First of all sorry for this question I have searched as best I can! Sizing.... Will be sitting on one before I order but.... To help curtail my excitement for my impending order please would you be so kind as to help me! I am 5 ft 10, inseam 32 inches (no shoes). I ride a 19 inch mtb with long 100 mm stem. Obviously I am slap bang between medium and large. Bike will mainly be used for commuting and longer rides. Would I be best going for medium or large do you think! Sorry again. 🙂 cheers
Just had a spin on the current Arkose 3 to get an idea of sizing. Strange position compared to my Allez which made me feel I needed the XL but the L was recommended (6'2")
Looking forward to picking up the four next month.
Don - tricky, I'd go for the L and take 10mm off the stem rather than go for the M and add 10mm but it's so hard to say what's right for people remotely. There's reach and stack figures on the site if that helps. FWIW I ride a L at just over 6' and would probably find most 19" MTBs with 100mm stems on the long side, but ok.
cgreggers - It's not a trad road bike position but at 6'2" you could go for the XL if you wanted a longer reach, front will be higher than the L tho and it may be that's what feels odd compared to the allez? BB drop is similar so it's not a 'perched on top' CX race bike fit.
@Jameso - It almost felt like the reach reach was shorter than my Allez but that may not be a bad thing with it being more a commuter for me than race. 88cm leg suggested a 57cm frame which is XL if I'm not mistaken. I guess I'll test both when they're released to be sure but what would you suggest?
It's described as 'adventure road', does that mean it's not a cross bike? My commute's a mix of really deep muddy farm tracks, and gravel farm tracks. I was hoping a disk braked crosser with big 65mm SKS guards (cut to clear the stays/fork) would just about be ideal.
I'm waiting for the 'evo' gravel racer version with dirt drops........in lurid splatter paint, none of this subtlety.
I'm waiting for the 'evo' gravel racer version with dirt drops....
The what now?
They have flared drops already. Ones where you can use the hoods as normal rather than those 'hooks only' types. That's a whole new sort of bike..
It's not if you're pedantic and 'cross means Belgians, mud and zones 4-5 : ) It is if cross means those cross-over, do-most stuff drop bar bikes that I've always been a fan of. Daft definitions keep changing though even if the bikes are very similar. It has a lower BB and a front end geo that's not the same as a CX race bike.it's not a cross bike
cgreggers, best to try one as it sounds like you're borderline but more XL than L perhaps.
Jameso cheers.... What's the stock stem length for the medium and large out of interest?
Thanks
S/M – 80mm, L- 90mm, XL – 100mm
Cheers James. Did you say front mudguards will need tweaking to fit on the 2015 range? Would SKS's fit?
SKS will fit but the upright section of the L-bracket needs taking off and a 5mm hole drilling in the remaining section, or remove it entirely (carefully drill out the rivets) and drill a hole wherever lines them up best. A flat-headed M5 screw then goes directly into the crown through the guard.
I did see some Bontrager guards in an Evans store that looked more likely to fit directly as they used a different bracket, need to look them up.
Ah I see, so basically the mudguard mounts directly with the underside of the crown.
Couldn't see a Bontrager on the Evans site. Wonder if they'll release more mudguards which mount this way.
I'll get actual weights from production coming in this week/next. Very close to 2014 for similar specs on the Arkose 3. The hydros on the 4 don't add anything that I'm aware of. The SS, I didn't weigh it .. sorry. Rims are 470-490g for the 3-5 and SS with wider TLR sections.
Any news on the weights? Particularly interested in frame weight, fork weight and the overall weight of the Arkose 4.
It has a lower BB and a front end geo that's not the same as a CX race bike.
Oddly I looked at the geometry after asking the question and it's nearly identical to the Spesh Crux, just longer (L/57 Arkose with a 74 seat angle, is within mm's of a 58cm Crux).
Now I'm back to wanting one and can't decide between a medium and a large! I'm 6ft and ride a 56cm cannondale CAAD, but the size guide recomends a large which is nearer a normal 58?
