[comradehoser]

let's see:

I need an all-terrain quick-commuting machine, needs to take a lot of abuse on trails, jumping curbs and potholes in d.c. streets, and I am totally stoked to try cross riding in a big way. Want to try a steel road-ish frame with drops, as I have my alu. hardtail mtn bike.

LBS bike guy suggests: Surly Cross-Check, versatile, strong, proven. With the build I want, it'll come close to $1200, (shimano 105 gruppo, crank bros candy pedals, STIs, mavic rims, don't know about the brakes yet) but the ordering seems to be taking forever.

LBS bike gal suggests: Kona Sutra, (touring bike) don't know the clearances for tires, looks to be their "dew" frame--more mountain-bikey geometry?, comes complete for about $1200 with disc brakes, shimano 105 components, etc.

Will the Sutra do it, or am I better off sticking to my building guns with the cross-check? I also kind of wanted to build myself so I can be a better bike mechanic (essential skills of the 1-bike commuter).

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[SpongeDad]

why not Kona Jake the Snake? I was thinking about getting one, but I'm not sure of the geometry (standover vs toptube) works for me. I think Big Wheel Bikes (go to store in G'town) carries them. Also check out the CX bike selection at City Bikes if you haven't been there already.

[comradehoser]

Kona Snake problems for me: aluminium frame. Have that, been there, I want to try steel! Especially with a hard fork.

I am also very loyal to this LBS, and don't have the time to trundle down to City Bikes.

[SpongeDad]

I think Bianchi also makes a steel CX frame.

But if you know you want the Surly, put up with the wait. If you get something else, you'll always wonder.

[comradehoser]

Guy I placed the order with quit working at the LBS before he placed the order, and I finally came to the realization that I could buy a stock bike for the same price as the Surly build, with the same quality of components (105 gruppo, STIs, etc.), a better steel frame, carbon fork, and some nice paint to boot. No horiz. dropouts, but I figure if I want to SS it or fix-gear, I can get a singulator or elliptical hub. Feast your eyes on the 2006 Jamis Nova:

http://thumbnail.image.rakuten.co.jp/@0_mall/atomic-cycle/cabinet/00124149/img08798635.jpg?v

$300 jump from '05 to '06 model is kind of a bummer though.