Pinnacle Arkose Three (jameso to the forum please)

There's a very good review here, btw:
[url=

Arkose 3 review.[/url]

I really like the Pinnacle - seems excellent vfm.

The Genesis Croix De Fer has been updated for next year with the rear brake in the right place at last, and the new Surly Straggler looks nice, apart from the disc placement:
[img] [/img]
Great colour. 🙂

Don't forget the Disc Trucker too - think you'd be looking at the 26 inch version and they're not the lightest bikes.

Ignore the Evans site, sorry, some glitch there. The pinnacle site is correct, but CS is 425mm not 440mm. Must improve the sheet that creates that.. deffo an off road fun bike, wouldn't have it any other way. Group test win in cycling plus a while back, pm me if you want a copy mailed over.

I have one and its fine, I do have an issue with the headset working loose that I need to get Evans to look at but as for the ride etc its all good. I know a headset working loose is not a great advert but its probably a one off that they will sort out when I get around to getting there.

I worked on the premise that its a great spec for the money and doing a frame swap if I fancied something more glamorous and funds allowed would be easy enough but can't fault it.

What sort of rides do you use it for, Pingu?

Thanks for the reply, James. Sent you an email.

I've got one.
I did a 47 mile off/on road ride on it last week, probably 75% off road (bridleways, towpaths etc).
I'm old, fat and unfit, so you'll be fine.

I have one in small and I'm 5'5".

Although its the only CX bike I've ever ridden it seems great. I've used it for everything from off road epics (great glen way in a day) to scouting the local area for new trails to 100 mile plus road rides. Bike has always been fine so far and pretty comfortable.

I'd definitely recommend one.

I have had one for a year now, great bike. It works surprisingly well on a lot of XC stuff I ride normally on a hardtail and I find it great on the road too (with road tyres). Also sees use with a rack/kiddies seat.

Mine did suffer from stem slippage on the carbon steerer tube. After a good bit of roughing up it hasnt moved.

Mine did suffer from stem slippage on the carbon steerer tube. After a good bit of roughing up it hasnt moved.

I do have an issue with the headset working loose that I need to get Evans to look at but as for the ride etc its all good

Any word on this, jameso?

Thanks for all the replies, people. Choice is between this and an XLS, so far. All extra info is very helpful in making a decision.

I had a look at one at the weekend. Not bad at all but oh so dull. yet another of their range is a lovely bright orange.

I'm looking at similar kit. How about the new Giant TCX SLR2?
Tall, the Whyte Saxon cross is better speced but only 56cm or above TT's.T the same price there are Ridley X Bow discs or Merida's but they are not pretty. Then again some people like dull bikes.

Then again some people like dull bikes.

There is dull, and then there is understated.

Jamie the stem thing wasn't really an issue. It was being used over particularly rough ground (I'm not a great line choice rider!) and I didnt want to go too tight with the steerer bolts on the carbon steerer. Bit of coarse sand paper gave the stem a good key to grip. Also loves gravel paths and just keep changing up the gears and it keeps acclerating.

Any word on this, jameso?

Hmm might ruff up the steerer but mine is worse after I have ridden over rough ground.

As soon as I tried it it felt nice so I took it and although it may look dull/understated its a pretty good bike. With the 35mm tyres its tracks and towpaths, currently got 28s on it and ride it on the road. Not as fast as a road bike I guess, it maybe my lardy arse as well but can ride all day on it.

I think sv has it, often neither stem bung or stems are done up very tight on carbon steerers from caution

Would one of these be the ticket to getting things nicely, and safely, tight?

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/ritchey-torque-key-with-interchangeable-bits/

...assuming the stem is 5nM.

I'm looking at similar kit. How about the new Giant TCX SLR2?

Not out till the end of the month, and while it has a very good spec, I'm not sure about the 15mm wheels. Would mean keeping stock, as my Kinesis CDx wouldn't be compatible.

....it does look nice with the internal cable routing, though.

The frames are half price at Evans....

This is on my shopping list now 🙂

Anyone else got one ? Opinions ? Thanks

I've got one. It's a more than capable bike. I've used it for commuting and big days out in the Pennines. I've not encountered any problems in the eight months or so I have had it.

And does anyone know how it's changed for 2014?