The Crux does vary in geo between sizes but fit / reach etc could well be similar on some sizes. The 58cm Crux is effectively 10mm shorter in reach than the L Arkose due to the seat angle difference. The longer F-C on the Arkose makes it less CX-race and more 'off-road without OTBs'. Helps with toe room for 40C tyres.
L Arkose suits me well at 6', just under 400mm reach with a 90mm stem. Here's my Arkose 2 set up comfortably, aside from the almost inline post I tried out that I'm not 100% happy with. Approx 770mm BB-saddle top.
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Yes we're ranging frame and fork sets this year - not all colours and aside from the splatter paint SS and Arkose 5 frames I'd need to check - the 3 or 4 I think. May have some 2014 frames in also, we hold onto them for warranty use but generally sell them by the time new model frame spare stock arrives.
I'm torn between buying a Arkose 4 or building up something to my exact spec using the Arkose frameset.
Is there any word on when the 2015 frame and forks would be available to buy and how much they would cost? Oh, and most importantly, can you get the frameset in green or blue?!
Have they moved away from the NVO stem then? I need a 90mm 10 degree stem for my Expede and so far finding one is proving impossible!
I quite like the system, it's a shame the stems aren't available.
NVO stems haven't been on the bikes for a good few years, was before my time at Pinnacle anyway. Jamis do still use them and Evans stock Jamis bikes, so store staff may have access to them. I don't have access to the stock system from here to check though, sorry.
The Bonty guards that I saw seem to have vanished, maybe an old model.
Thanks, will probably switch to a standard stem set-up then.
Jameso - Whilst you're here and showing off your Arkose 2....I'm looking to change the crank on mine from the standard Truvativ. As far as I can tell from interwebz the E-400 is an xc mountainbike product rather than road specific as a lot of cx bikes seem to be. Does that mean I need to replace the crank with a standard mtb single ring crank rather than a road? Thought process here is that it is my understanding that the Q factors are different and therefore you can't mix and match without gear changing issues.....but this could be a massive misunderstanding on my behalf.
Great bike to ride by the way, having loads of fun exploring on it, just getting upgrade-itis!
Gotama, for a single-ring either an MTB in middle-ring position or a road in outer position works fine, aiming for 45-50mm chainline. The rear end is 135mm so if it works on an MTB it works on an Arkose. Q-factor is personal so if you prefer a narrower pedal position just use a road crank. A 39T inner ring on the outer position of a 5-arm trad road chainset works well.
Great, thank you.
Is there any word on when the 2015 frame and forks would be available to buy and how much they would cost? Oh, and most importantly, can you get the frameset in green or blue?!
Mid Dec based on current schedules. Cyan blue Arkose 4 frame and forks, or Arkose SS in camo-splatter. RRP not set but 'good value' I expect.
The Bonty guards that I saw seem to have vanished, maybe an old model.
That's a shame..so, if I understood, to get (SKS) bolt-on guards to fit involves drilling / modifying the guards 🙁 ?
It does - but it means we have a nicer fork with a better geometry (handles noticeably better imo) than the others that were available with the brake-hole type crown eyelets and conventional geometry. It's a simple job, I've done it to fit a set to another bike. Just take care that the drill doesn't put too much heat into the plastic that's all.
I just looked up a tip one of the mechanics sent over. The Bonty NCS guards were the ones I saw, they have a crown L-bracket that unscrews rather than using rivets. This can then be zip-tied quite neatly in place for a temporary fit, or perhaps bolted through using the same holes. http://www.evanscycles.com/products/bontrager/ncs-road-mudguards-ec026714
That's a shame..so, if I understood, to get (SKS) bolt-on guards to fit involves drilling / modifying the guards ?
I dunno about the arkose, but my salsa has anoying bridge mounts that are drilled the wrong way, just bend the tabs on the SKS fitings and use a counter sunk machine screw, then slide the guard into the mounts (rather than putting the mount on the guard then offering the whole thing up to the bike). Assuming it's similar it's obvious how to fit/bodge it when you've got the bits in front of you.
