Which one Steel Frame, 'Genesis Croix De Fer or Charge Filter'?

I've had my 2014 model Croix de Fer for a few weeks and, after two modifications, it has rapidly become my favourite bike. Not my fastest, not my prettiest and certainly not my most expensive, but the bike I enjoy the most. I use it for short hops and I've already taken it 600km to France, it copes with it all.

I did explore the Kaffenback and the Arkose and the Charge but for several reasons, mostly concerning my preference for full groupsets, went for the Genesis. I don't regret my decision for one second.

My two modifications? I rapidly swapped the soft, sticky CX Speed tyres for some decent Randonneurs and, after a week's trial I dumped the Madison saddle. It wasn't a bad seat, just bad for me.

If it was stolen tomorrow would I buy another? Like a shot.

hadn't heard of Singular before, they look quite nice although I'm not so keen on the more retro frames.

+1 on the singular peregrine.
Singular frames look really lovely in the flesh and you will struggle to find a more versatile frame. I own a gryphon and it is awesome.

Condor Fratello a good choice. Or the Bivio X.

I'd take the frame of both and build up.

I have a Croix De Fer. Awesome bike. But, if you go that route, the stock wheels aren't great and it's possible to build the bike for much the same as RRP and get a better one.

So, £400 ish frame and forks, £350 handbuilt Archetype wheels with Novatech hubs, £350 SRAM Apex or 105 Groupset. Leaves you £100 for finishing kit (Tifosi carbon seatpost a good idea here). Nothing for tyres but I'd always assume most would swap out the cross tyres the Croix comes with.

Am riding one of the Evans Arkose CX bikes as my Zombie Apocalypse machine. Tough, versatile, if not fantastically quick, but will manage gentle sportives and long jaunts into the Peak District. Brilliant for commuting and off road riding. Cross-top levers and disc brakes have saved me from all sorts of - ahem - advanced driving, even if Jesus learnt some new words in the process.

Planet X Kaffenbach 2 for even better value.

Have you had a look at singular? They have the peregrine which would suit your needs.

I've been commuting on a singular osprey and they ride really well and look great if you are into the retro thing.

I have a Condor Fratello for commuting, audax and light touring. A Veloce or Tiagra build would come in at around £1300, the frame and fork on their own would be £600.. I ride it anywhere in all weathers. It's a great 'do it all' bike.

Stevie,

I understand, it was a once in the lifetime treat for me using a legacy from my Mother-in-law.

It is proving good value as I will have done about 5,000 miles in a year on it. A small British company do give great service.

I also went for as many British made components as I could (Hope, Middleburn, USE, Brooks, Atomic22) but because I wanted comfort, convenience, reliability and low low maintenance nearly 50% of the total value was imported (Rohloff, Gates Belt Drive, Schmidt dynamo + front light, B&M rear light, Jones H-Bar, Tubus racks).

No experience with the CdF, but I've had the apex for a little over a year now and it's handled a variety of conditions and terrain very well, with minimal maintenance required over around 1800 miles, never even had a puncture! Though that's got naff all to do with the bike :-). Only issue I've had is when the bb5 brakes need tweaking, it can be a bit fiddly to get them biting right again. It's served me well over lots of commuting, plus a few events including RideLondon without issue. Would recommend it as a decent all rounder.

I love my Shand Cycles Stoater Plus for all this: http://www.shandcycles.com/frames/allroad-plus/stoater-plus-overview/
Plus fully british built.