And does anyone know how it's changed for 2014?

Rusty - the one linked in the other thread is 2014 on Evans site and stock due Nov

Got one back in April - awesome bike, love it to bits. Spoilt somewhat by the mudguards and pannier rack that live on it, but it wasn't bought to be raced.

Commutes just fine on the Small Block 8 tyres - bit draggy on road climbs but not too bad, and I've put fat slicks on occasionally for wet weather road rides. Very competent on towpath surfaces which is most of my commute.

More comfortable to ride than I expected tbh. Think the longest ride I've done on it was 65 miles - maybe 1/3 of that was off road on the High Peak and Tissington trails. The 30 tooth cog at the back came in useful riding from the ford up to Tissington village.....

Being finicky I'd have preferred a slightly wider set of bars, I just never use the crosstop brakes, and they'll be going as soon as I can be bothered to put some more comfy bar tape on, but I've lasted this long in stock set up so it clearly isn't a huge issue for me.

Size wise, I'm 5'9" and a little bit, and got a Medium 52cm frame, which fits fine - the sticker on the frame does show it as being intended for people up to 5'9". If you are near Nottingham /Derby and want to try one for size my email is in my profile, but the staff in the Nottingham Evans were pretty good at sizing me up, if you can get into one of their stores (I know they vary!) they will get one in for you to try.

Edit:Think the cheap frames are non-disc version?

And does anyone know how it's changed for 2014?

2014 bike is not that different, gets BB7 SLs for the same RRP.

...that's from Mr Olsen when I asked the same thing.

Thanks folks.

Sorry for the thread resurrection but I'm just thinking of getting a CX bike for around £1000 and this is on the list. Any updates or fresh reviews would be appreciated. The Arkose 2 looks great in green but I'm not sure about bar end shifters.

The others on my list are a Cannondale CAADX, Boardman or Planet X. My basic requirements are for an on/off road commuter bike and something to fill the gap between mountain and road bikes. Ideally I want disc brakes and 105 gears/shifters. Mudguards would be good and I don't want it to weigh as much as a car.

I went for a Croix De Fer and could reco...

....and I don't want it to weigh as much as a car.

Ah...ok, as you were.

I've got one!
When I first received it, there were issues with the setup- gears not indexed properly and cables not routed correctly, there were also scratches on the rims and handlebars. Evans didn't offer me anything apart from getting the gears and cable routing sorted.

Anyway, the bike itself is fantastic. I've never had a CX bike but I've had a race HT and various road bikes. I would say that it's a brilliant road bike- little draggy with the stock tyres but great clearance for guards, plus lots of rack options. Feels much better than my winter road bike (which it replaced). Happily done 50+ miles in a day.

Discs took a while to bed in but are lovely in winter- quieter than rim brakes and more consistent/reliable. Full carbon fork feels very stiff compared to others I've had in the past.

Not given it proper abuse offroad yet but seems to do the trick on footpaths, etc. I can't wait for summer!

Should add, when I bought it I got £140 worth of free kit- so got shoes, shorts, top and other bits.

It feels like the wheels may be fairly weighty, potential for future upgrade there but the rest of the kit is lovely. Still not convinced by the frog leg brake leavers, they may have to go. Best value CX bike out there in my opinion.

Edit: I'm 5'8'' with the same inseam and find the 54cm size perfect with 10mm spacers below the stem and about 12-17cm of post showing.

Oomidamon, did you h give the arkose two is ten speed with single ring on the front to allow for hydraulic discs, is a bit unusual but looks great in the flesh. I used to use bar end shifters and never really found an issue with them. Arkose three is nine hundred at the moment if you would rather have stis and cake discs.

Jamie - Member

I went for a Croix De Fer and could reco...

....and I don't want it to weigh as much as a car.

Ah...ok, as you were.

Go on then - what's it like?
Give us the full review treatment - we need pictures with your best Doddyface as you nail a slightly muddy left hander.

How does it deal with hexagonally shaped hits?
Any signs of trail resurrection?
Have you bought any 1930's style handlebars as a misguided attempt at individuality?
On a scale of one to real, how real IS steel?
Have the disk brakes caused any penile shrinkage?

Enquiring minds demand the troof.
GET ON WITH IT!