Assuming it's similar it's obvious how to fit/bodge it when you've got the bits in front of you.
Ha, I'll (probably) see...or see if the branch is happy to fit
Just been asked for a recommendation for a sub £1K on/off cross type bike, and thought of this thread.
What's the biggest tyre that you can sensibly get in there without guards?
And have I understood correctly that the fork on the 2015 model has more clearance?
Good stuff, thank you.
Depends how happy they are bodgeing (and whether they have a drill), Jameso's method of drilling through the guard would get you even more tyre clerance under the guard as it removes the need for the metal guides the SKS guards use.Ha, I'll (probably) see...or see if the branch is happy to fit
That's a simple way to do it that may also fill the gap between crown and 28C sized tyres quite well, rather than use a bolt and spacer. 'Why didn't I think of that' etc.. 😀just bend the tabs on the SKS fitings
40C Nanos on 19mm internal rims on the bike above. Not a lot of side-room in the fork with those tyres in but a decent amount above, a bit more than the previous version overall. Loads out back.What's the biggest tyre that you can sensibly get in there without guards?
other than the saddle is there mich difference between the mens & womens arkose?
I prefer the blue of the womens and would be changing the saddle anyway
Spanner in the works. Arkose 4 looks like it's delayed until November. Stock issue James?
Either that, or first wave of imports have been allocated for pre-orders.
Damn, reckon I could pre-order one in store under C2W with potential they'll get them in before? Thanks
I believe there is a slight buffer built into the delivery dates, but it can go both ways.
Mr Olsen will know for sure, but I think he is busy at the mo.
They are very good value for money, I'm in the market for a CX bike as a treat to myself when I'm ready to ride again after ACL surgery.
Was looking to build one up myself though as a wee project to keep me busy and motivated. I shall be keeping an eye out for the Akrose frame and fork price.
Current favourite is the Planet X London road frameset at £300, so hopefully it will be of simaliar price.
Arkose 4 looks like it's delayed until November. Stock issue James?
Sorry, asked about this then forgot to update here. Some Arkose 4s arrive this week. November may have been a cautious date after some delays from Shimano, we have got some but not all of the planned delivery so the rest will be towards the end of the year.
@ Jameso ... any chance of your email please so i can pm you ....
james.olsen.remote at hotmail.co.uk
Thank you 🙂
Sorry, asked about this then forgot to update here. Some Arkose 4s arrive this week. November may have been a cautious date after some delays from Shimano, we have got some but not all of the planned delivery so the rest will be towards the end of the year.
Thanks James. Just seen it's been pushed to December now! Sad face. You say you have some in but I guess there's no chance of getting hold of one of those at all? Direct to warehouse and all that 😉
We have a small number arrived this week, I've not got info on what numbers are in each container but safe to say that the first drop will sell out fast as we've got pre-orders on already. Don't read too much into the dates, they're simply a generalised guide,
a call to a shop should get more info and a deposit to secure one can always be transferred or refunded.no chance of getting hold of one of those at all?
We have a small number arrived this week, I've not got info on what numbers are in each container but safe to say that the first drop will sell out fast as we've got pre-orders on already. Don't read too much into the dates, they're simply a generalised guide,
Funnily enough it seems like the site is quick at responding to that stock as you can purchase one. Ordered one so let's hope it's no glitch!
40C Nanos on 19mm internal rims on the bike above.
How are the Nanos? I've just taken delivery of one for my Salsa, wondering if it will be any cop on anything damp or slimy... Be useful to know before I order a second for the weekend!
Cheers
Nanos are good, not really a wet conditions tyre though and the tread design isn't one for wet rocks/roots. It's been pretty dry since I've had them though. On anything loamy, gravelly, average loose dirt etc they're great.
Just ordered an XL arkose 4. Woohooooo!
D'oh! You had already answered my question on another thread, quoted for usefulness...
