I just received some bad news. I had saved for several months the $1000 it would take to purchase a Motobecane Fantom Cross Pro from bikesdirect.com @ the 61cm size. I just recieved word that they will not have inventory on that size until August 30. My bike is my ONLY means of transportation, and currently I'm riding an older Trek which has one foot in the grave. Therefore, waiting until August 30 really isn't an option for me. They do have the 64cm in stock, but I fear that would be too large for me. I stand about 6'3" and weigh in around 280lbs plus carry a back pack weighing on average 20lbs. I could get the Fantom Cross and the reduced price of $800, but I was looking for the Ultegra/Dura Ace combo for the extra $200 as a "must-have." Not to mention the polished aluminum was terribly sexy (IMHO). So, what are your recommendations of bikes to check out?

$1000 to spend
Bike used for everyday commuting on city streets/parks and maybe the ocassional off-trail riding
Bike and wheelset needs to hold 300lbs on average

Thanks...

Surly Long Haul Trucker

Surly Long Haul Trucker

Ditto.

Listed as "Sold Out" on bikesdirect.com FWIW

And don't forget to throw on a cheapo rack and get that weight off your back
before you help a surgeon buy his 3rd vacation condo.

Surly Long Haul Trucker

Thirded. Remember, it's not about the bike. My riding buddies this weekend were riding a Salsa La Cruz with SRAM Force, and a Kona Kula 2-9 with full XT. I had 0 problems keeping up with them, and I have almost 150 pounds on each of them!

You'll be happy you did it. Plus DA and such parts really don't hold up well to bigger folk.

Plus DA and such parts really don't hold up well to bigger folk.

I disagree with that, but I certainly wouldn't put DA or Ultegra on anything I'd ever get near a dirt surface. I'd even have to think twice about 105. Dirt is hard on stuff like that, especially if you plan to crash at all. (I filled my sora brifter with sand in a get off and it still works fine, and cheap to replace if it didn't.)

But yeah, LHT is pretty cool.

Lots of nice cyclocross bikes around $1000 by various manufacturers if you're looking for something a little more racy.

Listed as "Sold Out" on bikesdirect.com FWIW

I'm assuming you are talking about the LHT. Just have your LBS order it for you. They will build it up, and should tune up for you after you have broken it in. A good one will do minor adjustments forever as needed, and they may also throw in some bottle cages or swap out some of the components if you want something different. I don't know if bikesdirect was selling the LHT complete bike from Surly, or just a LHT that they built up from a frame set. The complete bike is really solid spec.

Listed as "Sold Out" on bikesdirect.com FWIW

It is a good thing that Jenson USA and Bicycle Warehouse have them in stock.

If I had the money, I'd be hopping on a Long Haul Trucker right now.

If you want a cross bike then you want the Surly CrossCheck, not the LHT.

Quality Bike Parts carries Surly so every LBS in America can order whatever you want from their QBP catalog.

Another nice choice is the Soma DoubleCross:

http://www.somafab.com/dcross_blk06.jpg

If you want a cross bike then you want the Surly CrossCheck, not the LHT.

Quality Bike Parts carries Surly so every LBS in America can order whatever you want from their QBP catalog.

The frame material is the same on both, and the geometry is similar, with the LHT having a slightly longer wheel base. Both will accommodate fenders. The LHT, having a touring frame is understandably equipped for both front and rear racks, should you need them. The Crosscheck only has braze ons for the rear. While the frames are similar, the spec is considerably different, the primary difference being that the Crosscheck comes with a double, and the LHT a triple. Both come with bar end shifters, which seems at home on the LHT tourer, but odd for the cyclocross Crosscheck. I don't know much about the stock wheels on the Crosscheck (cyclocross wheels are generally tough, so they'd likely be fine). The LHT wheels are obviously intended to support touring, so they would definitely hold you. I know bdinger had a little spoke trouble with his at about the 300 mile mark, but so far mine have held up without incident. I had mine retensioned at 275 miles, and I would encourage anyone to do the same with any new wheels that are factory built.

If you are going to do cyclocross racing, or at least fast riding off road, then a Crosscheck may make more sense. If you want a bike with more gears that can do it all, including off road, then I still think the LHT is the way to go. Obviously, you'll want to compare the spec and decide for yourself.

I have my LHT currently set up for long charity rides, equipping it with Ultegra STI brifters, 28mm tires, and a few other customizations. I weigh a shade under 300lbs, and I feel that the bike holds me easily. While no one would ever confuse me for Lance Armstrong, I had no trouble hanging with a 20+mph pack for several miles this past weekend at the Tour d'Italia. I'm sure I would have gone just as fast on the Crosscheck, but I may have had some trouble without a granny gear at the Real Ale Ride a few weeks ago. Many roadies were walking while I was able to sit and spin up some steep climbs. Depending on the terrain where you ride, the gearing is likely the biggest factor when deciding between these two Surly bikes.

