Touring - Bikes I'm Considering

After a motorcycle accident I had to switch from jogging to bicycling last year. Since then, I've discovered that I love bicycling; but I've finally worn out my old hybrid.

I'm looking for a bike that I can use for general commuting (including hauling books back and forth from the library while working on my Ph.D.); but that will feel fun and light when I want to strip it down and just ride. I'm not terribly mechanical, so high-quality/low-maintenance components are a plus; and I'll be riding primarily in Metro Atlanta. All of my riding is on pavement. I'm 6'1" and about 210; so sturdy is good too :).

Right now, I'm looking at:

Cannondale T800
Giant OCR Touring
Jamis Aurora
Jamis Nova
Trek 520
Bianchi Volpe

Any thoughts or other suggestions would be appreciated.

-Joshua

Hi,
they are all good bikes. The most important criteria is fit. The second most important criteria is fit. You can play with stems and seat position if it's close, but you'll be spending a lot of time in the saddle. As a tall guy, you should include a hill in your test rides. Get out of the saddle and accelerate up the hill. If it doesn't feel tight, the frame is too wimpy for you. It's a fairly common problem for tall guys. Try them all, don't take short test rides, put the hammer down, hit some bumps, and take a couple corners fast.

Most of those bikes are touring bikes. That happens to be my favorite type. The Nova isn't. If you're looking at bikes like the Nova, I thought the Jamis Quest was nice, although it is a few more $$ than the others on your list.

Hi Joshua, the firmest advice I can offer from a fellow Atlantan and touring bike shopper is to check the myriad shops in the area, these bikes are only a few miles away from a test ride. Outback in L5P should have a 520, and certainly has a Volpe in stock, though I believe it to be ~55. Intown on Monroe near the park has a Nova last I checked, though no Aurora, and Bicycle South should carry the Giant OCR (not sure if I remember seeing one). I've been pretty actively shopping and have found the staff at all these shops to be very informative, though I would avoid Outback on the weekend if you want either attention or breathing room. I've pretty much decided on the Volpe myself, though ordering one in my(our?) large size may prove to be difficult. Good luck shopping.

-Chris

While visiting your lbs, takr a look at cyclocross bikes. They are a bit different from the straight tourers, they manuever easier. Most are great all-around bicycles. Check Lemond Propad, Fuji tourer (don't know the model name), Kona, Surly Cross-Check etc.
I'm 6' and weigh 240-250, the Cross-Check is working great for me.

Thanks everyone for the feedback. Chris, we must hang out in the same part of town. I work just up the street from Intown Bikes, and am trying to move to the area just behind Bicycle South.

-Joshua

While visiting your lbs, takr a look at cyclocross bikes. They are a bit different from the straight tourers, they manuever easier. Most are great all-around bicycles. Check Lemond Propad, Fuji tourer (don't know the model name), Kona, Surly Cross-Check etc.
I'm 6' and weigh 240-250, the Cross-Check is working great for me.

Agreed. For general purpose use, a cyclocross bike is probably a better choice. They're versatile, durable, and much more efficient than a loaded touring bike. The Surly cross-check is a durable ride at a great price. I really like that it has bar-end shifters (more reliable and easier to work on). I've had a Trek XO-1 for about two years. As the parts have worn out, I replaced the Sora derailleur with Deore LX, and the STI levers with barcons. If you check on-line, you can probably find the cross-check new for about $600.

"Late" has some good advice. Find a bike shop with a 'fit bike'. These are used to fit bikes. Alll the tubes adjust in length, height, the downtube adjust for angle, the stem goes in and out, up and down, etc. When the fit is finished, you will have the stats for what fits you best. Then you can compare your stats with the bikes under consideration. Most shops that have these fit bikes will take off the price of the fit if you purchase from them.
I had this done before purchasing a touring bike several years ago. My bike fits like a glove, and rarely do I experience any upper body soreness. Also, I love my SOMA frame. Steve