Yet Another Cycling Forum

General Category => The Knowledge => Topic started by: loadsabikes on 07 April, 2011, 08:42:54 am

Title: Tourer/Audax
Post by: loadsabikes on 07 April, 2011, 08:42:54 am
I'm in the market for a fast tourer/ audax machine and was considering the Sabbath Silk Route.
Comments/ advice please.
Title: Re: Tourer/Audax
Post by: Tewdric on 07 April, 2011, 11:28:26 am
I think most randonneurs would choose the September instead, which is a very nice frame.  There are other well thought of ti manufacturers as well, and a lot of people here have them.  Enigma and Van Nicholas are frames I've had first hand experience of, both of which seemed well-made.  I remain an 853 steel man personally.
Title: Re: Tourer/Audax
Post by: hatler on 07 April, 2011, 11:54:32 am
There's a whole thread listing titanium bike makers here (https://yacf.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=4408.0).

I can't praise Sabbath highly enough. I bought a September and my review of it is here (https://yacf.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=8431.0). (The company was called Sunday back then.)
Title: Re: Tourer/Audax
Post by: Alouicious on 07 April, 2011, 12:11:34 pm
Before Audax became popular, they were called 'Light tourers'.

Basically a half decent racebike with salmon profil mudguards and a TA Cyclotourist 42/30 double chainset. Coupled to a 14 - 28 freewheel.

Have a look at the Sabbath in 'Bike stand for my garage' thread. Lovely set up machine... :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Tourer/Audax
Post by: Bledlow on 07 April, 2011, 09:34:11 pm
There are other happy owners of Sabbath Septembers here.

My Enigma Etape seems very well made apart from one of the rack fitting thingies not being quite right (but not so wrong that a rack won't go on straight), & is a joy to ride, but I had some problems with it not being the specified fit, & it took forever to sort out. I've not heard of any such problems with Sabbath.

Another titanium option which I like the look of is the new Spa Cycles titanium audax bike. Let me know what it's like, if you get one. ;) The Condor Gran Fondo is very handsome, but more expensive.

There are more decent steel options than you can shake a stick at.
Title: Re: Tourer/Audax
Post by: Somnolent on 08 April, 2011, 03:21:44 pm
The Van Nicholas Yukon is also very highly thought of.... and I'll be buying one just as soon as I can get sort the ££

My steel "fast tourer" is frankly not worth any more upgrades.
Title: Re: Tourer/Audax
Post by: Greenbank on 08 April, 2011, 03:28:07 pm
Another titanium option which I like the look of is the new Spa Cycles titanium audax bike. Let me know what it's like, if you get one. ;)

I'd noticed the adverts, I'm interested only in that if either of my steel framed Audax bikes dies then it'll be replaced with a Ti frame.

The Condor Gran Fondo is very handsome, but more expensive.

Yes, remember that all Ti frames are not the same. The Condor Gran Fondo is more expensive than most but you're not just paying more for the brand, the frame is lighter than most other Ti frames because it's triple butted.
Title: Re: Tourer/Audax
Post by: AndyH on 08 April, 2011, 03:35:27 pm
Happy Enigma Etape owner here.
(https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_m6kcha3N9og/TZ8c-zLm-HI/AAAAAAAAAVE/Qilb6zv2Af4/s1024/etape.jpg)
Title: Re: Tourer/Audax
Post by: clarion on 08 April, 2011, 03:42:51 pm
Corridori have a good range of Van Nicholas bikes in stock.  If you can get to Epsom Downs, it's well worth a visit.
Title: Re: Tourer/Audax
Post by: AndyH on 08 April, 2011, 03:49:47 pm
& Paul Smith down there is extremely helpful
Title: Re: Tourer/Audax
Post by: clarion on 08 April, 2011, 04:05:21 pm
All part of the package.  Lovely man.  But all the staff are great, and very knowledgeable.
Title: Re: Tourer/Audax
Post by: loadsabikes on 08 April, 2011, 10:19:27 pm
I have bitten the bullet and ordered a Van Nicholas Amazon specced with campag. Should arrive at the end of the month. ;D
Title: Re: Tourer/Audax
Post by: Tewdric on 08 April, 2011, 10:23:15 pm
I have bitten the bullet and ordered a Van Nicholas Amazon specced with campag. Should arrive at the end of the month. ;D

What compnents AAMOI?  Comp Triple with Centaur?
Title: Re: Tourer/Audax
Post by: loadsabikes on 08 April, 2011, 10:29:42 pm
I have bitten the bullet and ordered a Van Nicholas Amazon specced with campag. Should arrive at the end of the month. ;D

What compnents AAMOI?  Comp Triple with Centaur?

Yes indeed!
Title: Re: Tourer/Audax
Post by: clarion on 08 April, 2011, 10:30:26 pm
Good choice.
Title: Re: Tourer/Audax
Post by: Somnolent on 10 April, 2011, 11:54:15 pm
My Yukon, when I order it, will be a Campag Comp triple.   I toyed with the idea of SRAM Apex, but after today's Dorset Coast, I've decided that a triple is a necessity !
Title: Re: Tourer/Audax
Post by: Tewdric on 11 April, 2011, 02:45:36 am
34/32 is not much different from 30/29, about 3%?  The Comp Triple chainset is very nice and great value, having said that.  It is a very good choice.
Title: Re: Tourer/Audax
Post by: Polar Bear on 11 April, 2011, 06:22:43 am
Don't forget that with a triple you can fit a smaller granny ring.  I have swapped all three rings on my audax machine to 26/38/48. With a Campag chainset the smallest middle would be 39 I understand.
Title: Re: Tourer/Audax
Post by: malrees2 on 11 April, 2011, 07:21:09 am
Using a Stronglight Oxale Compact from Spa Cycles you can have a 29/29 bottom gear on Campag.
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