elan Ti? Looks like would do the job, and great value.
Any one got opinions on a saracen hack 2? Looking at that or maybe a spesh sequoia for extended commutes and wet weekends. Won't be loading it up with bags. Just commuting and bobbing around on road/fireroads /tow paths.
I'm generally between sizes and 5'11 1/2, I'm thinking going smaller frame as I'm not used to a stretched position, any thoughts?
I've the 2017 Croix de Fer, I use it as my commuter and winter bike. Not done any serious amount of off-road on it though about 1/3rd of my commute is along a canal tow path.
Came with 35C tyres but not sure what the maximum the frame can take especially with mudguards, possibly 38C but not tried.
I think some wider, flared, bars like the Cowchipper or Woodchipper would improve off-road handling as the supplied bars feel a bit narrow to me.
Looked at Shand but just not sure about it.. maybe its the colour they have on their site...
Fill yer boots :
[url= https://www.flickr.com/photos/shandcycles/albums ]colours, colours, colours[/url]
Having seen a couple of shand bikes in the metal I think they are lovely and the idea of being able to have the spec I want I like
