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Been using a ss Roadrat for last 3 years for commuting duties. It's been reliable (I'll regret saying that!) but it's heavy and I fancy something lighter, faster and more suited to long training rides on the road that I can get on cyclescheme.
So who has used racks/panniers on something like a Specialized Tricross and how does it handle? Or anyone recommend anything different. Ideally I would like discs (hardly touched BB7s on Roadrat in all that time) but all the lighter bikes don't have them.
I've a rack on my Kinesis Crosslight. I did use panniers for a while, or rather a single pannier, but I realised I only needed a rack bag so that's all I use now. my bike has cantis but I think the newer ones have discs?
one of the girls at work has a tricross with a rack, don't recall it having discs though and she just commutes along the road / riverside path, so nothing too demanding
I use a rack bag on my Tricross for commuting purposes - does feel slightly more unwieldy, as you'd expect, but nothing to worry about and much prefer using that to a rucksack.
Bear in mind the Tricross is still not a particularly light bike - mine weighs in about 24.5lbs. As said, no disc brakes on them either.
No idea about the weight, but a Genesis Croix De Fer or Day One Alfine might suit you nicely.
I haven't actually weighted my croix de fer (Only had it since 5pm today :D) but according to the web it comes in at 26lbs. That is light to me though so I am happy.
Got rack, panniers, mudguards etc on my Kona Jake. Canti brakes.
Alloy frame - not super light as it's a tough 'crosser, but not heavy steel pipe either.
Well in the Cycle2Work price range.
My commute is 17 miles each way on back lanes and bridleways/farm tracks, so need for super power brakes (will I regret saying that!?).
Handles it all fine. I notice when I have the panniers well loaded as you can't swing it around when standing up climbing, but just change technique a little and you're away.
Was very tempted with the Kinesis crossers, but the Kona for a bargain.
Cheers for that. The Kinesis bikes look good, but have to use set shops and not sure if any are stockists. I'll have a look...