Akira - hadn't spotted that it was a single ringer, cheers. I think I was drawn in by the colour...

Akira - hadn't spotted that it was a single ringer, cheers. I think I was drawn in by the colour...

If the Arkose 3 had been available in that green, I probably would have gone for one.

....as shallow as that sounds.

Jamie - If I could get a green 3 I'd have one.

Damn, the 2014 Arkose 3 is only Sora.

2014 Arkose 3 is Tiagra and 105 mainly

Frame:Pinnacle 6061-T6 double butted aluminium alloy
Fork:Full carbon, tapered steerer
Front Derailleur:Shimano Tiagra
Rear Derailleur:Shimano 105 RD-5600-SS
Number of Gears:20
Shifters:Shimano 105 ST-5600
Chainset:FSA Omega compact
Chainrings:50/34T
Bottom Bracket:FSA external
Cassette:Shimano CS-HG62-10 12-28T
Chain:KMC nickel finish
Pedals:Not Supplied
Brakeset:Avid BB7-SL cable disc
Brake Levers:Shimano 105 ST-5603
Handlebars:Pinnacle DB Aluminium shallow-drop bar, 125mm drop, 70mm reach, 440mm width
Stem:Pinnacle SL Road Ahead stem, 110mm
Headset:FSA Orbit C-40-ACB (NO.42/ACB) – integrated sealed cartridge bearing – 1-1/8 ACB top, 1.5" ACB lower (for 46/56mm Head Tubes ), W/15mm top cover
Grips:Shock-proof dual-density microfibre tape
Rims:Alex Black Dragon 32H
Front Hub:Joytech
Rear Hub:Joytech
Spokes:Stainless PG
Front Tyre:Kenda Small Block 8 35C
Rear Tyre:Kenda Small Block 8 35C
Tubes:Butyl
Saddle:FWE Race men’s, black
Seatpost:Pinnacle Aluminium
Seat Binder:Single-bolt clamp
Weight:Not Specified

Damn, the 2014 Arkose 3 is only Sora.

Naaaaah.

Edit: Wot Ian said.

You're right, I got my 1 and 3 mixed up.

If the CDF is owt like the day one then it'll be comfy, sorted geometry, tough as old boots (tho still not VW golf proof) but weigh a bastid tonne. Since got a kinesis which is almost the same geometry, lighter but not as comfy and probably not as tough at shrugging off rock/crash* damage.

I had problems with stem creep but I was running the steerer full length, once chopped and the stem bung and stem both tightened up properly (and the bung in the right place, aligned with the stem) it all seems ok.

Arkose 2 looks nice, felt light too, but I read somewhere (can't remember where maybe a label on the bike in the shop - not on the evans website) they state the gearing is [i]just[/i] enough and the shifter is a little out of the way so you only shift when you really need to so you can concentrate on the ride, which sounded like marketing spin BS of on-one levels. The shifter is there so you can spec full hydro brakes which is fair enough.

edit found it [url= http://pinnacle-bikes.co.uk/road-and-cyclocross/pinnacle-arkose-two-2014-cyclocross-bike ]"1×10 gearing is enough for most places, or all with a bit of added challenge thrown in and the bar-end shifter may encourage you to click the gears less and just ride."[/url]

*more the bike falling over onto something pointy rather than running it into a wall.

fyi y'all, there's nothing wrong with new-style* sora, it's bombproof.

(*proper sti, no thumb button)

the CDF is heavy, but there's a lot, sorry, (clears throat) [u]A LOT[/u], of weight in the wheels, which are apparently indestructible.

2014 Croix De Fer is a bit lighter than it's predecesor, partly due lighter wheels
[img] [/img]

Notes
Continue with green Arkoses 2015, swap out the matt black or the cyan one
Copy to be more obviously not very serious, been compared to on-one so doing something right, or wrong, tbc
Steel bikes or +200g in a set of wheels still seen as heavy

Ta

Jamie - Member
Akira - hadn't spotted that it was a single ringer, cheers. I think I was drawn in by the colour...
If the Arkose 3 had been available in that green, I probably would have gone for one.

....as shallow as that sounds.

