Bike Shopping is Hell, Part I - Surly vs. Salsa
05-14-08, 10:37 AM
#27
GATC
05-14-08, 10:52 AM
#28
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So...I'm now commuting on a Casseroll Fixed--and loving it! Much more comfortable than my scandium road bike, and my 19 mi. (each way) commute has only one decent hill which I seem to be able to handle. Now, if I could just do something about the wind.
I bought the complete bike, changed the tires to Conti Sport Contact 32s, and added a seat-post clamped rack...It's all good.
I bought the complete bike, changed the tires to Conti Sport Contact 32s, and added a seat-post clamped rack...It's all good.
05-14-08, 11:45 AM
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05-14-08, 01:37 PM
#30
genec
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Bring an impatient wife or other family member with you... you will make your best decision rather quickly.
05-14-08, 02:31 PM
#31
i like mud
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05-14-08, 02:49 PM
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I was looking for a cross bike with disc brakes and ended up at a lbs and rode a
surly and the salsa (both of them were not quite the right size) I liked how light
the salsa felt to me. The initial shipment sold out so I snagged a frame. But I
ended up building a redline conquest as a commute bike and the salsa is being
built up with sram force/red stuff (I can hardly wait to finish the build!)
Just one newbs opinion.
surly and the salsa (both of them were not quite the right size) I liked how light
the salsa felt to me. The initial shipment sold out so I snagged a frame. But I
ended up building a redline conquest as a commute bike and the salsa is being
built up with sram force/red stuff (I can hardly wait to finish the build!)
Just one newbs opinion.
05-14-08, 02:57 PM
#33
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I own a Salsa Las Cruces and absolutely luv the machine! The La Cruz looks like a pretty sweet steed also.
... Brad
... Brad
05-14-08, 06:45 PM
#34
Spoked to Death
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I built up a La Cruz last month, and I'm in love with it. Hot man-bike love.
I was looking at Surly's too, but wanted something just a little bit "nicer", preferably with cross geometry and disc tabs (and no canti-posts I'll never use). Considered hacking and welding a Cross Check, but decided the La Cruz was a much nicer frame all around for just a little more money.
The paint is awesome, in pictures it looks a little "flat", but in the sun it gleams. Tasteful graphics, too, and top notch construction. I'm very happy with it.
Rack and fenders weren't a problem. I bought a Topeak Disc-Explorer rack from REI, which clears the Avid BB7s perfectly, and SKS fenders fit with just a little bending of the wire supports.
I can totally recommend the frame.
-Sam
I was looking at Surly's too, but wanted something just a little bit "nicer", preferably with cross geometry and disc tabs (and no canti-posts I'll never use). Considered hacking and welding a Cross Check, but decided the La Cruz was a much nicer frame all around for just a little more money.
The paint is awesome, in pictures it looks a little "flat", but in the sun it gleams. Tasteful graphics, too, and top notch construction. I'm very happy with it.
Rack and fenders weren't a problem. I bought a Topeak Disc-Explorer rack from REI, which clears the Avid BB7s perfectly, and SKS fenders fit with just a little bending of the wire supports.
I can totally recommend the frame.
-Sam
05-14-08, 08:01 PM
#35
bulletproof tiger
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I rode all three today -- cross check, casseroll, la cruz.
The casseroll is a sweet bike and the SS version is really fun. But I need more help than that with my knee problems and I didn't feel any bonding taking place. It was an awkward first date. Anyway, they don't have a triple in my size, and I'm not in love with that bike.
The cross check is more like a comfortable relationship. It's super solid, goes where you point it, is fast enough once you get going. But maybe the sex has gotten a little predictable. I do know now that if I buy a cross check I'll never be disappointed and it may be more practical in a few ways. However, damn them for the no-disc frame and sexless color scheme.
La Cruz is like the time at the party when you hooked-up with someone a bit out of your league. Maybe the (bike) was a little drunk, maybe you both went a little too far... but you couldn't help yourselves. Then, a few days later, they still like you. That bike is so lively, nimble, compliant... I felt much lighter and more balanced on the frame than on either of the others.
Here's what I'd change:
- rebuild the front wheel with Shimano DH-3N70 dynohub
- ditch the Flight Deck shifters for barcons. (can i get good resale for the flight deck shifters?)
- some kind of brake hoods
- add an innoled 10+ and taillight, rack and (silver?) fenders
I think that's all for now. Seems like the best bet would be to buy the complete version, buy the new parts I want, and resell what I pull off the bike, no? Other suggestions? Other things I am remiss not to replace at my considerable expense?
That's today's report. Uncle Sam's economic stimulus $$ arrived in my account today. And I got kids, so I got to spend for them too. If I don't buy a La Cruz, the terrorists win.
The casseroll is a sweet bike and the SS version is really fun. But I need more help than that with my knee problems and I didn't feel any bonding taking place. It was an awkward first date. Anyway, they don't have a triple in my size, and I'm not in love with that bike.