Got Nano Race 40s on my CX bike at the moment. A true 40mm, feel good on 19mm rims at 35-40 PSI. Great on loose dry ground, a little squirmy at speed on tarmac due to the flexy or thin raised tread design. Averagely good in the mud (what little I've had to ride them on this summer) but I doubt as effective as a real mud tread. A very good wide-ranger though.
Cheers!
It's here!
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Size, weight and more pics dammit! 😀
Will post more later. Sitting in the office currently.
Don't have a decent set of scales to weigh it unfortunately 🙁 It feels pretty light using the old bicep curl technique.
It's the XL one and it fits pretty well. I'm 6' 2"
Colour is pretty, well done Mr Olsen, she's beautiful!
Here we are. Some photos in Gladstone park this evening.
The reflectors are off now 😉
Weight around 10.5kg. Feels pretty nimble. As for shimano's new hydro brakes and shifters, they're top class. Smooth shifting like ultegra/DA and you can basically stop dead using your index fingers alone with on the hoods!
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So how are the hydros?
Thanks for the pictures. It looks great.
So how are the hydros?
Exceptional from the use I've had of them so far. No squeaking either which has been reported on shimano's new system.
Never tried cable discs much before so comparison is hard to judge but like I said; you can stop pretty easily while on the hoods with just your index fingers!
Nice and smooth on the commute this morning. 28mm conti 4 seasons in the post which will be going on.
What're the clearances like? I'm tempted, not too fussed about it being and out cyclocross race bike geometry as it's main job will be winter commuting, and summer bimbling, but I'd like to give racing a go sometime.
By clearances do you mean BB and tyres? BB is a decent clearance and tyres plenty of room. Dropped down to 28mm last night so loadsa space.What're the clearances like?
Which begs the question, James O. Fitting front mudguards, can you clear up what to do with the tab on an SKS set? Can you use the bolt that is fitted under the fork crown to secure it?
well i gave in, and put a deposit down on an arkose 4 this afternoon. picking it up on payday this thursday,
Did you have a look at one in the flesh, then?
What swung it for you? Weight? Equipment....snazzy blue colour? 8)
Also got a 4 - done about 100 miles on road commuting and also 50 mile ish mix road and off road in lakes last weekend.
Hydros are absolutely awesome and 11 speed is good too - for long off road rides the 32 tooth sprocket is useful for spinning up steep stuff. Uphill was no slower than most mtbs last weekend even in the rocky stuff. Downhill but slower but part of that was running small block 8s at 70psi. Clearly not as fast as an MTB though.
Not got full guards and 28mm contis on for he commute.
Cannot fault the bike at all so far - it is a great all rounder and good for a bit of anything really. Could easily do a 100 miler on road and equally reckon it could manage a trail centre red with wheels on ground. Did I mention the hydros are awesome?!
What's it like on the road, jet26? Feel light/sluggish/racey/commutery*?
Also, this thread has a distinct lack of pictures....
*is that even a word?
Jamie will put some up!
Road wIse even with 35mm cross tyres on it's ok - bout 1mph or less slower than the good bike on the commute.
Doing a club run on it in the am which will average 20mph ish so will report back...
The flare drop bars are surprisingly good too on the road, not sure why though!
Did you have a look at one in the flesh, then?What swung it for you? Weight? Equipment....snazzy blue colour?
yeah, my local evans (manchester chill factor) had a small one in stock so i went over and had a quick test, and it just felt right for me.
i'd say the colour is even nicer in the flesh than in photos too, and yes the spec is pretty decent. i'd more or less already decided anyway, as i'd narrowed my options down to this or a crosslight pro6 which would have been 200 quid more.
now, anyone wanna buy a singlespeed flat bar RoadRat?!
As you went for a small, do you mind if I ask your dimensions...Height/inseam.
5'6". 29" leg. small feels pretty spot on for me. slightly more relaxed/upright than the roadrat, but that's fine cos if anything i sometimes felt a tiny bit too stretched out on the rr.
