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forum
Steel framed road bike
I currently have a mountain bike that usually gets used for very light off roading - ex-railway line trails etc. I'm strongly drawn to a road bike I can use for fairly fast runs (no racing) and the odd commute to work (3 miles).
Apologies(!) but aesthetics are important, and I'm strongly drawn to steel framed thin tubing; I'm not particularly fond of the look of carbon bikes. Absolute performance isn't an issue, so a slightly heavier bike isn't a particular worry, and I also believe steel will be more comfortable.
Two bikes have got my attention: the Dawes Clubman and the Charge Juicer Mid. Trying them out seems difficult, as most places don't seem to have them in stock and require ordering, plus I'd much prefer to support one of my local shops.
Both get good reviews, I wondered if anyone here had any opinions?
Thanks in advance
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16 comments
I have a Genesis Equilibrium which I think you can spec within your budget, and it is my go-to bike for pretty much everything. I ride chain gangs on it, I commute on it, I have done TTs on it (not ideal tbh) and I have done Flanders and Paris-Roubaix on it all without a second's thought. It also takes the weather pretty well. It would be an excellent choice and certainly ticks your aesthetics box.
Donhou stole the show at Bristol with this I thought:
http://www.donhoubicycles.com/rogers-road-bike/
Shand cycles looked good and the Rourke bike looked exceptional.
All over your budget but if you're thinking of going down that road you should really consider a custom frame - marvellous machines.
Thanks very much for all the suggestions, I'll certainly check out the Genesis bikes, and the independents look absolutely amazing.
Thanks everyone!
planet-x kaffenback is worth a look, new version is disc, canti, geared or single speed capable so very versatile.
Have a look on the retrobike.co.uk forums - that's where I got my steelie. It's a lovely 80s 531 frame, with a modern(ish) campag midrange groupset (daytona/centaur, if that means anything to you). Got it for under 400 quid.
It's not the lightest, nor is it anywhere near as good to ride as carbon, but it's perfect for whizzing to work in London.
Surly Pacer, or Cross-Check if you want the option of a bit of rough stuff.
I can personally recommend the Genesis Equilibrium 20 but it may be a bit over budget. The new 00 looks like a reasonable option. Plenty of scope for upgrades as and when the budget allows.
Steel is real!
If you don't mind a bit of heft, Surly make reasonably priced steel frames - a Pacer might be a good bet.
go old, get some classy steel and a nice spec.
I built a reynolds framed Peugeot with dura ace gears, ultegra wheels etc for a tidy price, its a 61cm if you fancy it? £300?
Sounds a nice bike, but way too large for a short 'un like me! Good idea building up an old frame though, thanks.
genesis fantastic steel bikes!
Or what about
http://www.brothercycles.com/store
Genesis?
Wot he said.
Gee, that looks very nice, unfortunately comes out a bit over my budget (sorry, didn't state my budget did I?). Ideally could do with being under £1000 but the Condor's are very tempting!
Thanks
Fratello
Obviously Condor