Hi,
would like to thank everybody or their input - turns onto a interesting discussion.
I'm not hung up on technology, but rather, on the final result. Never did I mention my preference for alu or carb. This bike just happens to come with it. Also, the word 'commute' might sound boring, but in my case it is a hard sporty ride throughout the central London, rain or shine (and so far it is more rain than shine, hence disks are my preference), 15 km each way. Depending on traffic and weather, I usually average 26-27 kmh.
What attracts me to this bike is a sensible approach to concept and component choices. In other words they don't go wasting money on sexy components that (IMNSHO) almost nobody really needs, while skimping on really functional things.
So, maybe my question should be rephrased as: is there a bike out there with:
- brakes equal or better than TRP Spyre Disc
- groupset equal or better than Tiagra 4700
- weight less than 9.2 kg
- trustworthy, no too much hassle source
than can be had for around 800 pounds?
There was an observation that the bike is too heavy. I would agree to the point, BUT.. my research so far shows that disc equipped bikes don't go much lower.
For carbon frames, ultegra equipped bikes go down to mid 7 kg and you have to pay 2000+ for that. More affordable choices with 105 and lesser brakes go to 8.8 or so. Looks like most of it is in wheels, which are easily upgradeable. So in case of this bike, for 180 pounds, using Fulcrum racing or example, would take weight down by half a kilo.
For an alu frames, comparable offerings are pushing 10 kg if you even can get a weight published. Most of them are trying to avoid it - I'm still puzzled by a Evans C's. suggestion to order a bike and they are going to measure it up for you in a store.
Anyhow, the weight becomes somewhat moot point when you have to add 1.2 kg D-lock to it
- my pet peeve with London.
As for aesthetic of disks on road bikes - guess what, times, they are A-changin'. Any of today's bikes would likely be not too pleasing to 1960-ish crowd. Besides, as they say, the beauty is in the eye of beholder. Any bike ridden on a road is prettier than a bike sitting in a shed - take that fair weather bikes
Back to CF vs AL, salt, micro craks, naah ... frame either holds or not, in which case there is warranty. Hence, need for a reputable dealer.
I have to admit, though, I'm tempted by claims that Carbon frames have nice ride over bad surfaces.
And for the end, I don't really care for down the nose comment's, such as "Of course they (all 3) don't have discs... which I guess you see as important, even if the French now see as dangerous." It's going to be my ass on the line and I don't give a rat's ass about what the whole France thinks about it. Besides, if you google it, turns out that French perception of 'dangerous' is a quite curious one.
thank you all and keep it coming.