[mattmor]

This is my first post in this forum. I currently ride MTN bikes with some road rides. I have been considering a 'cross bike for the practicality of it.

I've searched the archives and came up with some older threads - however both bikes have changed a bit since.

I'm looking at on '07 Konda JTS and an '07 Poprad. I've demo'd a JTS for a few rides - nice bike but I wasn't very impressed with the brakes.

I've been told the ride on the Poprad would be better. I've also been told that the brakes on the Poprad suck - because you can't get the same feel with STI levers and cable discs.

Can some of the owners of each bike comment on their likes/dislikes of their bikes. I am getting rid of my road bike that doesn't get ridden very much - I feel like I would get some more time on the 'cross vs. the road bike.

Thanks.

Matt

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[adrien]

I have an 06 JTS; avoided the 07 because of the carbon fork (personal choice).

Love the bike. No, it doesn't brake like an MTB, but you get used to it and in absolute terms it still stops fine. Pad upgrades are pretty easy. It's quick enough, and tough enough for my weight (230), including over single track and such.

Looked at the Proprad, though it fell off the list for a few reasons -- steel (didn't want it due to rust issues), disc brakes (complexity -- it like stuff i can fix on the side of the trail), plus some have suggested that they add torque load to the spokes, which I don't need at my weight), and cost (found a JTS significantly cheaper).

I changed out the tires on the JTS to go for a semi-slick, as most of my ride is MUP, with some crushed gravel. Took me several tweaks and rides to get used to it, but I'm comfy now on it for 3-5 hours ata a time (and up to about 65 miles/ride). I can keep up with road machines if not ridden too aggressively, and hop off the path into grass / mup when i need to (or when the path gets rough and the shoulder is smoother).

Not sure what the component set is on the proprad, but that might be a consideration.

Let me know what other specifics you may be interested in.

[Deanster04]

I have an 06 JTS; avoided the 07 because of the carbon fork (personal choice).

Looked at the Proprad, though it fell off the list for a few reasons -- steel (didn't want it due to rust issues), disc brakes (complexity -- it like stuff i can fix on the side of the trail), plus some have suggested that they add torque load to the spokes, which I don't need at my weight), and cost (found a JTS significantly cheaper).

If you ever decide to try a steel bike there is a product called Weigles Framesaver. I have tried all materials for road and cross and Steel is the only material I find to my liking. I have Torelli Cross bike I recently purchased and It had no rust problems. I added Framesaver for $12 a can and have no worries. I have a 1969 Cinelli since new and treated it with a rust inhibitor shortly after I bought the bike and have had no rust problems inspite if living in Santa Cruz, California and riding in that area for 20 years (Salt Air and dampness). I am also heavy at 225#. All materials have their weakness, as well as, strengths.

[jmgorman]

I've been on the Poprad for a few months and I love it. I wouldn't worry too much about the steel as Deanster described how to mitigate rust. The brakes are no more complex than other types of brakes. Just as an aside, my very favorite thing about the Poprad ('06 BTW) is that a single allen wrench fixes everything. I ride with it, a tube, and a aircartridge -- that's it. I know I can fix anything on the bike. If you are worried about torque on the spokes (which I wouldn't) take it to your LBS and have them loosen and retrue the wheels. You could also buy a frame only and build up a set clydesdale-bombproof for the rig. The only thing I don't like is that I cannot for the life of me get the seatpost to stop sliding down. It is CF and it might get swapped.

[Kalrog]

Matt,
I am going through a similar thing right now, but I am looking at frame only solutions because I don't want Shimano. I came up with a set of requirements for the frame that I wanted and have narrowed it down to the following (I hope the logic here helps - even if my selections don't match what you would want). I would love to get some feedback on the frame choices as well.

Situation: I am a 6'3" 205lb rider who pulls his 2 kids around in a trailer from time to time. I am looking for a new frame that fits me and is well suited to commuting both on and off road and will probably see some 'cross action as well. This build up will probably use either Campy Centaur or SRAM Rival components and Canti brakes. I think all of these frames meet the objective requirements, but there is a lot more to a frame than that...

Frameset Requirements: Steel, Cross, $750 or less, fit at least 700x35 tires
Nice to have: Disk compatible (just in case), fenders.

Current frame options:
VooDoo Wazoo, Soma Doublecross, Jamis Nova, Lemond Poprad, Surly Crosscheck