Strengths: Old school steel, with nice skinny 853 tubes. disc mounts, and corrected to 100mm forks bring it up to date. short stays make for good climbing, and long TT give a comfy ride with a short stem for no loss of steering presicion
I've had mine since the beginning of July, It's built with SRAM XO stuff, and Fox 100 floats. It's great in Wooded singletrack in the Chilterns (where I ride normally) where the steel tubes really do their thing. But trips away to the Peaks and to the Alps proved it was more than capable of takling the larger and rougher stuff. The headtube badge always raises a smile.
Weaknesses: The overspray in the BB shell and the rear mech mount needed cleaning before assembly, and the disc mounts on the seat stay have to be moved in order to get the hose through, which means that the paint cracks. Both these are being addressed by Pastey.
The Stickers are clearly put on locally (rather than at the factory) as they are on top of the paint.
Overall: If the sharp angles of the Cotic scare you, and the Inbred is just too common, then cast a glance over the Pasty, it could be just what you're looking for.
Strengths: Sharp steering manoverability with lively and super-stable ride. Very comfy on the long rides I like. The finish is still top quality after 8 months hard riding.(Don't agree with the previous review about the stickers, just as good as any I have seen) The frame price leaves loads of spare cash for trick components.
Weaknesses: Only comes in red. Brake hose mounts a little on the tight side.
Overall: After 4 years on full sussers (Marin & Specialized) I am sold on the feel and comfort of 853. Would recommend it to anyone looking for a fun and involving ride without the boredom of a characterless full susser!!
Strengths: Looks awesome with skinny tubes and lovely red paint. Drop outs are a thing of beauty. The ride is amazing, so smooth and refined. Climbing it feels connected and never feels like letting go when you crank out of the saddle. On the way down its the most stable bike I've ridden but it still manages spice and excitement. A UK designed frame so has loads of mud clearance for big tires (it eats 2.1s for breakfast) Very good, prompt customer service.
Weaknesses: Stickers were applied over the paint and were a bit dodgy - not what i'd expect for the price Had one or two problems sourcing a seat clamp tho pastey appear to ahve addressed this on their site (use the one they recommmend)
Overall: The nicest bike I have ever ridden ans one which i hope that I may still be riding in 10 years time. I would buy another one, and another one, and another ..... If you want reynolds 853 steel and you don't like on-one get one of these!
Strengths: It has that steel thing that seems to bring the bike to life as the speed builds and it's thrown through winding, tree-lined singletrack, giving lots of smiles per mile. I've had it 18 months now and it still looks sleek and has handled Wales and The Peaks with aplomb as well as Thetford's singletrack. Great mud clearances and climbs like a gecko on acid.
Weaknesses: No real weaknesses to speak of really, I've found it a willing and able partner in rain and sun. A few niggles about the '853' sticker over the clear top coat of lacquer, but that is a very minor point.
Overall: The Pastey is a lovely piece of 'classic' design for the real world. I'd read articles about steel frames having a zing - coming alive when riding - well it's true, steel lives!
Performance
100%
Reliability
100%
Value
100%
Overall Rating
100%
MY REVIEW
You need to be a member to post a review. You can join here free.
Average Rating: 5 out of 5
){kind=link}