Let us know what you end up getting, and don't forget to post pictures.

http://www.mateowilliams.org/images/lht1.jpg

I would pick up a used bike to carry you through the interim, then get the bike you really want this fall. If you buy right, you should be able to pick up a used bike, ride it all summer, and sell it for what you paid for it. Kind of a free bike rental.....

I would pick up a used bike to carry you through the interim, then get the bike you really want this fall. If you buy right, you should be able to pick up a used bike, ride it all summer, and sell it for what you paid for it. Kind of a free bike rental.....

That actually makes a lot of sense and I may just do that.

I realize this thread has turned into a Surly love fest, but those bikes just don't do it for me. They are very plain when compared to the other bikes I've been shopping. <shrug> Yeah, I know, kind of silly to look at the purchase in that regard, but a sexy bike is part of the package I desire. I've never driven a Ford because of how plain I always thought they were, instead opting for a foreign car with sexy lines. Its just translating over to bikes now. Up until a month ago I planned on getting a Surly... until I saw one in person.... and yawned. Plus I can't stand bar end shifters, and by the time I change out shifters and get a better wheel set I'm easily over $1500 for a bike with lesser equipment than I could have on bikes at the $1000 range. I don't know, maybe I'll have little choice but to go with a Surly, but...

I have the day off today. I think I'll spend it shopping all my bike stores and see what I can come up with. I'm just so depressed the bike I wanted isn't available. :(

I would pick up a used bike to carry you through the interim, then get the bike you really want this fall. If you buy right, you should be able to pick up a used bike, ride it all summer, and sell it for what you paid for it. Kind of a free bike rental.....

This is an example of smartness!

No problem buying a bike based on how it looks if it encourages you to get out and ride more. :D

You might want to check out the Jamis Nova Pro:
http://jamisbikes.com/usa/bikes/08_bikes/08novapro.html

A buddy of mine just picked one up for well under $1k. It's tough to find a bike at that price point with a better frame.

Plus, I think my entire cyclocross team was completely gaga over it.:love:

That actually makes a lot of sense and I may just do that.

I realize this thread has turned into a Surly love fest, but those bikes just don't do it for me. They are very plain when compared to the other bikes I've been shopping. <shrug> Yeah, I know, kind of silly to look at the purchase in that regard, but a sexy bike is part of the package I desire. I've never driven a Ford because of how plain I always thought they were, instead opting for a foreign car with sexy lines. Its just translating over to bikes now. Up until a month ago I planned on getting a Surly... until I saw one in person.... and yawned. Plus I can't stand bar end shifters, and by the time I change out shifters and get a better wheel set I'm easily over $1500 for a bike with lesser equipment than I could have on bikes at the $1000 range. I don't know, maybe I'll have little choice but to go with a Surly, but...

I have the day off today. I think I'll spend it shopping all my bike stores and see what I can come up with. I'm just so depressed the bike I wanted isn't available. :(

I think you were lucky. I also think you need to take a step back and realise you
are making decisions based on the paint job.

I think you were lucky. I also think you need to take a step back and realise you
are making decisions based on the paint job.

Seriously, different handlebar tape and a coloured saddle can completely alter the look of a bike....

+1 on the buying used

if not that than consider looking or a Redline cyclocross bike or Specialized cross bike (can't remember the name of either one). They both seem good and their Tiagra/105 level versions should be in your budget

I'd second the Jamis recommendation. They make good bikes at a good price point.

Also, get what appeals to you and--more importantly--fits well. What appeals to us here on C & A may not work for you.

I wonder if you could take a bike to a body shop and have it painted? Maybe get custom decals made up at a sign shop?

Plus I can't stand bar end shifters, and by the time I change out shifters and get a better wheel set I'm easily over $1500 for a bike with lesser equipment than I could have on bikes at the $1000 range.

Buy whatever your heart desires, but that wheel set is solid.

LHT hands down! :) Or send the cash my way and I'll buy an LHT! :)

Do what you will, however, just from personal experience - if I didn't have a bike shop that backed up my cycling purchases, I wouldn't be cycling anymore. There are plenty of "sexy" options available at the LBS, and the difference you pay between them and Bikesdirect is made up in warranties, support, and service. Finding a good LBS for us clydes is like a mini gold mine.

If I had been saving for months for a bike I was in love with, then found it was out of stock, I would wait and get exactly what I want. Few have the opportunity to buy multiple $1K bikes, so if that is what you want, I would do as I described above and get it.

I would not want to spend that kind of money for my second choice....

As far as falling in love with a paint job, hey, thats one of those personal decisions. Cars are sold all of the time based on paint and color, for a lot more than a bicycle.

I have not yet fallen in love with a specific brand or model of bike, when I do, I will be buying it.

Long Haul Trucker

I realize this thread has turned into a Surly love fest, but those bikes just don't do it for me. They are very plain when compared to the other bikes I've been shopping. <shrug> Yeah, I know, kind of silly to look at the purchase in that regard, but a sexy bike is part of the package I desire.

