I'm looking to replace my Trek 7.3fx with something that has drop bars, a steel frame, and is comfortable for 40 mile rides and up. I'd really like to find a shop that has some Surlys, or other steel road bikes in stock. The Cross Check, Pacer, and LHT have caught my eye. However, I'm certainly not married to buying one of those bikes. What's most important to me is getting a good fit.

I tried a Trek 520, but it didn't feel "right".

I appreciate any recommendations on a good shop to look for a bike anywhere between Milwaukee and Chicago. I could also take a trip to the Madison area.

I like Bicyclewise in Whitewater,WI http://www.bicyclewise.com/

I bought my Waterford from them.

It is a small husband/wife run shop. He is a former Paramount/Waterford employee. Give them a call and see if they can help you.

Chicago LBS are discussed here: http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=392713

Make me wonder whether anybody ever reads previous threads anymore or just post their question:rolleyes:
Duppie

Steel eh? I'd say try Yellow Jersey in Madison (state street), or Budget Bicycle Center (Regent Street), or Machinery Row Bikes (intersection of Williamson and John Nolen). Any of those may have steel. Williamson Bicycle Works (two locations) will probably have something as well.

Neither of the Trek concept stores in Madison have steel frames (Trek doesn't make steel frames) and Neither of the Erik's Bike Shop (s) will have steel.

That last I can guarantee.




Why steel?

Going through my mental list....

I can't think of anyone who is going to have steel in stock. I know a lot that can order everything you mention, but they don't stock them.

I'm just not too fond of aluminum, or carbon. Thanks for the replys.

In Chicago:
CycleSmithy has a 54 cm LHT in stock
Rapid Transit typically has a build up cross check in stock
UpgradeCycleWorks has a Raleigh Sojourn in stock
Turin in Evanston typically has a Bianchi Volpe in stock

In fact, I would think that most shops will have a steel frame in the cross/touring segment in stock.

Look up stores-pecific information here: http://www.chicagobikeshops.info. You can also call and ask them ahead of time.
Duppie

+1 on Yellow Jersey in Madison, they like steel there. www.yellowjersey.org. Crazy site, but give them a call and let them know what you're looking for. They'll be happy to help.

http://www.benscycle.net/ 10th and Lincoln in Milwaukee. Try them. Warning ... they will find a way to sell you _something_ ! I think they are the best shop in town though, BAR NONE.

Also try Patio Bike at 99th and Forest Home ... he's got a bunch of NEW OLD STOCK steel frames upstairs. He may not be open for the season yet though.

Cory the bike fixer in east-side downtown Milwaukee might have a few in his store or in the backroom... my favorite place!

http://www.corythebikefixer.com/

I've actually asked Cory's and Ben's this same question (I'm looking to build a cross check, too). Both can order Surly's, but neither one carries them. Maybe if enough people ask, though, they'll start to stock them . . .

um, it may be bad form, but I'm going to plug my own shop.
I have a couple steel SS/Fixies in stock by SE, A Fuji Touring, and a used Peugeot that was just lovingly restored/converted to a SS/Fixie (but can always go back)
http://www.campbellstreetbikes.com/
sorry, but it's winter (In spring) and I can use a little business.