Pinnacle Arkose Three (jameso to the forum please)

The only doubt I have is whether I'd want this bike a bit shorter to go with the more upright position. A 70mm stem would be pretty short for this type of bike!

I opted to go bigger with shorter rather than smaller with longer. I'm on an XL with 80mm stem as opposed to a L with probably a 110mm stem, still don't know whether I've done the right thing! What i do know however is that it rides fine, not in the slightest bit twitchy, i guess the head angle and wheelbase see to that.

If anyone is considering an Arkose 2 its also worth noting that the TRP hoods are 20mm or so longer than normal (Shimano/SRAM) which makes sizing even trickier, there's a compromise to find for the reach to 'tops & drops' position vs reach to hood position.

Hi all,

I'm stuck deciding which size frame to get on an Arkose 4. I'm basically bang on 6'1", so between the L and XL. I test rode an XL the other day, which felt ok, but possibly a bit too stretched out (I have long legs, short body and long arms - I think freakish is the term!). It may be because this is my first drop-bar bike and I'm more used to my smallish mountain bike though...

So... because I'll mainly be using this for road commuting duties (about 14 miles each way), I'm leaning towards getting the XL and then just getting a shorter 90mm stem instead of the stock 100mm. Do others think XL this is the right way to go, rather than going down to the L frame? (However, I've seen a few of you on this thread at 6'1"/2" being happier on the L.)

I think I need to try and find a L in store to test, but any advice greatly received!

Thanks,
Paul.

TRP hoods are 20mm or so longer than normal (Shimano/SRAM) which makes sizing even trickier

Paul, sizing is always difficult to guide people on but fwiw I'm a bit over 6ft, 34.5" inside leg and ride a L with an 80 or 90mm stem. 80 or 90mm flipped upward for mainly off-road on an Arkose 2, 90mm in the usual position on a 4 I use for road riding. If a bike feels a bit too stretched on an iniial ride then for me at least I'd only feel that more as I ride it further. I don't buy into the idea that we need to become contortionists or regular stretchers to flex onto a long, low road bike. Leave that to those that are paid to get results by any means.

It's 57cm effective / level, so with a 74 seat angle that's a fairly roomy front end hence the 90mm stock stem.

James - that's what has me torn between the two, and wanting a more relaxed position than my road bike, as you also mention. The TT on the medium would be spot on, but having a 34" inside leg would mean a lot of seatpost!

770-775mm BB centre to saddle top for my 34.5" inside leg, bar drop's not too extreme on the L. I think a lot of saddle-bar drop from having a too-small frame is a harder issue to resolve than 15mm of TT length either way.

Thanks @jameso for the response. I actually just wandered into the Evans near my work and they luckily had a L and XL in the other Arkoses, so I was able to at least sit on both sizes.

I'm not quite sure why I thought I was too stretched out on the XL the other day. It actually felt fine today, whereas they thought the L frame was a bit small for me. It was an Arkose Three, but I guess it has the same geometry as a Four, just perhaps slightly longer hoods for the hydro reservoir I guess.

I'll go back into the store where I've got the XL one reserved tomorrow and give it another go though before stumping up the cash.

Thanks again.
Paul.

Well, I also run 770mm saddle-top to BB centre, so that's a start!

I think there's about 3cm of spacers under my (90mm) stem. Certainly brings the front up though it didn't stop me from 5heting myself down some chalky SDW descents: - Found I had to brake on the drops rather than on the hoods.

A shorter stem would probably improve off road control but I think I'd find it too cramped for the longer (road) sections of a ride.

Oh and I found the Shimano hydro hoods longer than their usual STis.

Calling all Arkose Fours owners: how is the matt paint job for keeping clean? I have always thought best to avoid them because I thought it would be more difficult to get oily finger marks and London's yucky grime off. (And scratching more easily?). But does it have any sort of lacquer on it?

Hmmmm....interesting question Paulst.......I was riding mine this morning and thinking I really should make more of an effort to keep it clean.

