Audax/Touring Bike

ChrisC · Post by **ChrisC** » Wed Dec 17, 2008 8:02 pm

I am thinking of getting an audax/touring bike, for winter duties but also for commuting and maybe some light touring. For financial reasons i.e. I want to buy it on the bike to work scheme the bike has to be under one grand and I would like to have a steel frame.

So far i have looked at a Thorn Audax MK3 slightly over a 1grand for a bike (but i do have parts i could more or less build a bike from)

Condor Heritage 899

are there any other makes i should have a look at?
Is it hard to get a non major brand from Halfords operated bike to work scheme?

Thanks now.

tomf · Post by **tomf** » Wed Dec 17, 2008 8:15 pm

Could try a Dawes - see http://www.dawescycles.com/dawes/audax.htm. A fair bit cheaper, decent steel frame, 105 gears. I use a messed-about Dawes Giro as commuter/winter bike; it's not the lightest but I much prefer it to riding a hybrid and it has served me well for a couple of years.

stevesavage · Post by **stevesavage** » Wed Dec 17, 2008 8:22 pm

Condor would be a good choice. As you know I have a Fratello which is perfect for what you will be using it for. If you are just light touring (eg hostelling) the Heritage might be overkill, especially as it has cantilever brakes. Claire bought her bike from Condor via Halfords.

Other makes to look at? Planet X Kaffenback.

mal · Post by **mal** » Wed Dec 17, 2008 9:26 pm

Condor is available through Cycle Republic in High Ousegate and they can do Cycle to Work Scheme as a subsidiary of Halfords. Have a look.

Rob · Post by **Rob** » Thu Dec 18, 2008 10:18 am

Good advice from Steve and others. To reiterate, be careful that you don't end up with an "expedition" bike that is too heavy. Look for something with 57mm drop calipers then there's nice mudguard clearance.

Beware that there's steel and there's steel. Even two frames badged 531 will vary, presumably due to the weight of the lugs. Check the spec for the frame very carefully.

You could also try Bob Jackson or Woodrup. Ring them up and have a chat - see what they can do. Mention you're in Clifton.

Outside steel, Tifosi out of Wiggle is worth a look.

Claire's experience of Bike2work + Halfords + Condor was a fairely lengthy tale, but all worked out OK - and a nice bike. Condor particularly, were very helpful - happily swapped stem by return of post after 3 weeks riding.

Arthur · Post by **Arthur** » Thu Dec 18, 2008 10:50 am

Tifosi can be got from most bike shops. My winter/hostelling bike is a Tifosi, and I'm very happy with it. Alloy frame, cheap, nice.

willyh · Post by **willyh** » Thu Dec 18, 2008 9:15 pm

I've had a Dawes 701 Alu framed daily commuting/touring/dragging BOB trailer on camping trips in France, and it looks great. rides racey and has lasted, is 105 geared. I took guards off last year. fitted wheels last spring with 32 knobblies to ride the Scotton, just for the w/e. then back to work!
This is my testimony, no hype. and not selling mine!
It's now called 601, pretty cheap, will take guards, racks and any punishment as this 13 stone bike breaker can testify.
In my opinion, for commutingf/touring (with loads) don't go for dropped bars, and keep those brakes at fingertips. If you get the right ahead stem length you can ride in equivalent top-of-the-bars road bike configuratrion.

ChrisC · Post by **ChrisC** » Fri Dec 19, 2008 1:03 pm

Thanks for the replies. I am very tempted to buy a planet x frame and then swap the bits over as they appear to be having some issues with Halfords who will not sell their bikes and the frame is surprisingly cheap, plus it can handle a bit of off road action.

It should end up cheaper than buying a new bike and selling an old one.