Is there anything else out there better for me? Please help.
#1
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Is there anything else out there better for me? Please help.
I want a bike to commute on. But I also want to be able to do club rides on the weekend. I'd like the ability to put panniers on it. I also really want drop bars. I also like the idea of not wanting to upgrade later. I'm willing to spend up to $1000.
So far the stuff I've been looking at is BikesDirect stuff. I've heard alot of bad about them though so I'm not sure I want to go that route.
This is the stuff I've considered.
Motobecane Cross or Cross Pro
Merceir Corvus AL
Windsor Knight
Trek 1.2
I'm really looking for someone to say ______ this what you need.
So far the stuff I've been looking at is BikesDirect stuff. I've heard alot of bad about them though so I'm not sure I want to go that route.
This is the stuff I've considered.
Motobecane Cross or Cross Pro
Merceir Corvus AL
Windsor Knight
Trek 1.2
I'm really looking for someone to say ______ this what you need.
#2
Arrogant Safety Nanny
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Have you considered the Jamis Satellite ($785 MSRP) or Jamis Quest (a bit out of the price range at $1400 MSRP but it's alot of bike)?
Last edited by JeffB502; 05-14-08 at 04:23 AM. Reason: Corrected Link
#3
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I want a bike to commute on. But I also want to be able to do club rides on the weekend. I'd like the ability to put panniers on it. I also really want drop bars. I also like the idea of not wanting to upgrade later. I'm willing to spend up to $1000.
So far the stuff I've been looking at is BikesDirect stuff. I've heard alot of bad about them though so I'm not sure I want to go that route.
This is the stuff I've considered.
Motobecane Cross or Cross Pro
Merceir Corvus AL
Windsor Knight
Trek 1.2
I'm really looking for someone to say ______ this what you need.
So far the stuff I've been looking at is BikesDirect stuff. I've heard alot of bad about them though so I'm not sure I want to go that route.
This is the stuff I've considered.
Motobecane Cross or Cross Pro
Merceir Corvus AL
Windsor Knight
Trek 1.2
I'm really looking for someone to say ______ this what you need.
#5
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I'd probably be looking at the REI Novara Randonee on sale. Looks like a good reasonably priced old fashioned road bike suitable for most roles with a bit of tweeking here and there as personal taste dictates. Dual role is always going to be a compromise.
BD bikes seem rather a good buy if you can disassemble and reassemble to a blueprinted condition. Their associated dealer closeouts on eBay can be a very good deal. But only if you (not your mechanic) are willing to assure that everything is right. Wait, I have to do that on every bike no matter where it is from, so maybe there's no difference.
BD bikes seem rather a good buy if you can disassemble and reassemble to a blueprinted condition. Their associated dealer closeouts on eBay can be a very good deal. But only if you (not your mechanic) are willing to assure that everything is right. Wait, I have to do that on every bike no matter where it is from, so maybe there's no difference.
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I own a Windsor Tourist (it is $599 by the way, not $699). It has eyelets and braze ons for attaching front and rear panniers and full fenders. It makes a great commuter. However, I spent a good bit on tools and accessories to go with it. I made some expensive mistakes learning how to overhaul my bike myself. It would have been faster and cheaper to pay a bike mechanic to do it, but I'm a fairly independent cyclist now and have learned to tune up my other family members bikes as well.
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A Jamis Aurora or a Novara Randonee is what you need.
Both bikes satisfy your existing criteria and once you add fenders (a necessity for commuting) you can ride either bike for thousands of miles without worrying about upgrading.
The Trek 520 is another option but it's just out of your range. If there is a Breezer dealer near you then look at the Greenway or Liberty (bullhorns instead of drops).
I have a Jamis Quest but I don't recommend it for commuting more than a few miles because of the difficulty in mounting fenders and a rack.
Avoid buying from BD unless you're comfortable with a wrench and already own tools and a workstand. The initial price savings could be erased by additional purchases and shop service needed to get your BD bike running properly.
Most local shops will offer at leat one free tune-up with the pruchase of a bike. That's a $50-$75 value in many cases.
Good luck with your search.
Both bikes satisfy your existing criteria and once you add fenders (a necessity for commuting) you can ride either bike for thousands of miles without worrying about upgrading.
The Trek 520 is another option but it's just out of your range. If there is a Breezer dealer near you then look at the Greenway or Liberty (bullhorns instead of drops).
I have a Jamis Quest but I don't recommend it for commuting more than a few miles because of the difficulty in mounting fenders and a rack.