The matt paint job does seem to accumulate grime - even dirt streaks on the forks - and it doesn't seem that a quick wipe is enough to clean it off.

I'm not overly precious about keeping the frame clean but I might be if I decide to sell in the future.

Probably needs a douse of degreaser or Muc Off and a bit more of a scrub or maybe I'll never get it clean again....

Thanks @mtbtomo

I'll guess I'll just have to do a good job cleaning it more regularly. I don't care so much about appearances as such. Just so long as I can get anything that might damage the paintwork off easily enough. London grime will always win in the long run though!

Cheers,
Paul.

Didn't get time for a demo, so ordered a Large 4. Here's hoping it fits!

I was thinking of getting one of the [url= http://www.invisiframe.co.uk/Generic-kits/ROAD-BIKE ]invisframe road bike kits[/url], but they are a bit pricey for a £750 bike (Arkose 2). Plus I'm sure I'd cock up putting it on! Anyone tried it or something similar?

@bacondoublechee: Fingers crossed for you! I'm trying to pop along tomorrow to the store I ordered mine into, for a final sizing check with them. I did see that Evan's is currently (or always?) running a 30 day guarantee that if you don't get on with the bike/the size they will exchange it: [url= http://www.evanscycles.com/help/right-bike-guarantee ]http://www.evanscycles.com/help/right-bike-guarantee[/url] So if it comes to it you always have that to fall back on.

I hardly ever washed my Arkose 2 over the winter, when I did it came up as new with some hot soapy water. Greasy chain marks might need a bit of degreaser to shift like any matt frame (it's the same matt-effect laquer process most / all bikes use) but I think my protective layer of dirt helped soak that up.

@jameso Good to know!

How well has the finish stood up to gravel being flicked up and potentially chipping the downtube? Its a lovely colour and I don't want it to get scratched during gnarmac/enduroad/'whatever we're calling this week' adventures. 😛

How well has the finish stood up to gravel being flicked up and potentially chipping the downtube?

Picked up my Arkose 4 this morning, shop brake squeeze test passed. looks good, can't wait for some gnarmac adventures this weekend.

I'd like to know just where you found bar tape that awful to spec on it Jameso? There was another chap buying one at the same time and he blagged a free upgrade to some other tape after touching it and recalling in horror. I should have jumped on the bandwagon but I had to get back to work and was late because they insisted on building it properly (jobsworths 😉 )

As a gnarmac bike it's only fitting that the bars are double wrapped, just over wrap with tape of your choice. Simples.

A mate wanted a disc braked bike for roads and trails for under a grand, so I ordered her one of the Arkose frames and stuck some bits on it. Must admit, it looks like a beaut; full carbon fork for a £300 frame is great value. Went together nicely aswell. I really like the matching pedals; it's got some SPDs to go on instead though. Might buy one myself!

[img] [/img]

We don't have a lot of gravel my way, no probs with flinty loose trails or my generally lax attitude to paint on my bikes though. It'll chip if it's hit but I'd say the paint quality in the factory is good - hard to quantify but 'fwiw'. They assemble other brands there that Evans sell and via Evans sales and shop staff I'm not aware of any perception of poor paint on anything they produce.

Ta James, that's good to know. It's a super value bit of kit, I'm thrilled with it. 😀

[URL= http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o42/Citroenxsara/9F0DD4BE-DA06-4D9A-B7B4-D9A46C0DD428.jp g" target="_blank">http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o42/Citroenxsara/9F0DD4BE-DA06-4D9A-B7B4-D9A46C0DD428.jp g"/> [/IMG][/URL]

Bar tape double wrapped, adventure storage attached and new cranks installed. Now to find time to ride it...

Sweet! What size fuel pod is that? Quite fancy one but was trying to decide between small and medium.

Took mine for a test ride last night before it's first commute today. Singletrack, roots, steep climbs and some small drops, handled it all very well. The mudguards get a bit rattly though!