The cross check is more like a comfortable relationship. It's super solid, goes where you point it, is fast enough once you get going. But maybe the sex has gotten a little predictable. I do know now that if I buy a cross check I'll never be disappointed and it may be more practical in a few ways. However, damn them for the no-disc frame and sexless color scheme.
La Cruz is like the time at the party when you hooked-up with someone a bit out of your league. Maybe the (bike) was a little drunk, maybe you both went a little too far... but you couldn't help yourselves. Then, a few days later, they still like you. That bike is so lively, nimble, compliant... I felt much lighter and more balanced on the frame than on either of the others.
Here's what I'd change:
- rebuild the front wheel with Shimano DH-3N70 dynohub
- ditch the Flight Deck shifters for barcons. (can i get good resale for the flight deck shifters?)
- some kind of brake hoods
- add an innoled 10+ and taillight, rack and (silver?) fenders
I think that's all for now. Seems like the best bet would be to buy the complete version, buy the new parts I want, and resell what I pull off the bike, no? Other suggestions? Other things I am remiss not to replace at my considerable expense?
That's today's report. Uncle Sam's economic stimulus $$ arrived in my account today. And I got kids, so I got to spend for them too. If I don't buy a La Cruz, the terrorists win.
05-14-08, 10:02 PM
#36
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Sounds like a plan, though I'd recommend giving the integrated shifters more of a chance.
05-14-08, 10:19 PM
#37
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The weight-pansies get the pretty colored, lightweight and more $$$ Salsas.
The real men get the monotone, heavier and less $$$ Surlys.
And there is great rejoicing
Steve,
tongue firmly in cheek
05-15-08, 08:07 AM
#38
Body By Nintendo
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05-15-08, 08:34 AM
#40
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05-15-08, 09:16 AM
#42
Retro-nerd
I rode all three today -- cross check, casseroll, la cruz.
The casseroll is a sweet bike and the SS version is really fun. But I need more help than that with my knee problems and I didn't feel any bonding taking place. It was an awkward first date. Anyway, they don't have a triple in my size, and I'm not in love with that bike.
The cross check is more like a comfortable relationship. It's super solid, goes where you point it, is fast enough once you get going. But maybe the sex has gotten a little predictable. I do know now that if I buy a cross check I'll never be disappointed and it may be more practical in a few ways. However, damn them for the no-disc frame and sexless color scheme.
La Cruz is like the time at the party when you hooked-up with someone a bit out of your league. Maybe the (bike) was a little drunk, maybe you both went a little too far... but you couldn't help yourselves. Then, a few days later, they still like you. That bike is so lively, nimble, compliant... I felt much lighter and more balanced on the frame than on either of the others.
The casseroll is a sweet bike and the SS version is really fun. But I need more help than that with my knee problems and I didn't feel any bonding taking place. It was an awkward first date. Anyway, they don't have a triple in my size, and I'm not in love with that bike.
The cross check is more like a comfortable relationship. It's super solid, goes where you point it, is fast enough once you get going. But maybe the sex has gotten a little predictable. I do know now that if I buy a cross check I'll never be disappointed and it may be more practical in a few ways. However, damn them for the no-disc frame and sexless color scheme.
La Cruz is like the time at the party when you hooked-up with someone a bit out of your league. Maybe the (bike) was a little drunk, maybe you both went a little too far... but you couldn't help yourselves. Then, a few days later, they still like you. That bike is so lively, nimble, compliant... I felt much lighter and more balanced on the frame than on either of the others.
Platinum OS tubing is definitely nice stuff and speaks to the importance of the frame.
I have a Crosscheck with Tiagra/28cc Gatorskins/ and even with 50lbs cargo it is "steady as she goes."
__________________
Would you like a dream with that?
Would you like a dream with that?
Last edited by georgiaboy; 05-15-08 at 09:20 AM.
05-15-08, 09:39 AM
#43
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05-15-08, 04:45 PM
#44
bulletproof tiger
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Bike shopping complete. Details to follow...
05-16-08, 12:20 PM
#45
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I can't wait for the update. I have been following this thread closely and am currently looking at making a purchase from the same bikes that you mentioned.
05-16-08, 12:36 PM
#46
not a role model
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I'm going to be disappointed and start name-calling if he bought anything other than the bike we all know he wanted.
05-16-08, 12:42 PM
#47
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05-16-08, 02:42 PM
#48
bulletproof tiger
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Another great bike! I rode that one a couple of weeks ago...
Yes, today was the maiden voyage for the Salsa La Cruz. 20 miles RT all over Central Austin. Pictures and details coming in a separate thread... as soon as this PBR kicks in and I start recuperating.
Yes, today was the maiden voyage for the Salsa La Cruz. 20 miles RT all over Central Austin. Pictures and details coming in a separate thread... as soon as this PBR kicks in and I start recuperating.
05-16-08, 03:09 PM
#50
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Awesome. I've actually been thinking of going this route myself...sell my Xcheck frame, get a La Cruz, some BB7s and some Disc wheels and transfer everything else. Not much is convincing me not to now that you jumped on it.