Either trim off the upright and drill through the metal plate left, or carefully remove both rivets and use one on those holes to fix the guard. Don't go crazy with the drill as the heat can distort the chromoplastic and use a rubber or leather washer ideally. Someone did suggest something like bending the upright 90 fwd and bolting through that but access to the bolt would be tricky, a small spanner would get in there perhaps.Which begs the question,
Basically, fitting is like this - http://veloweb.ca/garage/how-to-install-honjo-fenders/
5'6". 29" leg. small feels pretty spot on for me. slightly more relaxed/upright than the roadrat, but that's fine cos if anything i sometimes felt a tiny bit too stretched out on the rr.
Interesting. I had myself pegged for a small at 5'7/8-ish with 31" inside leg going off the geo. Looking like I might have to get a small and a medium ordered in to try....which I was hoping to avoid, as bit of a trek to my nearest Evans.
yeah i think it'd probably be worth you trying them both out as a small may just be a touch too small for you. i suppose it depends on whether you want to chuck it around like a mountain bike or not.
Assuming those forks are straight steerer, how and when could I buy them?
Bit of feedback from today's ride - cant fault the 4. Managed 62 miles all up at 18.5 ave on a bunch ride. Some were out on carbon best bikes still and on the short sharp climbs when everyone was smashing it it was hard to hang on. Rest of the time was fine though.
Bike very comfortable running 28mm tyres and massive amounts of clearance under the guards (fitted P45 chromoplastics as they also clear 35 cross tyres for off-road commute).
In short can't fault it - the 11 speed is good and the hydros are awesome. The main benefit (to me) is they are totally consistent and predictable and you can scrub speed quickly and easily with one finger on each lever.
It works well as a road or off road bike - clearly it isn't perfect at both as there have to be compromises but it is a very good all rounder.
Can't comment on the size small as mine is an xl!
yeah i think it'd probably be worth you trying them both out as a small may just be a touch too small for you. i suppose it depends on whether you want to chuck it around like a mountain bike or not.
Going off the geo, 555 ETT on the medium would be too long, so reckon a small is still the right choice. Just a matter of double checking. Just means a big ol' drive to do so, as nearest Evans is an hour away.
well I picked mine up last night, and commuted in on it in typical Manchester rain this morning for the first time. It's ace! sizing is just right for me, feels much more comfortable than the Roadrat and tbh it's not much slower even with the small block 8s on. I'm looking forward to getting a bit of a longer ride on it this weekend too. no photos yet, it was too dark last night and this morning!
How much difference is there between the mens and womens geometry on the Arkose?
Toying with the thought of one of these
http://www.evanscycles.com/products/pinnacle/arkose-one-2015-womens-adventure-road-bike-ec071311
Annebr- from what I could tell when I eventually found the women's geometry charts the women's medium is a men's small and the women's large is a men's medium.
I really like the look of these, I am torn between these and the Norco Threshold. The Pinnacles seem to command £100 extra over the Norco for the same spec. Anyone any idea why? Which do we reckon is best?
£800 with Tiagra 10spd
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£700 with Sora 9spd.
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as far as height ranges go yes, approx. The geometry is a little different between mens and womens but not hugely so, the main difference is bar width, saddle etc.the women's medium is a men's small and the women's large is a men's medium
Having seen this thread its definetly narrowed my short shortlist to the arkose 4 or the whyte suffolk.
Will have a look in evans at the arksoe this evening.
Jameso - sorry, being a pest and hijacking you on this thread again...will the WTB Nanos fit in the 2014 Arkose 3? Looks like they should but wasn't sure if you had increased the clearances to fit it for this year given you seem quite fond of the tyre.
Nanos are a fraction less clearance on the 2014 fork from memory, the frame's the same clearance (loads) but the new fork has a little more room above. You'd not get much more in based on clearance at the sides though.
Jameso the Singlespeed Arkose delivery seems to have pushed out a bit? My local branch is showing delivery on 23rd November now and only for Khaki. Is that the same for all branches stock? And will there still be a singlespeed in Orange please?
