Commuting - Comparing the 2012 Trek GF Lane vs. 2013 Trek CrossRip

I am still on a never ending search for a good all-rounder bike. I have a decent amount of gift cards to a local shop that sells Trek exclusively. I have focused in on these two bikes with very similar prices. There are some interesting differences that I wonder what would be better to have. I'd be curious to hear the thoughts of my fellow BF'ers. The Lane has a steel frame - smoother ride? The Crossrip has an Aluminum frame and would be lighter - easier ride? The Lane has pads, the CrossRip has discs. The CrossRip has the extra set of brake grips, the Lane does not. The Lane has a mix of Tiagra/Sora, the CrossRip is 2300. Hmmmmm...interesting comparision, eh? I will have to ride them both, but what does everyone think?

The Lane:

http://www.trekbikes.com/us/en/bikes/2012/archive/lane


The CrossRip:

http://www.trekbikes.com/us/en/bikes/road/cyclocross/crossrip/crossrip/#/us/en/model/details?url=us/en/bikes/road/cyclocross/crossrip/crossrip

Thanks for your help!

Hmm, the debate may be over before it even begins. You linked to the archive site for the Lane- which doesn't appear on the 2013 model line up page- so unless a) your LBS has one in your size or b) can find one in your size sitting in the warehouse.

That being said, I like the triple on the Crossrip better for an 'all-rounder' set up.

I've seen a Crossrip at the LBS and it looked like a great bike. For me, the discs are a plus. Fender and rack mounts, sporty but comfy geometry, nice setup for all around use.

Hmm, the debate may be over before it even begins. You linked to the archive site for the Lane- which doesn't appear on the 2013 model line up page- so unless a) your LBS has one in your size or b) can find one in your size sitting in the warehouse.

That being said, I like the triple on the Crossrip better for an 'all-rounder' set up.

you are correct sir! It is last years Lane. I think the main thing I wonder is if the Lane's steel frame would make for a smoother ride. Hard to tell on a quick test ride.

As for the steel/aluminum debate, I prefer steel. The bumps are still there, but the frame has a bit more give and spring to it. That said, it's not like night and day - aluminum is certainly rideable.

The only other thing I can contribute is that I think the marketing for the CrossRip is hilarious.

you are correct sir! It is last years Lane. I think the main thing I wonder is if the Lane's steel frame would make for a smoother ride. Hard to tell on a quick test ride.
There are any number of frame material debate threads in pretty much every forum here. If you table that debate, then you're left with geometry/rider positioning and the tires/wheels, which has a greater influence on ride quality/comfort than most people give credit...

In other words, forget the material question and ride them both. Get the one that 'feels' the best to you- after all, it's gonna be your butt on that saddle and not the BF Commuting Collective. :)

I think the main thing I wonder is if the Lane's steel frame would make for a smoother ride. Hard to tell on a quick test ride.

My smoothest ridding bike is my Klein Performance and it is alluminum.