Pretty much the same here, love the green but not really taken by the silver although will end up ordering one sooner than later

Notes
Continue with green Arkoses 2015, swap out the matt black or the cyan one
Copy to be more obviously not very serious, been compared to on-one so doing something right, or wrong, tbc
Steel bikes or +200g in a set of wheels still seen as heavy

Ta

I've read that several times now, and still trying to work out what it is I am reading. Is it mardy, or am I reading it wrong? Maybe I am just tired.

That arkose 3 is up there on my list for commuting duties and exploring. The green needs to happen in that model!!!

Jamie, not meant that way at all sorry.
Read as - more colours for next year and that's good imo; a well-meaning backhanded compliment to what on-one do; the CDFs frame/wheel weight rep still suprises me a little but nothing more than that.

Long day here. CNY coming up and a lot of stuff to do by end of today (ie a good few hrs ago our time and an early morning for me).

The green needs to happen in that model!!!

No worries, James, I thought I had read it wrong.

Just to add to this there is now the On one Ti cross bike. Just acquired one and it is great.

been compared to on-one so doing something right, or wrong, tbc

Rereading it, it doesn't seem actually as bad as I first thought and as I said I do like the look of the bike as a package....and the colour 🙂

You're right D0NK, the #1 reason for a bar-end was the hydro brakes and the hydros were because we wanted a simple low maintenance option in the range, I like the basics and 1x gearing approach so it all went together and made some sort of sense. Then we have to write something about it.

We don't employ copywriters, but sometimes forget the perspective of a SSer or bike-geek rider and many customers (or how we present the brand and the Evans site) is a bit different. But better to say it as we see it than get someone in to talk about how 'Our passion for riding is in everything we do, you can feel it the first time you turn a pedal. Here at Pinnacle, we Believe.' etc as taken off a deli sarnie wrapper or a smoothie, creating our 'brand language' and so on.
I think 'cut and paste' is in there somewhere too, but it makes sense to me, honest. I like how Guy Kesteven writes, it's descriptive and when it doesn't always make sense, I get the impression he's waving his hands about and being animated about what he's saying, enthusiastic. But I know some just don't like it. Sram's press releases can be brilliant, not to be taken seriously at all. Fine line between marketing OTTness and engaging, waffle and dull? (I'm waffling now but brand stuff like this interests me)

'Our passion for riding is in everything we do, you can feel it the first time you turn a pedal. Here at Pinnacle, we Believe.'

I don't know what you're selling, but I'll take 3.

about 14months ago I was looking for a hydro cx bike I was going to run SS, couldn't find one for a reasonable price. Just decided I'll give gears a go and can't afford di2 or sram red, plus I kinda like the dial-able pad clearance/set up of BB7s so will be sticking with those for a while. But if timing had been different I'd being having a proper look at that 2.

You guys thinking about belt drives at all? CX belt drive SSer with full guards and hydro discs would probably be my ideal commuter.
/moononastick

There's more to come in the Arkose range along those lines. Belts are something I've had samples done and got a dropout for but to do it properly, price and other hassles make it less appealing than a chain at £200-odd less. Changing ratios etc for starters, that's where it falls flat for me, a SS should be easy to adapt and CX bikes can be used so many ways. Maybe I'm wrong, would be happy to see a SS version do well enough to try a belt bike.

TBH I was hoping belt drive with hub gears would have taken off enough by now that I could get the frame and parts for SS easily enough. I dunno, the inherent drag in the system may not be worth it and I've heard conflicting reports about mud performance. Still pretty niche at the moment 🙁

Sorry for thread resurrection - anyone able to provide tyre clearance info on the frame (especially the 2012 half price Arkose3 frame only on sale at evans)? Can it run monstercross sized tyres (35-50mm) without miudguards, and what's the max tyre size with mudguards on?

Thanks!

I have a 40c commuter tyre in there with plenty more room - no mudguard. Reckon you could get close to 50mm if the edges of the tyre aren't too knobbly...

Got an arkose 2 a few weeks ago from evans and have to say I love that bike, coming from a cheap road bike this bike is a total revelation handles great on the road and towpaths that ive been on and the 1x10 drivetrain is fine for most of the riding ive done

Welcome to the forum, Alan.

The Arkose 2 looked a nice little bike. How you do find the microshifter? Looks a neat way of running 1x10 and having the hydros.

I reckon the Arkose 4 will set a 2015 benchmark...