I actually agree with you on this point. While some find the LHT to be sexy, I don't, and I certainly didn't buy it for that reason. I bought it because I weigh 300 pounds and wanted something that felt solid and dependable under my weight, while still giving me a road bike experience. Would I prefer a more classic look? Absolutely; but not if I'm scared of breaking it. I chose function over form, but I would have liked to have both.

There's a thread somewhere that shows a LHT custom build with the decals all taken off. It looks very nice and clean, though I'm personally not a huge fan of the monochrome look.

I also echo the sentiments of all of those who have suggested working with a LBS rather than ordering from bikesdirect. If you are adept at bicycle maintenance and are equipped to do everything yourself, then by all means, go that route. I just don't have that kind of time, nor do I have an adequate workspace.

Update:

First, thanks to all for your opinions. I read them all and took them all into account before making my final purchase.

I was lucky enough to find a Surly Cross Check in my size at the LBS. $930. Not too bad, I can handle that, since I had $1000 ready for my purchase. Overall, the bike rode very well. I test rode it agaisnt sevreal Trek's, inculding a Trek road bike, and find the Surly impressed me moreso than any of the other bikes I've ridden. The bike was the matte gray color. Defintely not sexy, but better looking than I envisioned from photos I've seen. Plus all those gawdy stickers plastered all over the Trek's were just plain awful, IMHO. I'm not sure why Trek would go so crazy on their stickers, but that's a diatribe for another thread. With the Surly, however, I did confirm how much I HATE bar end shifters. That simpyl was not going to be an option for me. Another point for another thread... why in the world would Surly put bar end shifters on a cyclo cross bike? Anyway... With the shifters swapped out to something mroe manageable, the price jumped to $1200 right away. The LBS would not trade out shifters for me since they don;t stock bar end types. Plus tax put me OTD barely above $1300. Now I managed to save up barely over $1000 for this purchase over the course of sevreal months. Another $300 would take at least me another month, plus all the extras like fenders, etc. Needing a new bike ASAP, this wasn't going to work for me. I will say if the Surly was $1000 with the shifters I wanted (Tiagra) I would have rode it home that day. I really did like it when compared to the Trek models I rode. But as was the case, the Surly wasn't in my money vs time frame availability.

Yesterday I ordered the Motobecane Fantom. Not the Pro version that I wanted, but close enough. My biggest complaint about this bike is the red color, but I'll survive. I've ridden this bike a few times already since a freidn owns the identical bike I ordered. For the money ($799 shipped ot my door) I feel it was my best option out there. After adding pedals, fenders, lights, etc., I still came in under my planned $1000. Needless to say, I'm thrilled about that.

Anyway, just wanted to update everyone and once again offer my thanks for your opinions and assistance.

Cyclocross bikes traditionally have used bar-end shifters. When riding across dirt/grass, you had to keep your hands on the bar because taking your hands off to shift (on down-tube shifters) was a sketchy proposition with all the crud that catch your front wheel and take you down. Since these were primarily racing machines, the hands were kept in the drops. So, bar-end shifters were the solution. Even still today, they have a following.

More bar end shifter bonuses:

-Hard to break, cheap to replace. (As you can tell, this is an important feature for me. :D)

-Lets you run those fancy tektro road brake levers that work with V-brakes.

I'm half tempted to switch to them on my Jake. It's not like they make shifting any more awkward than it already is with those Sora brifters and their goofy thumb levers on my bike.

Congrats on the new bike! I'm sure you'll be happy with it, and if not, you can always get something different. I suspect you'll enjoy it, the price gets you good components. If for some reason you don't, another thing to bear in mind is that for $400 (ish) you can get a Cross-Check frame and swap the parts over :).

Regarding bar-ends, I too thought I would hate them. In fact, the first time I rode them I was mediocre on them. Over the past month and a half of Surly ownership, however, I've grown to love them. Askel points out that they're cheap to replace, and that's a huge bonus, even the Dura-Ace models (that I have) only run about $90 for the pair - cheaper than Sora brifters. They also let you run friction, in fact I really love the friction in the front, I've never before had a bike that I can run every gear in the rear cluster without rubbing in the front - I just adjust it out.

My favorite probably is the way they work in the drops. If I place my hands just "so" I can "snick" the rear one with my pinky finger, man is that ever fun. Speaking of the "snick", they really have a nice action to them, I really dig the "feel" of them as you shift through the gears. The final bonus, for me at least, is that they generally keep me from "hunting" through the gears all the time. I tend to just pick a gear and stick with it.

Anyway, that's my sales pitch, but in the end I have to ride my bike and you have to ride yours. I'm very glad you got at least a bike similar to the one you have, and one that has some pretty dang nice components. Remember to POST PICS when it's built up! :D

A new ride is always a reason to celebrate. May it bring you many miles of cycling bliss.

Regarding the bar-ends, while picking a gear and sticking to it is a plus for bdinger, it's a minus for me. Bad knees require frequent shifting, and being on the hoods most of the time means brifters were what I needed. Luckily there are a lot of different ways to build up a bike, so we can each have one just the way we like it.

And I echo the post pics sentiment. We need more bicycle pr0n.