Commuting - Do they make it?

Another post got me thinking about the next bike I want to get for all purpose use:Commuting, bike path with my wife, a once a year tour of about a week pulling a trailer and whatever else.

What I would like to find meets these criteria: Steel frame, flat bar, disc brake, beefy wheels and tires (ability to go say 700x35c or so), and triple chainring. I have no need for a suspension fork, but I would be happy with or without a carbon fork.

I would be willing to go with a steel hardtail mtb that meets the other criteria because 26x1.5 tires are plenty beefy and slicks would do it all.

So, either a 26" configuration, or 700c, but I want the other stuff (steel, flatbar, disc and triple).

Does anybody make it?

I'll give you one because I'm bored.

http://www.jamisbikes.com/usa/bikes/08_bikes/08codaelite.html

- wondering if anyone actually does their own research anymore.

$400 ... http://www.diamondback.com/items.asp?deptid=14&itemid=219&childid=424

I'll give you one because I'm bored.

http://www.jamisbikes.com/usa/bikes/08_bikes/08codaelite.html

- wondering if anyone actually does their own research anymore.

You must have been so bored that you didn't read the original post. 700cx28 tires on the bike you listed. That's my point, I have done my own research and I can't find it, hence the thread. I don't just want a flat bar racer road bike. Now, if you can tell me for certain that there is clearance for say 35mm width tires on there, then I will be impressed. But I'm not so sure that is the case.

Just in case you get bored again.

You might want to look at a trekking bar rather than a flat bar. Lots of different uses, one hand position may not always be optimal.

LBS might swap out for the price difference if bike isn't already built.

Also, look at the gearing, most of your riding sounds like a 44 or 46 and a 32/34 in back might be better suited than a 50 up front and a 28 in back

Get a Surly Karate Monkey. 29" and 700c are interchangable and you'll have clearance for everything you need/want. It's disc ready too. And steel. And awesome. Definitely one of the most versatile frames you'll find.

http://www.surlybikes.com/karatemonkey.html

Look at every thing Surly has to offer. You'll find something perfect for your needs.

I don't work for Surly. I just like their bikes.

If the Crosscheck was disc compatible that would be it. I say let there be no discs and just get the Crosscheck and build it how you want it.

I've been hovering on the same plane as you, and have decided to just do the crosscheck. I want discs, too, but the CC is the perfect bike otherwise. I'll be taking my XT off of my MTB as well as my riser bar and Magura hydraulic rim brakes and putting it all on a Crosscheck with a mountain triple...only thing I think I'll step up with is a Brooks. The guys in my seat thread have convinced me to just get a Brooks. So, the credit card comes out again!

http://www.jamisbikes.com/usa/bikes/08_bikes/08codaelite.html
+1


You must have been so bored that you didn't read the original post. 700cx28 tires on the bike you listed.
We sell these bikes at the shop I work at. Look at the fork. There's clearance for a 40mm tire.

If the Crosscheck was disc compatible that would be it. I say let there be no discs and just get the Crosscheck and build it how you want it.

I've been hovering on the same plane as you, and have decided to just do the crosscheck. I want discs, too, but the CC is the perfect bike otherwise. I'll be taking my XT off of my MTB as well as my riser bar and Magura hydraulic rim brakes and putting it all on a Crosscheck with a mountain triple...only thing I think I'll step up with is a Brooks. The guys in my seat thread have convinced me to just get a Brooks. So, the credit card comes out again!

+1

I've been riding a CrossCheck for the past year and couldn't be happier. It is especially well-suited for commuting. I don't think you'll miss the disk brakes.

(But don't hurry too fast in the decision-making process--it's one of the best parts of this crazy hobby)

I know I'm in the minority, but I'll say it: recumbent. :)

How much are you willing to spend? Steel frame, flat bar, disc brake, beefy wheels and 26" tires - sounds like a Bacchetta Giro
http://www.calhouncycle.com/productcart/pc/viewPrd.asp?idproduct=1152&idcategory=77

+1


We sell these bikes at the shop I work at. Look at the fork. There's clearance for a 40mm tire.

