VaBobK

I am looking to get back into cycling after a too many years break, and am interested in getting a bike that would be good for commuting to work (10 miles each way). I have been looking at cyclecross bike to use as a commuter, and really liked the ride of the Trek/Fisher Lane that I test rode a few days ago. I am seriously leaning toward getting this bike, but wanted some help on choosing between the 2011 and 2012 models.

They seem to be very similar except for differences in the gearing. The 2011 has a 50/39/30 crankset with a 11/32 8-speed cassette. In the 2012 model they changed to a 50/34 crank and a 11/28 9-speed cassette. No one around here actually has the 2012 bike for me to test ride, so I can't really check it out for myself. So I was hoping some of you might have some thoughts on which drive train might work out best for general urban riding and commuting.

Here are links to pages with the details for each bike:

2011 Lane: https://www.bikepedia.com/quickbike/B...Lane&Type=bike

2012 Lane: https://www.trekbikes.com/us/en/bikes...l_cross/lane/#

I appreciate any thoughts you guys might have on this. Also, if you think I should also look at any other bikes in the $900 to $1,100 price range, I would appreciate that info as well. I do have a preference for steel bikes though.

Thanks for the help!

Bob

alan s 

Go with the compact double, unless you plan to ride up seriously steep hills or will be touring with fully loaded front and rear panniers.

blakcloud

Alan S makes a good suggestion and I echo his advice if you go with the Trek. Other bikes you could look at are Surly Cross Check or something like the Jamis Aurora. Both are steel and I am sure there are many more.

jr59

If you go with the triple, you will never want for gears, with the compact there MIGHT be a time you would want the bail out.

I like the way this bike looks. I should I bought a Trek Sawyer.

mconlonx

Strange that they went with a 11-28 in the rear when replacing the triple with a compact double. Surprised they didn't spec a mtn derailleur and 11-36 cass, like Trek did with some of the FX line.

If you can get an end of season deal on the 2011, I doubt you'd regret it; if you end up wanting lower gears on the 2012, it will be a bit pricey for a cassette, derailleur, and chain.

VaBobK

I appreciate everyone's comments. I went back for another ride yesterday and took the bike out on a local trail for about a half hour, which gave me a chance to try out the gearing. I did see where a having a nine speed might be nice as there were some times when the change in gears was a little more than I would have liked with the next gear up. On the other hand there are some fairly substantial hills in my neighborhood that I will need very low gears on at my level of fitness right now. So I can see the advantages both ways.

But at the end of the day it became an easy decision for me, as the LBS had a 2010 model with the 8-speed gearing on sale for $300 less than the 2012 model, so I jumped on that. I can live with the older gear pattern for that kind of discount! I took it out a couple of times today and am loving the bike. All I need to do now is keeping working on those hills until I am fit enough for the commute!

Thanks again!