Alathea

Ive checked some of the local LBS's and I've been cruising CL for the last 2 months. CL isn't turning up much that looks interesting for an urban commuter other than a Specialized Allez Triple for 800.00, that may or may not still be available.

I've sat on a Trek DS 8.2 and 8.4, and Ive looked at GF Marlin. Because I want to be able to put on a rack, I'm leaning towards the Trek 8.4 since it has braze on's already, and doesn't have V brakes like the 8.2. My concern is about the frame and weight bearing components holding up. My past commuters were MB's with thinner tires. They were also used and I had a lot of up and down maintenance issues that i'd like to avoid. My new job is right on a bike path, and I can wave to Bdinger on my way by every day, I think, so bonus.

The path is about 80% paved, and 20% crushed rock. I'm 5'10" and hovering around 315, and id like to avoid, as much as I can, having to rehab new components right off the bat. I'm looking at minimal street riding to get to the trail head, all urban, and about 6-7 miles one way.

Is there a 29er MB that is compatible with a rack and commuting that i'm not seeing, or is the dual sport probably my best bet and durable enough? What about the Specialized Allez Triple that has been owned by someone in a bikeshop?

My LBS's cary Trek, GF, some Specialized, and some Surly. There is one shop that carries Kona.

gyozadude

Maybe a Specialized Sirrus Elite Hybrid? Seems fairly sturdy. Rides very comfy and handles a bunch of terrain and is the right price.

bassjones

If you can find a Cannondale LBS the Quick CX5 would fit your needs well.

stevel610 

Novara Safari. Set up with Racks, 42c tires, and now on sale 20% off the $899 price if you are an REI member ($20 to join). Can't beat it.

MadCityCyclist

Some racks are compatible with 29ers, but not all of them. Disc brakes and suspension may also cause problems with some racks fitting, no matter what the rim size. For a standard 29er or cross bike you shouldn't have too much trouble finding a rear rack, just be sure to check before buying one. I've got a front & rear rack on my fat bike which has 4" wide tires and disc brakes, so it's not impossible.

With 20% of your ride on crushed rock, and you possibly riding on it 5 times a week, you'd probably be wise to go with a cross bike or a cross-like hybrid that features a wider tire. A bigger tire will cushion the bumps a little bit better (as long as the PSI isn't maxed out), and that might add to the lifespan of your components.

Alathea

ive looked at the sirrus online, hopefully in the flesh tomorrow if I can find one. I founda Cannondale F500 with upgraded tires, wheels, shifters, deraillure, and brakes, babied every year by owner and bike shop on CL for 500 locally, just today. decisions decisions. That Novara looks great, too, but no REI in Lincoln.

fietsbob

Shop the bike shop, still the first step.. if you are not Going DIY,
with the background and tools to pull it off..

Alathea

Going local LBS's today. Emailed back and forth with the one local Specialized shop that we have and he suggested Rockhopper/HardRock/Carve (since I requested attachment points, not because he's necessarily pushing a sale of those)

Peter_C

Off topic - sorry bout this... @ Alathea

I was wondering when you plan to pay me for the shorts I sent you some 45 days ago? Your last PM to me (about 3+ weeks ago) staqted that you had lost my address, and would pay me as soon as I gave it to you again. Now you are not replying to my PMs, nor have you paid for the shorts that I sent to you in good faith (as you were not sure about sizing). This is a public request that you pay me as you agreed to do so some 25+ days ago.