[url= https://farm1.staticflickr.com/313/19745663091_d8b4866842_z.jp g" target="_blank">https://farm1.staticflickr.com/313/19745663091_d8b4866842_z.jp g"/> [/img][/url][url= https://flic.kr/p/w5RFH6 ]Arkose 4[/url] by [url= https://www.flickr.com/photos/40179410@N06/ ]philsherwin[/url], on Flickr

[url= https://farm1.staticflickr.com/504/19120098733_b1a4c58214_z.jp g" target="_blank">https://farm1.staticflickr.com/504/19120098733_b1a4c58214_z.jp g"/> [/img][/url][url= https://flic.kr/p/v8zvdH ]Arkose 4 (2)[/url] by [url= https://www.flickr.com/photos/40179410@N06/ ]philsherwin[/url], on Flickr

The first commute went very well, managed to half the amount of on-road miles which is always good news. The length seems fine despite my concerns but I think the bars are still a bit too high even with no spacers, and i'm not 100% convinced by the bar shape on the drops, but I have some spares that I might put on. Otherwise, very good and great value!

Medium, but I think I'd rather have the small, it's quite tall, obviously no experience yet but I think you'd have to pack carefully to avoid floppy bag syndrome.

@pictonroad Aces, mine's a small frame so happy to save £5 on my next inevitable AlpKit order. 🙂

Hi,

More sizing advice required. I'm a bit paranoid about sizing... I think it goes back to the first MTB that I bought in 1989 which was too big...

So, I'm about to push the button on an Arkose 4. I'll be mainly using it for my daily (road) commute. It will have mudguards and pannier rack fitted. I may also use it for a bit for touring next year.

I currently ride a Scott CR1 (54cm) and a Cotic Soul (M). Both fit me well.

I'm 5'9" with short legs. I test rode the Arkose in (M) and also in (S) - different stores, different dates. Both felt fine. The (S) was probably a bit more nimble. Looking back at the photo's I took after each ride, the bars on the (M) were pointing up a lot, thus shortening the 'reach'.

I've now taken to comparing the geometry on the CR1 to the Arkose... and it's slap bang in the middle of the (S) and (M).

So I bit of general advice please... when both sizes seem ok on a 15 min test ride, is it better to go bigger or smaller, particularly as I'll be using it for road commute duties...

And why do I feel that the more seat post showing makes the bike look better and also looks like a better fit???

Any help greatly appreciated.

Cheers,

Noswar.

This is anecdotally helpful - bigger frame means there's more chance you can get a lock and a bottle inside the frame?

I can on mine but it's an XL and the lock is quite big

I'm 5'8" with (comparatively) long legs and I ride a 54cm Scott CR1 with a 90mm stem,(could go 100mm) the medium Arkose 4 seems pretty similar reach wise. I wouldn't want a smaller frame.

First ride last night, I can honestly say that's the best fun I've had on a bike in ages. Not challenging my strava best times but the fun factor is high. Sweet spot for terrain seems to be slightly moist woodland, avoid anywhere horses frequent. Amberely Mount (down) was eyeball rattlingly hilarious.

I'm a convert.

I am about to hit the buy button on the Arkose three, but I still have doubts about tire clearance with the 105 fd.
It seems 40c WTB Nano just fits fine, but with very limited mud clearance? I consider to use Challenge Gravelgrinder tires; 38mm (real life mm) semislicks with side-nobs ......would they really fit?

At 6'1" standard proportions, I think the XL is fine for road-offroad cruising, perhaps with 80-90 stem. Any advice against this?

I really like the matching pedals

Monkeyrider, the 40C Nano gets close to the 105 FD when it's on the big ring but it's not really a clearance issue in the mud, it's around 7mm to a tip / point clearance rather than a surface that really collects mud. If it's a mix of grass and mud it'll catch and you'll stall pretty fast but it won't just be that point that clogs.
RE sizing, I'm just over 6' and ride a L but I do tend to go for smaller fitting bikes and could ride an XL happily, the higher front's often a good thing as is staying a bit shorter on the stem, imo. Try one if you can?