I was in Evans (Chill Factore) today and one of the staff members wheeled out what I [i]think[/i]was one of the bright green Arkose 3 2015 range. I was in a rush so couldn't take a closer look but from what I saw it looked very nice.

[img] [/img]

I reckon the Arkose 4 will set a 2015 benchmark...

Looking forward to seeing it in the flesh, going to be matt cyan.

I have mailed jameso for more info, but no reply. Either ignoring me, or on holibobs.

Jamie, I think he should give you and me test ones to write up for STW given our pro Pinnacle posts over the last year, especially seeing as we actually bought other brands but still hankered 😀

Include me in the test riders 🙂

Welcome to the forum, Alan.

The Arkose 2 looked a nice little bike. How you do find the microshifter? Looks a neat way of running 1x10 and having the hydros.

thanks jamie
regarding the micro shifter i have absolutely no problems with it infact i quite like where its situated

I was in Evans (Chill Factore) today and one of the staff members wheeled out what I thinkwas one of the bright green Arkose 3 2015 range

might go over and take a look myself tonight on my way back into work. I'm very very interested in the 2015 arkose 4 too...

I've also got an arkose two with the microshift and it seems like a great set up. Shifting is spot on, the top guide on the front works well and I haven't dropped any chains yet despite clattering down some local mtb runs. The brakes are excellent with plenty of modulation and the frame seems plenty stiff for my 99kg bulk when standing up mashing the pedals. The gearing range also seems perfect with plenty of speed on the roads for me and an easy enough hill climb gear, to the point where I don't really see why anyone would run a cyclocross bike with a double up front.

All in it's a great bike. Only minor quibble being that the wheel skewers are cr@p but they're easily changed.

Jamie, I think he should give you and me test ones to write up for STW given our pro Pinnacle posts over the last year, especially seeing as we actually bought other brands but still hankered

I think this is a really good idea.

Not that I am biased, or have a vested interest, of course.

*coughs*

Jamie - Freeloader!

Jamie, I think he should give you and me test ones to write up for STW given our pro Pinnacle posts over the last year, especially seeing as we actually bought other brands but still hankered

I think this is a really good idea.

Not that I am biased, or have a vested interest, of course.

*coughs*

yep, me too 🙂

So we're agreed? Pinnacle/Evans are going to do this?

That is very kind of them.

😀

anyone swapped the tyres out yet?
if so any recommendations

Jamie - Freeloader!
So we're agreed? Pinnacle/Evans are going to do this?
That is very kind of them.

When do the bikes ship? I'm a large and the Arkose 2 would be fine.

I saw a bright Orange Single speed Arkose the other day. Look very nice with eccentric bottom bracket taking care of chain tension. Ideal commuter methinks.

I saw a bright Orange Single speed Arkose the other day. Look very nice with eccentric bottom bracket taking care of chain tension. Ideal commuter methinks.

This one?

[url= http://i.imgur.com/RSLJpGX.jp g" target="_blank">http://i.imgur.com/RSLJpGX.jp g"/> [/img][/url]

Yes that one! Were you the bloke on the train station...

Ok, that's the next C2W sorted....

alangrozier - I replaced my small block 8 tyres for Sammy Slicks. When the SB8s got about half worn they seemed to get very puncture prone

Yes that one! Were you the bloke on the train station...

I was at a train station today, but I am not that guy.

Pic comes from here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/67338272@N05/ ...scroll down to see more.

Linked by this guy: http://singletrackmag.com/forum/topic/2015-giant-tcx-slr-mutterings/page/3#post-6260364

Is that ss version using an ebb? Is it a prototype or production (trying to hide excitement 😀 )?

It's production. Although road.cc info on the colours seems to suggest that lovely orange won't make it to the market 😥

Finally, if you want an Arkose without the complexity of gears, they offer the Arkose SS. Yes, it’s a singlespeed. It costs £800 and uses TRP Hylex hydraulic disc brakes with a 38x17 drivetrain and a singlespeed-specific sealed bearing rear hub. 40mm WTB Nano tyres on TLR rims and a choice of two colours, Splatter Lime or Black on Khaki Matt.

- [url= http://road.cc/content/news/127425-pinnacle-launch-updated-arkose-and-dolomite-2015 ]Sauce.[/url]