Would a 35 mm tire fit on the wheels that come with the bike?

Would a 35 mm tire fit on the wheels that come with the bike?

Yup. 35mm can fit on a very narrow rim.

You must have been so bored that you didn't read the original post. 700cx28 tires on the bike you listed. That's my point, I have done my own research and I can't find it, hence the thread. I don't just want a flat bar racer road bike. Now, if you can tell me for certain that there is clearance for say 35mm width tires on there, then I will be impressed. But I'm not so sure that is the case.

Just in case you get bored again.

That's not a very nice attitude, but yes, the Jamis will have clearance for 35mm slicks.

Get a Surly Karate Monkey. 29" and 700c are interchangable and you'll have clearance for everything you need/want. It's disc ready too. And steel. And awesome. Definitely one of the most versatile frames you'll find.

http://www.surlybikes.com/karatemonkey.html

Look at every thing Surly has to offer. You'll find something perfect for your needs.

I think a CrossCheck might be a better option...... with the exception of disc ready.


Opps......missed the CrossCheck reference a few posts up....... +1

You could easily make this bike. I don't know your budget but start with a surly cross check($400). Add a disc fork($80), avid bb-7 front disc brake ($50), canti avid rear brakes($25), shimano lx/xt drivetrain ($300), custom wheels built to support a disc brake up front and rim brakes in the rear ($200-300 for velocity rims on xt hubs) and everything else to your liking (stem, handlebars, seat post, seat, grips, clamps). You can have an unique, bomb proof ride specced exactly how you want for around $1300 + labor. If you are patient, ebay proficient and mechanically inclined you can build this for under a grand.

(or you can buy that Jamis :p)

We sell these bikes at the shop I work at. Look at the fork. There's clearance for a 40mm tire.

I have an '05 model. While the fork has alot of clearance,no way you're getting a 40 in between the chainstays. 32 yes,35 maybe(def not a cross knobby). YMMV as the new ones may have a different frame design.

slowjoe66: how set are you on steel? Plenty of alloy framed bikes that would meet your criteria that ride just fine.

I have an '05 model. While the fork has alot of clearance,no way you're getting a 40 in between the chainstays. 32 yes,35 maybe(def not a cross knobby). YMMV as the new ones may have a different frame design.

slowjoe66: how set are you on steel? Plenty of alloy framed bikes that would meet your criteria that ride just fine.
Yeah, that was really the idea of the thread: Do they make it. There are a plethora of bikes that meet the criteria other than the steel. I realize that. Thanks for all of the replies. I am intrigued by the codas.

www.bgcycles.com the 700 version goes to 700x43. The MTB version even better. Whatever you want you can get it put on but you may get a bit of an argument about discs.

+1 Karate Monkey. The weight of the km compared to the cc is it really that big of a difference?


http://www.sheldonbrown.com/harris/surly-karate-monkey.html

Kona Sutra

+1 Karate Monkey. The weight of the km compared to the cc is it really that big of a difference?


http://www.sheldonbrown.com/harris/surly-karate-monkey.html

Having owned both..... I like the Cross Check (And still have).... But if I were still in to MTB'ing then it would be the KM hands down. I just did not find it all that comfortable for road riding over long distances.

Second the Coda Elite. I built one up at work, and oh man does it ride like a dream. Meets all of your specs, and will fit up to 35s. I know this because after I rode the Elite, I got a Sport frameset and built it up as my own commuter, but with no disc brakes and dropbars instead.

Codas rock. We can't seem to sell them though.... then again, it's winter, so Blacksburg's been depopulated.

i work at the biggest jamis dealer on the east coast, our store has helped design the coda series and i have to say... the coda elite is a really awesome bike. if you can find an 07 or earlier, get it... reynolds 631 instead of the 520 cromoly (although beefier)... but its a possible option.