@jameso
I live in the Netherlands, so trying one a little issue 😉
I guess I just need to order, based on the excellent revieuws and specs.

Just few more questions: I have read about hitting the bb7 adjuster knob with the heel. Is that a normal issue or just related to bigger size shoes?
Would the one version with Sora an Tektro brakes have slightly more tire clearance? And perhaps less problems with hitting adjuster knob?

MR, it may be worth checking the terms of the 30 day try out scheme, not sure how that works with overseas sales but the principle's there.
The Spyres and Tektro brakes do have a little more heel clearance, the dropout design does mean the frame itself is well tucked in there compared to most so try any BB7 disc-equipped bike with a 425mm or less rear end, if there's heel rub against the disc caliper you'll know.
The Sora FD does have a little more tyre space yes, the BB7s do work better than the Tektros but it's all worth considering.

monkeyrider, just to balance out the advice (!) I'm 6'2" and ride a Large Arkose 3. I have an exclusively MTB background so more standover and slightly shorter reach suited me well... but XL should work fine too.

[img] https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/b9m1wWK8ZkTbtZ7C2bLimvVHD1QmGbCbbkSFMpM_XuNW=w1430-h1072-no [/img]

@nre

Thanks for your advice.
I would like to replace my old 58cm (ett) roadbike with a more comfortable "all-road" bike, that can take bad pavement, gravel and some woodpath. I still have an mtb for off-road stuff.
Indeed, both L and XL Arkose could do the job, but looking at your picture, that drop from saddle to bar is too much for me (getting older 🙁 ) . XL has a 2cm higher stack and could do the job with 90 or even 70 stem.

By the way; what is your experience in hitting (and turning) the bb7 adjuster knob with your left heel?
What are your thoughts about the standard wheelset? ( touring, not racing)

Never bought panniers before, would I be looking at with or without stays for an Arkose 4, please?

http://www.planetx.co.uk/i/q/FSZANALSPL/zanchetta-alu-700c-pannier-rack-spring-loaded

I'm 6'3 and on an XL Arkose 2

@ Monkeyrider

Yeah I flipped the stem to help with the drop. I'm not getting any younger either... 🙂

I have had no issues with catching the rear brake adjuster with my size 10 / 45 feet, although to be fair I don't tend to put rub marks on chainstays either so don't think I ride with heels that far in...

I was expecting to swap the wheelset from new but was pleasantly surprised that it was just under 1900g, so have stuck with it. I did swap the crankset for a higher spec FSA set (which I setup with 34/46 rings) which saved a bit of weight, plus saddle & tyres were swapped to suit.

6ft1 on an XL with 80mm stem with no spacers under it, though this is on a 2 with the longer TRP hoods. I think a L with 110mm stem and 20/30mm of spacers underneath would also have worked fine.

I just hit the "buy" button on a Arkose 3 size XL....and (long?) waiting starts for arrival in the Netherlands .... 🙁

Thanks for all advice !

Hope you enjoy it. £ for £ my arkose 1 is the best bike I've ever bought.

My arkose 2 in commuting set up

[URL= http://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s189/ben_p1/1B9303E1-C4C3-4C07-83F0-99DCB90ADFBF.jp g" target="_blank">http://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s189/ben_p1/1B9303E1-C4C3-4C07-83F0-99DCB90ADFBF.jp g"/> [/IMG][/URL]

Took mine out on one of those "got a quick hour between dinner and kids bedtime" rides last night. They're great they really are, perfect for finding out where that track goes that you ride past on the road bike.

I found my standard wheels and tired went up tubeless really easily with a triple wrap of eBay stans type tape. Held road pressures fine too.

