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N+1, Now I know what I want I have to get saving!

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  1. DaveC
    Member

    I've been thinking about what to get as an Audax bike. I'm happy with the Dawes Galaxy but have seen some models I haven't recognised before on recent Audaxes. I asked someone who owned one and found out they are Van Nicholas. Looks lovely and supposed to be light and as comfortable as Steel without the brittleness of Carbon - though they look to be a similar price.

    Yukon looks favourite but I need to find a away to pay for it as its WAY over the C2W allowance! Does anyone know if its still illegal to sell children? [joke]

    Posted 11 years ago #

  2. amir
    Member

    I have a VN Mistral - these are relatively cheap (made up) compared to Yukons but it is quick and reasonably comfortable. It doesn't have enough clearance for proper mudguards though (of course this isn't a problem with our weather ;) ).

    Note the frames may be cheaper than £1000 but I am not sure that you can buy by C2W.

    There are other makes worth considering, including Sabbath, Enigma ... You can get an impression through fora etc on the web. There is( was?) a Sabbath dealer in Peebles. I got my VN via EBC. They didn't have any in stock then but they might now.

    If you do want to spend big, it is worth trying the bike out first, maybe even getting a bike fit. I regret not do this on my last bike but it's turned out okay. The geometry is critical for comfort and efficiency. I guess that geometry drives comfort more than frame materials.

    The good thing (or bad depending on how you look at it) about titanium is it's longevity. I like the fact that cleaning is easy and I don't need to worry about paint chips.

    Posted 11 years ago #

  3. kaputnik
    Moderator

    Titanium. Also available in grey.

    Posted 11 years ago #

  4. amir
    Member

    You could paint it! Add some splashes of yellow (other colours apparently available)

    Posted 11 years ago #

  5. crowriver
    Member

    If its titanium you're after, you may want to look at the Spa Cycle Titanium Audax. I hear good things about them. Not too pricey. Mudguards included!

    Oh Spa helpfully link to a review comparing the Van Nicholas with the Spa Titanium.

    Posted 11 years ago #

  6. amir
    Member

    That's a pretty good review compared to some from Cycle mag, which sometimes have a particularly slant.

    The good thing about Spa Cycles is that they are based in Harrogate - should be convenient for you DaveC.

    I have no great trouble with comfort over 200km (please don't remind me when I am complaining).

    For higher value bikes, it might be worth starting to think of frame + components rather than the bike as a whole, the reason being that packages tend to compromise in one area to meet a price.

    I'd tend to spend relatively more on wheels and frame than other bits.

    Posted 11 years ago #

  7. gembo
    Member

    They had the van Nicholas in the EBC when I was getting the allez comp on the bike to work. If I could have worked the van Nicholas into that scheme I would. It was a shiny happy thing

    Posted 11 years ago #

  8. amir
    Member

    There's some Chinooks in the EBC sale. £300 off

    Posted 11 years ago #

  9. DaveC
    Member

    Cheers Amir, They only have 52, 54 & 56. If I were to spend that amount of cash I'd want a 58. Nice though, I'm tempted to have a wonder up over Lunch and take a look at their stock.

    Posted 11 years ago #

  10. amir
    Member

    I am now withdrawing my recommendation for Van Nicholas. This morning I was prepping my bike for tomorrow's audax and found a crack in the frame. I expect it will be replaced under the lifetime guarantee - its currently at EBC.

    I would do as much googling as possible about such problems for any manufacturer. I am not sure if VN have a particular problem.

    It would be useful to have a JD Power type survey of customer satisfaction - that very much influenced my choice of car. I have got the time to do that myself but is be happy to help anyone else.

    Meanwhile I am gonna use the ridgeback tomorrow. The good thing is that it has a granny ring!

    Posted 11 years ago #

  11. crowriver
    Member

    Oh dear! Hope it works out eventually.

    One bike I constantly see rave reviews from satisfied owners pleased with years of faithful service is....the Dawes Galaxy.

    Posted 11 years ago #

  12. chdot
    Admin

    "
    One bike I constantly see rave reviews from satisfied owners pleased with years of faithful service is....the Dawes Galaxy.
    "

    Yes, it's almost surprising - in the sense that there have been many different specs over the years - and it's a long time since the frame was made in Birmingham with 531.

    (Though I did have of those break at a lug. Fortunately 'lifetime frame guarantee' in those days.)

    Dawes has had several owners in recent years. Presumably each one has realised that the Galaxy is an icon/brand/classic etc. and made the pedigree survives.

    Posted 11 years ago #

  13. DaveC
    Member

    I've been given permossion to ride tomorrow. I'll be on my green Dawes Galaxy 6xx frame.

    Sorry to hear of your bike wows Adrian, I hope you get a replacment frame very soon.

    Posted 11 years ago #

  14. amir
    Member

    A replacement frame is apparently on its way under warranty. Hopefully it'll arrive and be set up for next weekend but I'll just have to be patient.

    Posted 11 years ago #

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