I'm in the market for a fast flat-barred 700c-wheeled bike and tempted by one of [url= http://www.whytebikes.com/2012/bike_page.php?ModNo=W-1-019-12 ]these[/url] on the C2W scheme, largely because I've got a 19 and think it's the dogs. These hybrids look a bit long to me though.
Anyone got any experience of them, words of wisdom, etc? What other road-bike-with-flat-bars type stuff is there?
I guess not
What other road-bike-with-flat-bars type stuff is there?
Lots - boardman from halfords and any of the major manufacturers do them
I was wondering the same thing (about the cross bikes though) as I too find the Whyte hardtail geometry spot-on. According to the figures on the website, the urban/cross bikes have a shorter wheelbase than the MTBs.
That C7 Coniston looks lovely too.
I bought a Whyte Cambridge two months ago.
It seems very little thought has gone into the design.
EG.
Heal rub on the drive side chainstay (even with flat pedals) Did the designer consider 6'2" with size 11 feet?
Stock tyres are paper thin and contribute to the harsh ride. If you opt to change the tyre for another 700 28c (in my case Schwalbe Marathon) and run mudguards (as you would on a commuter bike) this results in sod all clearance between tyre and mudguard and loads of rubbish getting caught in the tight space. The frame gives very little room to alter the mudguard fitting.
Conclusion: An irritating ride.
Hmmmm... I did ride a mates one a while back and it was very nice, no issues with heel clearance but i wasnt on it long so i couldnt comment.
Looks very cool tho...
A colleague had a cambridge briefly before it got pinched, i had one ride on it (had SPD pedals and I had my shoes with me), heels kept hitting chainstay on drive side. I asked him about it and how he can ride with SPDs on it, he said he'd move his cleats as far in as possible so it didnt happen anymore!
- dont think he was particularly sad when it got pinched, at least it stopped me asking why he'd spent quite so much on a bike that you couldnt even ride!