Here's my old 3 in commute/road mode. Been a solid and steady bike over many miles. Bought as frame only for £110 it's been incredible value:

[url= https://farm1.staticflickr.com/262/19230569124_32f4030200_k.jp g" target="_blank">https://farm1.staticflickr.com/262/19230569124_32f4030200_k.jp g"/> [/img][/url][url= https://flic.kr/p/vikGdC ]Arkose in road mode[/url] by [url= https://www.flickr.com/photos/turkey_plucker/ ]Matthew Walker[/url], on Flickr

I received my Arkose three xl yesterday and did a 50M first ride today. Great Bike !!! Just as promised: very much a comfortable road-bike on tarmac and surprisingly stabile off-road.
I changed a few things:
I swapped the 100mm stem for a 70 I had in my barn. At 6'1" the 70mm stem at size xl is pretty good, but I am going to try 80mm to be able to stretch a bit more.
In also swapped the saddle (which is oke) for a Richey Classic that fits me perfectly. I also put one extra layer of Richey Classic bartape on top of the original bartape for added comfort and grip.
Since I will use it on road and incidentally (dry) offroad I have swapped the Kenda tires for Vittoria Hyper 38mm slicks. I have used them before and the are very fast and comfortable on road, but still capable of handling dry off-road conditions. Pressure around 3.5 bar, offroad you could go back to 2.5 w.o. a problem.

[img] [/img]

It's almost time to stick some mudguards on my Arkose 1.

Could anyone recommend me some please, that will fit straight on, with no messing about?

Thanks

Hi there!
I just have to give a shout out from germany to all the Arkose-riders worldwide 🙂
What great bikes we have!
I got my Arkose 2 a few months ago and really enjoy riding it. I mounted some Nukeproof Electron Evo pedals with huge grip and recently changed the chainring to a oval Bionicon B-Ring with 32t. At first I wondered if 1x10 would suit me - but it was the best decision I could take. Thanks to jameso for this wonderful idea in equipping the Arkose 2 with 1x10, the sweet barend-shifter, the powerful Hylex-brakes and this eyerocking color 🙂
Ride on well everybody!

And there are some pics of mine:
[img] http://www.mtb-news.de/forum/attachments/image-jpg.419260/ [/img]
[img] http://www.mtb-news.de/forum/attachments/image-jpg.419259/ [/img]
[img] http://www.mtb-news.de/forum/attachments/image-jpg.417112/ [/img]

Welcome to the club ilfer!

Nice pic, Where abouts is the last picture you posted?

The last pic is from our holidays. We rode in 2.000 m height on the "Seiser Alm" in Southern Tyrol. Really great place, a kind of plateau with lots of "Hütten" and bike trails 😀

Currently running 35mm land cruisers on my arkose 3, looking for something wider for my bike packing trip , whats the widest tyre i can get in there ?
Options please
Edit : , looks like 40mm wtb nanos are a good option

Yeah, WTB Nano 40C are a really good option. I'm very glad with them - on road and gravel.

Doubt you'll find anyone running wider than me, Marathon Supremes 50C 😈 Tight, but not ridiculously so, as I'm also running full guards.

I had a search through the thread but didn't find anything conclusive... Can the standard Kenda Small Block 8 35c's on the Arkose 4 be run tubeless (after taping the rims obviously)? Has anyone been running them tubeless for a while with success?

Thanks!

Hmm, I doubt it. They are paper thin.
They are crap tyres too- chuck them and get some good ones.
I've never punctured tyres as much as these, and I don't find the grip that predictable.

Any hints on when the 2016 range will be hitting the shops?

I really want an Arkose 3, but can't be doing with that green colour...

As per Cokie, you'll probably struggle to get the SB8's running tubeless. I couldn't do it on the 26" mtb versions I had, just too flimsy and porous.

But in the dry they are a fantastic tyre. Very fast and I thought the grip was fine.

I'm finding them very good tyres for commuting (70% towpath 30% road), just want to avoid punctures making me late for work! Any suggestions for similar tyres that are tubeless compatible?

