Good all-purpose bike

[rosswords]

I'm finally turning in my 30-year-old Velosolex (no, not the motorized kind) 10-speed racer for a new bike. I do mostly city riding on rough NYC roads and occasional commuting and light touring. I'm used to the speed of my old racer, but I need a tough city bike. I'm 6'1", 200 lbs and 50+.

Do I want a cyclocross or a touring bike? Based on the threads I've been reading, it sounds like I want a steel frame, but I definitely want a triple crank. And, oh, by the way, I don't want to spend much more than $800, although I can go higher if I have to for the right bike. I've been looking at a Lemond Poprad (my LBS has one with cheaper parts for $800), Bianchi Volpe, Jamis Quest/Nova/Aurora, Trek 520, etc.

What's the diff between cross and touring, anyway, if they both have steel frame and triple crank?

[Nightshade]

Not to be a smart pants, mate,but I think the best most bomb proof
bike for NYC streets for a big person is a "Worksman" made right there
in NYC.

These bikes are made to be abused and as such are heavier than any other
bike I've ever ridden. But you will NOT break it easily. These bikes fully dressed
are well within your price range and could last you for a long time.


www.worksman.com

[mgwadz]

I'm finally turning in my 30-year-old Velosolex (no, not the motorized kind) 10-speed racer for a new bike. I do mostly city riding on rough NYC roads and occasional commuting and light touring. I'm used to the speed of my old racer, but I need a tough city bike. I'm 6'1", 200 lbs and 50+.

Do I want a cyclocross or a touring bike? Based on the threads I've been reading, it sounds like I want a steel frame, but I definitely want a triple crank. And, oh, by the way, I don't want to spend much more than $800, although I can go higher if I have to for the right bike. I've been looking at a Lemond Poprad (my LBS has one with cheaper parts for $800), Bianchi Volpe, Jamis Quest/Nova/Aurora, Trek 520, etc.

What's the diff between cross and touring, anyway, if they both have steel frame and triple crank?

there seems to be a decent amount of overlap between 'cross bikes and touring, but not all 'cross bikes fit that built. some are super-light with no braze-ons for fenders and racks. and some have racier geometry. some have higher BBs while others are set up like a road bike.

so, reallly , it depends on the bike.

a true 'cross racing rig doesn't have a triple. although some are stocked that way...

i think a cross bike makes a great city bike. i suppose a touring bike would too- i would figure the main difference would be in more relaxed geoemety on the touring bike.

marc

[MrEWorm]

I have a Surly Cross Check that I had built up with a 105 triple set. It works fine as an all-around bike. You can mount different width wheels, racks, bags etc on it and it handles nicely.

[rosswords]

Thanks, all. I went with the Jamis Nova. Could have gone with a cheaper bike, but since I hold onto my bikes for 30 years, on average, I figured it was worth a few extra bucks for something that would last.