Cheaper alternative to Cinelli Mash Work

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  • Hi there,

    I'm looking for a more or less basic commuter with the following criteria:

    • Singlespeed / Fixed
    • Front and rear brakes mounts (preferable cantilever brake studs)
    • Tire clearance up to 32mm
    • Internal cable routing for rear brake
    • two bottle holder
    • Geometry similar to Cinelli Mash Work
    • min frame size 60cm as I'm on the taller side (2m)

    Overall the Cinelli Mash Work fits the bill and I also like that the frame looks not so fancy, which might help to keep thieves away, but from price point of view I think it is a bit overpriced by 2 or 3 times.

    I looked already for alternative but didn't find one, but I'm sure there must be some out there?

    Thanks for the help!

  • http://www.on-one.co.uk/i/q/FROOPV4/on-one-pompino-v4-frameset

    Dunno how the geo compares but ticks all the other boxes

  • I like the frame, but with max 57cm it will be too short for me.

    But thanks, this might help others.

  • Steamroller?

  • As from what I can see the CXC doesn't have any kind of cabling routing for the rear brake.

    But the Omnium One and Omnium Old School have cabling routing but only external and not internal. The tire clearance also won't be much but I still somehow like the old school especially also from price perspective. This one is shortlisted.

  • I think you mean the Surly Steamroller.

    http://surlybikes.com/bikes/steamroller

    But no cabling routing for the rear, which I don't like. But anyways thanks

  • It has external routing down the down tube so not internal no. I doubt you'll find very many single speeds that have internal routing.
    I think you'll have to compromise on some of your points, you can have several of them but if you want a Mash that's not a mash, just save and buy a Mash.

  • Finance?

    £110 dep. then, 48 x £24.86 monthly payments - Via Evan Cycles

  • Why are you set on internal cable routing?

    It's a PITA to work on and beyond looking jazzy, does nothing except compromise the efficient routing of the cable.

    For "a more or less basic commuter" it's a non-issue.

  • Winston charged me £20 for set of brake cable stops brazed under the TT

  • I am more or less looking for the same thing. The only difference is that I am smaller than you (180cm) and would be, if needed, willing to pay a bit more. Not in principle, but I am looking for quite some time now.

    Actually I came across this thread looking for insight on the Cinelly Mash Work. I really like the 2015 version, but so far I did not find a frame in my size (56). I do not like the brownish 2017 version at all.

    Please let me know if you did find an alternative after all.

  • Dolan FXE?

  • "Like Cinelly Mash Work" for me includes a steel frame with classic track geometry, especially without any sloping. Thanks anyway, salmonchild!

  • I ride both the 2015 and 2016 work frame. I agree with the price comment, however I picked the latter up from Halfords with a 30% discount, which of course made a huge difference. Go into a store and shows them a price match somewhere else - even if it's dated, and they'll discount it for you for sure. I am happy to come in with you and haggle ;-).

    In response to some of the others here, the 'smoke' finish was not something I liked at the start when I got frame number 2, but I realised that compromising on just colour for a frame that I love so much was pointless. In fact, the smoke colour combined with a black finishing kit makes it look pretty good. I agree with the cable routing comment as well - It's a bit of a non-issue and I think it was just another (nice to have) idea thrown into the mix when this frame was designed.

    If I look at the list of requirements you come up with, I doubt you'll find a suitable alternative now that you've set your eyes on this frame. What I like about the frame the most is the versatility of it. I started the first frame as a very clean build brakeless fixed bike, but it's now setup as a mixture of CX and commuter, with a crazy gear setup, brakes and ... a front rack including basket. I feel that justifies the purchase. This is a frame to keep.

  • Besides the optics, the versatility you mentioned for me is the main reason why I am thinking about buying the Mash Work frame. I could try to start fixed, change to single speed with brakes, ... I even saw someone riding it during the winter with brakes an thick tires (>32mm).

    Saying all that, for me spending that amount of money for a frame means that everything has to feel right about it, including the color. The bike I saw offline had the exact finish you mentioned, the brownish color with everything else in black. It certainly looked cool, but (as for today) it was just not for me.

    So if someone can point me to a (online) store offering a Mash Work 2015 in 56 ... :)

  • and what hashtag would I use when I post it on gram?!

    (forgot your tyres, hectic fucking week this)

  • Confused it with one of their alu frames- most likely thinking about the SSCX one. Oh well.

  • For me steel and classic track geometry without sloping is a must, but thanks anyway. And by the way: I still don't get why the hell almost every modern frame comes with sloping. They might have some advantages in handling or whatever, but what does it really help if they look so damn ugly.

  • what about a brother swift? or allday

    https://www.brothercycles.com/shop/swift-blackout/

  • Brother Cycles was also in the rotation for me, especially the Allday.

    https://www.brothercycles.com/shop/allday

    In the end I was lucky to find a Mash Work '15.

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Cheaper alternative to Cinelli Mash Work

Posted by Avatar for ChrisSH @ChrisSH

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