Freeagent, the new one is matt black, the best colour 🙂
need to check etas but on a train now, will do tomorrow tho.

nope, the matt lime green is the most awesome

I've had a few people comment on how nice the bike looks, complete randoms. Chatted to a bloke 2 nights ago on part of the commute home, he was on a road bike and was asking for my thoughts on the 1x set up

the new one is matt black

@jamesoc - do you know the 2016 colours for the Arkose 2 and 4 too?

Thanks!

jameso - Member

Freeagent, the new one is matt black, the best colour
need to check etas but on a train now, will do tomorrow tho.

Any idea on colour for the 2016 SS frameset?

Arkose 1, matt graphite with red/org decal. 2, matt blue. 4, matt red. SS, satin cool grey 2 with cyan and black splatter. Pics due on the Evans site very soon.

What about the steel version?

Anyone have a source for Nano 40C tyres for the arkose??

Cut the sidewall on my Nano's last week, stuck on a Smart Sam as an emergency replacement as I was going out for a run and hasn't half made the ride a lot harsher so looking for a replacement Nano....

Everywhere seems to be OOS??

Cheers

[url= http://www.bike24.com/p2118239.html ]Bike 24 in Germany[/url]

Mine came within 4-5 days

I'm about to order some SKS Chromoplastic mudguards for my Arkose 2. Anyone know if the 50mm wide guards will fit in the fork? I realise from other posts that they may need a little modification. The tyres are the 40cc Nanos so concerned there will be enough space. Anyone running guards with the Nanos? If so, what guards are you using?

^ won't be enough space for any mud, that'll be the issue. The crown is a tad over 50mm so a 50mm section guard should fit ok but it'll be a close fit. I may get a moment to offer up a P50 to the fork later today.

Generally I wouldn't recommend off-road treads with guards unless you can get ~20mm or so of space between them to avoid cloggong, which you won't with a Nano 40 and 50mm guard. Sorry. A 35-40C road tread and a 45-50mm guard will be OK though. The Nanos are a true 40C casing plus the knobbles so they do take up some room, a 38C road tread looks quite a bit smaller.

Thanks Jameso. That was my fear. I guess it new tyres for winter then.

@jamesco - any idea when the 2016 range are going live on the Evans site? And/or, and sneaky pics?

Due up this week. I'll post up a couple of pics in a mo.

I had a search through the thread but didn't find anything conclusive... Can the standard Kenda Small Block 8 35c's on the Arkose 4 be run tubeless (after taping the rims obviously)? Has anyone been running them tubeless for a while with success?

Thanks!

Been running tubeless since I bought it, triple wrap of the stans type tape on ebay, straight up with a ghetto inflator. Stood up to plenty of bloody rocky South Downs work, I have a few surface tears in the sidewall but not all the way through the thread.

Even happy tubeless at 80psi for the road.

I don't get the hate, I think they're great tires.

Kenda Small Block 8... I don't get the hate, I think they're great tires.

In my experience, they are rubbish in any amount of mud.

3 -
[img] [/img]

SS -
[img] [/img]

2 -
[img] [/img]

2017 Arkose 2 uses 2x10 Tiagra and Spyres. We got a few more 2016 Arkose 2 1x10 models in alongside the 2017 2x10 option at that price.

Oh, they look lovely! Wish my Arkos was a brighter colour.
Any chance of some of the 650b+ bike photos on the Ramin thread?!

^ not yet sorry, it's a bit behind these other bikes.

jameso: I think you went one year to far, don't you? 😉
So, tell me please - why such a big change in the Arkose 2? 2x10 with mech brakes instead of 1x10 with hydro brakes? That's a REALLY big change and in my opinion a mess for all 2016-buyers. The great simplicity of the Arkose 2 2015 is totally gone! Thank god I already have one... 😮

Ilfer, sorry yes, so buried in 2017 stuff.. RE my post above, we're running both 2015 and 2016 versions of the arkose 2 for a while. The 1x10 isn't a mainstream or volume sales bike but we wanted to keep the option there.