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Mason Bokeh vs. Fairlight Secan a.k.a. aluminium vs. steel

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  • October 21, 2018 at 2:26 pm #29066
    Wizik

    Hi everyone!

     

    After years and years of mtbiking and starting to be in situation where one bike is not enough, I am looking for my second bike that should be an universal commuting and gravel/long-distance bike. After tons of reading I ended up with these two, mason bokeh and fairlight secan. Both will be probably bought as a frameset and then build with force 1x , 700c carbon wheels on some 35-40mm tyres (650B for more gravelish ride later). So, no matter what bike I will buy, probably it will be almost exactly the same builds, just frame different. I am preffering more comfy position than a race one, so with my 180cm I can go only for 56cm Bokeh or 56T(tall) Secan, which should be best for my heigh and riding preference.

     

    I think there is almost zero chance that I’ll find someone who rode on both of them and can compare, but I would like to start a discussion and read some pros and cons from you.

     

    Cheers.

    Jakub

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  • October 23, 2018 at 9:09 am #929783
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    fukawitribe
    VeloUSA wrote:
    Steel all the way for smoother and comfy compliance over alloy.

    Don’t be silly – material choice is largely irrelevent in that regard.

    October 23, 2018 at 8:54 am #929781
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    srchar
    VeloUSA wrote:
    Steel all the way for smoother and comfy compliance over alloy.

    It’s not quite as simple as that; I have a Kinesis T3 for commuting duties (made from aluminium) which is far comfier than the Van Nicholas titanium and Genesis steel bikes that preceded it.  The Genesis in particular was like riding a farm gate, which surprised me, as I went for steel based on comments I’d read online about how comfortable it is, and I went for titanium after it based on comments I’d read online about how comfortable it is.

    October 23, 2018 at 7:24 am #929779
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    Wizik

    Looks like its a way to go

    Looks like its a way to go for Secan đŸ™‚ 

     

    October 22, 2018 at 6:05 pm #929777
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    VeloUSA

    Steel all the way for

    Steel all the way for smoother and comfy compliance over alloy.

    October 22, 2018 at 5:46 pm #929775
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    kil0ran

    They’re quite different bikes

    They’re quite different bikes geo-wise. The 56T Secan stack is a substantial 3cm higher than the 56mm Bokeh for similar reach, so that’s significantly more relaxed and upright. You’ll definitely notice the difference. 

    Do you have known-good road bike fit measurements available? Certainly in my experience if you give Dom from Fairlight your fit data he’ll find the right size frame for you.

    Of course your final position can be tuned with stem length, flipping stems, that sort of thing. The Fairlight bikes have plenty of exposed steerer tube for you to find the right height.

    October 22, 2018 at 1:19 pm #929773
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    StraelGuy

    You won’t regret getting the

    You won’t regret getting the Secan, Fairlight bikes are beautiful to ride yes.

    October 22, 2018 at 1:14 pm #929771
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    Wizik
    John_S wrote:
    Hi Wizik,

    They’re both lovely bikes and which ever you get I’m sure that you’ll enjoy it!

    If it were me I’d take the steel Secan but it’s all persoanl choice and in the eye of the beholder as to which one will win out.

    Can you get anywhere to try them?

    I think that Swift Cycles near Liverpool Street in London have Fairlight Cycles bikes

    https://www.swiftcycles.co.uk

    And this is a question more than anything but can you try Mason bikes if you go to their barn HQ?

    Enjoy making your decision and enjoy which ever bike you end up buying.

    John

     

     

    John, unfotunately no chance for me to try either of bikes, as I am from central Europe.

    I am leaning forward more to steel bike, so Secan, but want to make the best possible decision. Anyway, thanks a lot for your opinion, appreciate it! đŸ™‚

    October 22, 2018 at 6:36 am #929769
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    John_S

    Hi Wizik,

    Hi Wizik,

    They’re both lovely bikes and which ever you get I’m sure that you’ll enjoy it!

    If it were me I’d take the steel Secan but it’s all persoanl choice and in the eye of the beholder as to which one will win out.

    Can you get anywhere to try them?

    I think that Swift Cycles near Liverpool Street in London have Fairlight Cycles bikes

    https://www.swiftcycles.co.uk

    And this is a question more than anything but can you try Mason bikes if you go to their barn HQ?

    Enjoy making your decision and enjoy which ever bike you end up buying.

    John

     

    October 21, 2018 at 2:49 pm #929767
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    Wizik

    I am also not very good in

    I am also not very good in “reading” geometry and don’t get when someone is saying “omg, this is so much race geometry” or whatever else. Which one of these bikes will be more “comfy traveler”? Both bikes are + – in the same price range, so I can’t even go for the much cheaper one.

    October 21, 2018 at 2:44 pm #929765
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    StraelGuy

    I realy don’t like aluminium

    I realy don’t like aluminium bikes and own a Strael so I’m going to say ‘Secan all day long’ but I’m sure tons of people are going to like aluminium…

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