Long Distance Competition/Ultracycling, Randonneuring and Endurance Cycling - Bike Geometry - Tell Me What Am I Looking At?

It is new bike time. I was waiting on the new Casseroll (which is finally out), but I am also now digging the new Vaya. One of my goals this year is to ride to San Diego from North Orange County by the end of the summer and by then be in century riding shape. I do 30-40 miles now. So, not quite up to many of your standards, but I am adding more miles.

Anyhow, looking at the Vaya (55cm): http://salsacycles.com/bikes/vaya/ and the Casseroll (53cm): http://salsacycles.com/bikes/casseroll/ I don't know enough to understand the differences in geometry.

Is there anything that stands out with the Vaya that would make it not long ride friendly? Does a straight fork ride different from a curved fork? I like the look of the curved fork better.

They both have 3 water bottle cages, room for fat tires with fenders, steel, etc. The LBS doesn't stock them, but can order them. I want to order before sold out. They sld out on me last year.

H'm.... It's a little tough since the sizing is a little different.

The Vaya is a little more like an MTB. The Vaya's wheelbase and chainstay length is a little longer, so it may be a tad more stable. The reach is a bit shorter, so the Vaya will be a little more upright. The Vaya also has slightly smaller triangles, so it might ride a little bit stiffer -- though that also depends on numerous other factors.

Generally speaking I'd assume the Vaya will be a little more adept at handling rough roads and a little more relaxed, and the Casseroll will be a tiny bit faster. Either one will work fine for tours on asphalt.

When people talk about stiff? What does that mean? How does it effect the ride? I am looking for versatile, but comfortable for riding for hours.

When people talk about stiff? What does that mean? How does it effect the ride? I am looking for versatile, but comfortable for riding for hours.



A bike frameset will flex and some flex is needed to keep the tires on the road and to provide a degree of ride comfort.

Many frames flex at the bottom bracket when a heavy pedal effort is applied. Some of this flex is returned as the crank spins, but some of the power at the crank can be lost if the frame has too much flex.

Flex at the head-tube can make a bike feel less stable at speed.

Frame geometry, size and materials all determine the amount of flex built into the frame.

Chainstay lengths are nice and long. 450mm. Top tube seems okay, but the angle may make you feel more like you're riding a hard-tail mountain bike than sitting over a road/cross bike.


Fork rake is my newest "lesson" I'm trying to understand. Wheelbase is about 5cm off the Lynskey Sportive frame I have on order, so it would definitely indicate the Vaya was meant to be a touring/sportive style bike, in my opinion.

Also;

The Vaya and Casseroll are two distinctly different bikes. The Casseroll is a sport design, intended for spirited fitness rides and the Casseroll would make an ideal long-distance bike.

The Vaya is a more versatile bike that can be taken on gravel roads, easier trails and can be used for touring. The Vaya would be more stable when loaded with supplies for a multi-day tour.

The Vaya will feel a little slower and heavier than the Casseroll. This can take a toll on a rider during a long event. However, The Vaya would be comfortable and able as a long-distance bike.

Also, the vaya is meant to have a more upright rider position than the casseroll.

Just to repeat what everyone's already said- The casseroll will be more fun on the road, the vaya will be better on gravel or tow paths and for loaded touring. If you see yourself doing any loaded touring or off roading, go with the vaya. If you see yourself riding a lot of centuries, or light touring with less than 20 pounds, go with the casseroll.

If you do get the vaya, changing out the stock tires will make it a lot faster and better suited for your typical century.