Functional bikes. Not Porn not Anti

They're also relatively cheap on PX/On-One http://www.on-one.co.uk/i/q/TYVIVOHY/vittoria-voyager-hyper-folding-tyre

I just bought some 37mm paselas from SJS and they're actually 38. So that's an alternative.

Vittoria Randoneur tyres are an absolute pig to get on and off.
It got to the stage where I was very concerned about a puncture and not being able to wrestle the tyres on and off. It quite spoilt my ride for a while - so back to marathons and no punctures!

Those Vittoria Voyager Hyper look great - shall order some now.

I just got of these from surry quays store a few days ago(still had 20 or so on the rack even tho they show out of stock). Went on fine just needed to make sure the opposite side was snug in the wheel before pulling the last part on. The ones I got had a reflective stripe.

http://www.decathlon.co.uk/randonneur-road-bike-tyre-700x28-black-id_8303019.html

Would be careful about wire tyres from planetx have had 2 pairs damaged by whoever packed them folding them.

The Soma low trail fork looks to work well though I've yet to try to loaded up. Handling is different (duh) though perfectly rideable unloaded.

I think I can understand why;

Surly Nice Rack.

@edscoble so casually hiding from Rando related posts in plain sight.

:D

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jdlpJqHxLxk#t=262

any reccomendations that are similar to the surly cross check or straggler?

I want a bike that I can ride comfortably through winter on club runs - so 28c/32c tyres with mudguards. Would then be able to attach racks for commuting.

Then if I really want, fit massive tyres for some off road.

Plenty to choose from... Kaffenback, Croix der Fer/CdF, Singular do something that fits the bill I think... How much do you want to spend?

I've just built a Genesis Croix De Fer 931 (stainless) I'd say it's capable of light touring, gravel paths and faster road rides depending on the way it's built.

I've got heavy ish wheels on it and schwable Kojak 35mm tyres and it rolls really nicely, not much slower on the flat than my Binachi with 23mm tyres.

This was me on my way to work this morning, cycle paths, roads and lots of drop kerbs, it handled it perfectly.

Croix De Fer by Michael M Rennie, on Flickr

not sure about the tyre clearances on the croix der fer.

Thinking of just getting the frameset. I have an old groupset I can use and parts..

around £400

perhaps I should go with something cheap and cheerful (kaffenback) and go custom next year when I know exactly what I want.

Custom wouldnt be much more expensive than the surly from someone like orlowski.

The Croix De Fer has plenty clearance for 35c plus mudguards, are you concerned this is too big?

I just bought the frame and built it from parts I had.

I think the old Croix de Fer could take 42 without mudguards, or something like that. Why not just go custom now? Saves you losing money on whatever you buy in between...

Now you're entering the realm known as master of all trade, jack of none.

The bike that was suggested were great for off roading, touring and the like, and can handle some fast club ride or weekend jaunt, however when you want even bigger tyres, you're reaching to the point that it won't feel as fun to ride as a club bike, not that you can't do such ride on it, just that the geometry will feel a little sluggish like the bike felt heavy.

Sound like you want an Adventure bike, like the GT Grade.

I think the old Croix de Fer could take 42 without mudguards.

It can, and 2015 show a dedicated bike known as the CdA that come with 42mm as standard;

ok, sounds like I should accept I cant find a bike that matches all of these criteria?

that being the case, I am in much more need of a winter bike/ tourer/commuter.. Croix De Fer could be better option?

fuck, i just want 5 differnet bikes please

Croix De Fer could be better option?

The Croix de Fer 30 with the carbon fork is a worthy option.

This is rad and reminds me that I want some Middleburns

is that the same as this?

http://www.tweekscycles.com/Product.do?method=view&n=3551&g=697377&p=697388&c=215&utm_source=Google&utm_medium=Base&utm_campaign=Road%20Frames&gclid=Cj0KEQjwq52iBRDEvrC12Jnz6coBEiQA2otXAsRXCbb8szqyg5O6U3zGQlhKUgjm1B2XCOdeXNPTY0saAmBX8P8HAQ

Yup.

Sold. My surly. Cheers.