Originally Posted by
SlimRider
No. Component wise, the Norco has only a slight edge. However, when you factor the rack and fenders into the equation, suddenly the Escape begins to approach prominence.
Even if you have no need for rack or fenders, it would behoove you to purchase the Escape and remove them, if we're only considering components and price...
OTOH, suppose we all agree upon what we think the proper choice of your bicycle should be, but you fail to feel comfortable upon our choice when riding. Would you still buy the bike anyway?
It really boils down to your test ride of all these bikes after our little input.
Now go test riding before you pull the trigger!
Cheers
, i'll have a look around and see what i can try out. I guess i really just came on here to get some opinions on whether i'm looking at the right types of bike for the price and also to try and establish which of these might be the best for the job and value for money assuming each is a good fit.
Originally Posted by
canyoneagle
There is a pretty steep price/quality curve (i.e. each additional 50-75 pounds gets you tangibly better quality) until you hit about 700-800 pounds, at which the curve tapers off, and the price "steps" become greater (100-200 quid per noteworthy increase in quality).
Sales often allow one to obtain a bike from 1-2 quality/price brackets higher, and I see the Norco as such a price/quality combination, bringing what looks to be the best value in the lot IMO.
The Revolution looks like a reasonable bike, to be sure, but is easily one full step down in quality in all areas. For example, the derailleurs (Acera, 2300) are near the bottom of Shimano's line and are 8-speed, whereas the Norco is equipped with the full Sora mid-level group in 9 speed format. Another example is the the spokes on the Revolution are listed as "steel" (not stainless), which tend to get dull and corrode over time, whereas the Norco has Stainless steel spokes. Both bikes have their fair share of in-house (non-branded) parts - handlebars, seatpost, stem - which is not uncommon at this price point.
Anyway, just a few thoughts.
As an option,
here's one of similar quality to the Revolution cx that has slightly better spec, and includes mudguards and a rack.
Great information, these are things i don't know or think about which is why i'm here! I do quite like the look of the touring bike. I don't know much about a touring bike or it's purpose (i presume to tour). Would this be suited to trails/off road just as much as the others i listed? Also how would you expect this to perform in terms of speed/power against the others? A big consideration would be how much speed i can get out of the bike with little effort, my reason for this is that i often go to the gym before or after work to do some weight training therefore i wouldn't want to burn myself out however i still want to travel at a decent speed.
I do like the fact it comes with guards and a rack though!
Originally Posted by
no1mad
You mention that you'll be riding 20 miles r/t and that 80-90% of that is "trails/tracks off road". What kind of shape are these trails in? Are they like paved trails that motorized vehicles are not allowed to use or are these rock and root strewn cow paths? If it's an improved and smoother surface, any of the bikes should be up to the task. But if it's really rough, you may want to conside a 'Hardtail' mtb.
Also, what size frame are you looking for. I started to poke around the Evans site, but looks like they essentially act as a clearinghouse of sorts- NOS, limited size selection.
It's basically a designated cycle track forming part of a national cycle route, it's mostly gravel surfaces and relatively flat across the entire disctance.
Yes the Evans site do seem to be clearing stuff out at the minutee. It was the Norco which caught my attention from here due to opportunity to get discount and cashback also bring the price to around £420. Trouble with the Norco is i'm not so sure it would be easy to find one of these nearby to try it out.
As for frame size, i'm not so sure yet, i've seen a few diferent sizing guides online however i've yet to have a look at canyoneagle's links that he kindly provided. This i guess is why it's definitely a good idea to try them out.