Functional bikes. Not Porn not Anti

Found a norco alfine reduced at evans. Only one size left..
Other brands are available.
:-)

Hmm, I seem to be failing in my internet prowess. The only ones on Evan's website don't come anywhere near as close in regards to XT and Deore, with high quality Dynamo system and SKS guards. They also seem to have weird gear combo's like 8 speed double or 7 speed cassettes.

I think this is down to the power of the pound over the Euro atm.

575 pounddLinky

I guess it depends how you ride. It's too much bike (yes even for rough trails and tours) for me. Maybe they make sense for non-cyclists, sitting bolt-upright, pedalling slowly, going slowly.

Its very close to the decathlon touring bike, think it's £600 but crazy good value

That'd look so much better if you used a different stem.

Just get a second-hand Dawes Galaxy off eBay for £100-300.

Those hybrid / front sus / commuter things are monstrosities. Too much technology for simple tasks.

If you have to have front suspension why not just buy a nice second-hand Rock Lobster or Specialized or Kona etc and stick a rack and whatever tyres you want on it?

Ridgeback Speed SE and add a front Shimano dynamo wheels.

How is Dynamo lights, rack and a triple too much technology? The forks are actually used on a few 29ers.

There is a rigid version at the same price, which may be a better option. It is very fugly, I absolutely agree. That colour is yuk, it seems such good value - as long as it delivers what it says. I've never heard of the brand, which is what I was after advice for.

If you don't want a bicycle, then get it and ignored everyone here.

I think what cross our mind is that you're coming from a lightweight fixed wheel bicycle to a heavy and dull riding "tourer" seemed like a massive jump.

Sorry ed, I don't understand what you mean.

Just looking for a value for money utility bike for work. I came across this and asked if anyone knew the brand. Tbf it is a lot of good quality components for the money.

Some have suggested that I buy a bike of a similar price and start to add bits such as Dynamo, rack and guards. Which makes no sense whatsoever as it'll take the whole package price a few hundred quid above the price of the bike I've come across, plus the hassle.

I didn't realise I'd offended people to the point of being ignored, this actually tickles me a little bit.

All nice things but don't forget position, fit and geo. Most cyclists would not be happy. You might be, in which case: go for it.

Sorry ed, I don't understand what you mean.

Basically it's a kind of bicycle that appeal to non cyclists.

What I meant is that if you're not fussed in the slightest with how that kind of bike ride, in that case go for it.

#bluebikerider I got the same treatment when I showed up here with my bikes and the upright bars I have on all of them. These, Ergon grips and (possibly) Brooks saddles allow me to continue riding in spite of health problems.
I know your health isn't at issue here of course, just illustrating that what's happening isn't uncommon.
FFotI and all that.

Exactly as above, you don't have to go that far to get something that will fulfil your need, wanna spend over a grand? Get an Arkose 4 for £1150 from Evans, the excellent Shimano 105 and fantastic hydro discs, versatile frame and carbon forks. Stick a rack and guards on it and bob your uncle you'll have a bike that will be functional, as well as fast and fun.

On holiday recently I rode a hybrid with a similar setup to that one you've linked and it wasn't exactly an inspiring ride... It might seem a good deal for the equipment but come on it's got naff forks and v brakes... Based on your planned usage V brakes alone are a reason not to buy it.

If you choose to ignore us all, that's your choice, but you don't know what you're missing out on. I got croix de fer recently and it's an absolute hoot, it functions great as a commuter, a cross bike, a tourer and a (heavy) rode bike. The bike you've linked will only perform one duty, so in a sense, isn't that actually bad value?

Just buy the bloody thing and be done ok.

^ basically this. I don't reckon anyone here will have any experience - it's a German 'trekking' bike, perfect for the urban infrastructure in their major cities, cobbled cycle lanes, tow paths etc. all pretty flat and a bit bumpy... not really something you find over here. The UK/US trend seems to be for functional CX/"gravel grinding" bike so you're more likely to find people recommending those.

My concern would be mainly the brakes (good but non-standard mounts and specific pads, no provision for discs down the line), fork (old tech, heavy, will require more maintenance if regularly going off-road...) and quality of lighting in a non-urban environment.

The "upgraded rear mech" is an old marketing trick, functionally money spent on the shifter is likely to make difference than the rear mech. IMO budget 10 speed is clunky, less robust and less reliable than even entry level 7/8 speed components (been running low end 8 speed on my road/audax/cross/"functional" bike for a few years now without any issues).

At the end of the day though, it's your decision and if you think it best fits your requirements go for it :)

Another nice Shand...

Crust bikes doing more crazy stuff including a non-suspension corrected 700c cargo conversion fork...

i quite like those shand, but the rohloff gates version is quite expensive

this one folds and comes in a smaller size too.

That looks rad!

cool

Anyone that buys and then uses a bike, automatically becomes a cyclist. They may not be YOUR kind of cyclist, but a cyclist is what they are. I'm not a bit interested in speed, buying what everyone else buys or looking like any particular type of cyclist. I cycle more than some people use their cars, but I don't race, I don't wear lycra and I have no idea whether or not I am 'fashionable'. I don't ride 'fashionable' bikes and I haven't got disc brakes. What I have got, is an arthritic back, type 1 diabetes and a love of functional bikes which are built by me to suit my needs. Oh, and I am a cyclist, I ride a cycle.

Nice one, looks like just what I'm after. Do you have one? Can you comment on its sturdiness and durability?