Recreational & Family - Aurora or Coda comp?

Hey gang, I know, just what everyone wants, another "what bike" thread LOL...but I am in a quandry. I got a specialized crossroads elite last year at the advice of my doctor (knee pain). Now I find I want something a little more aggressive.

I found an 05 coda comp that I fell in love with, for $725. The same shop has an 05 Aurora for around the same price. The salesman is recomending that I go with the aurora as the coda is close to my crossroads elite, the coda being more aggressive as its a true flat bar road bike. I haven't ridden either of these bikes but I sat on the coda and loved it.

Anyway, Im about 5'10" and weight about 210. I usually ride between 4-8 miles a day and would like the ability to commute to work (5 miles one way) when the urge strikes. I'm not a racer and don't want a full on race/road bike as I want comfort with the ability to do the occasional longer ride...Was also considering a cyclocross bike as I hear these are a jack of all trades type of bike..but I don't intend to do any offroad stuff.

Anyway, the salesman says that one of his personal bikes is an aurora and its comfy, the steel frame rides real nice (he says). He thinks it's the perscription for what ail's me...I sure would apreciate any advice...my heart wants the coda comp but my brain says I'll be happier in the long run with the aurora..

In a nutshell I'm looking for comfort with the ability to do an occasional longer ride..Also, I want something that can take punishment of potholes and curb's, etc...Thanks in advance for any advice.

Steve

I'd still get the Coda. I don't see why you can't do longer distances on it. I do 20 miles a few times a week on a similar Airborne style and if not for weather i'd do it every day. I will be riding even longer distances on it soon.

For a road style bike, i'll save for one with at least 105 or Ultegra or the yummy new Sram hotness I dream of.

Hi Eric, thanks for the response..I'm on the fence..I hope to be able to ride both of them soon, weather permitting (Northeast Ohio). Thanks again.

Steve

I'm looking at the same bikes. The Coda Comp is pretty sweet, and would be my pick over the Trek 7.x fx bikes, but I'll probably end up getting a 7.3fx just due to budget.

I think you could ride the Coda all day with no problem, especially if you add Kane Creek bar ends. The carbon fork makes it every bit as comfy as a steel frame IMO. I keep wanting a steel touring bike, but I won't get to ride more than a weekend tour for several years (kids), so the 7.3 fx has all I'd really need to do that for now.

I also looked at a 2005 Kona Jake (not Jake the Snake) for $720, which is a Tiagra equipped cyclocross. This would handle quicker than the Aurora and give you drop bar hand positions. Given the choice (and extra $) right now, I'd get the Jake.

Make sure you ride each of them if you can. The fit will probably feel similar, but the ride and handling will vary among the three (tire size, fork rake, wheelbase, and crank clearance).

From what you say, I'd definitely recommend the Coda. Both Coda and Aurora have 520 db steel frames, but the Aurora is definitely a full on touring bike. The Coda will have a much zippier, quicker handling feel. Plus it's a good 2 pounds lighter, which will help as well. Damn good lookin' too! Take both for test rides, and don't let the salesman talk you into the bike that either a) he likes most, or b) he really wants to move. Go with that first impression, gut instinct - it's usually right. But definitely base your decision on a decent test ride - 20 minutes per bike minimum so you can get a true feel for the subtle differences. Actually as I think about it, I'd recommend the Sattelite as a better bike for you than the Aurora. It's priced a bit less as well.

Hey gang, thanks for all the advice..I sure appreciate it...I'm a newbie and don't want to make another expensive (specialized crossroads elite) mistake..

Steve