Avoid buying from BD unless you're comfortable with a wrench and already own tools and a workstand. The initial price savings could be erased by additional purchases and shop service needed to get your BD bike running properly.
Most local shops will offer at leat one free tune-up with the pruchase of a bike. That's a $50-$75 value in many cases.
Good luck with your search.
#9
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Some ideas I would look into if I were in your shoes:
Surly Long Haul Trucker Complete Bike $1000
Surly LHT frameset $400 + whatever you want (or whatever your LBS recommends for your budget)
2007 Trek 520 $800
2005 Trek X500 $1000 BIN -- don't really know anything specific about this model.
Those are what you need.
Surly Long Haul Trucker Complete Bike $1000
Surly LHT frameset $400 + whatever you want (or whatever your LBS recommends for your budget)
2007 Trek 520 $800
2005 Trek X500 $1000 BIN -- don't really know anything specific about this model.
Those are what you need.
#11
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How about a Giant OCR (either 1,2,or 3... same frame, different components). It's a road bike but has all the braze-ons for mounting a rack and pannier which would then be easily removed for weekend club rides (4 screws to remove). I dunno about mounting fenders on one because i've never done it (not a necessity for my commute). If you get the 1 or 2 you probably won't need to upgrade anything.
#12
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Even if you don't end up buying from one, I'd go to a couple of bike shops and tell them what you want. Try a few bikes and then I think it'll be easier to decide.
If going fast on club rides is really important to you it may steer you in a different direction than if your primary concern is being able to haul a lot of stuff.
I think the Giant OCR series is worth looking at and they shouldn't be hard to find at a bike shop. I'm pretty sure that they have eyelets for racks. The only thing to watch out for would be heel strike with panniers if the wheelbase is really short. I don't know if that's a problem on the OCRs or not.
As far as fenders go, you'll often be told in this group that they are a must and most road modern road bikes won't take them. Both are false. I'd say that fenders fall more into the "highly recommended" category than the "required" category. In this town, commuter bikes sporting full fenders are definitely in the minority. Many bikes you'll see in these parts have those clamp on rear fenders, which are OK for keeping the stripe off your back if nothing else and they'll fit on anything.
For that matter, pretty much any bike can take SKS race blades. Many hard to fit bikes can use "reach arounds" if you want full fenders and are willing to do some tinkering.
If going fast on club rides is really important to you it may steer you in a different direction than if your primary concern is being able to haul a lot of stuff.
I think the Giant OCR series is worth looking at and they shouldn't be hard to find at a bike shop. I'm pretty sure that they have eyelets for racks. The only thing to watch out for would be heel strike with panniers if the wheelbase is really short. I don't know if that's a problem on the OCRs or not.
As far as fenders go, you'll often be told in this group that they are a must and most road modern road bikes won't take them. Both are false. I'd say that fenders fall more into the "highly recommended" category than the "required" category. In this town, commuter bikes sporting full fenders are definitely in the minority. Many bikes you'll see in these parts have those clamp on rear fenders, which are OK for keeping the stripe off your back if nothing else and they'll fit on anything.
For that matter, pretty much any bike can take SKS race blades. Many hard to fit bikes can use "reach arounds" if you want full fenders and are willing to do some tinkering.
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I'd suggest you look at the Kona Jake. It's got Tiagra components and sells for $850.
When you're evaluating bikes there are three big things to consider (apart from bike style and frame type): (1) fit, (2) feel, (3) components. The third one is the only one you can really evaluate over the Internet. The other two you need to be on the bike to determine.
When you're evaluating bikes there are three big things to consider (apart from bike style and frame type): (1) fit, (2) feel, (3) components. The third one is the only one you can really evaluate over the Internet. The other two you need to be on the bike to determine.
#14
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The 2007s, at least, will take full fenders. There isn't a lot of clearance, but enough.
I installed Planet Bike Hardcore Roads on my OCR1 a couple of months ago and Planet Bike Cascadias (basically the same as the Hardcore Roads but silver and with longer, and better, mudflaps) on my GF's OCR3 a couple of days ago.
I installed Planet Bike Hardcore Roads on my OCR1 a couple of months ago and Planet Bike Cascadias (basically the same as the Hardcore Roads but silver and with longer, and better, mudflaps) on my GF's OCR3 a couple of days ago.
How about a Giant OCR (either 1,2,or 3... same frame, different components). It's a road bike but has all the braze-ons for mounting a rack and pannier which would then be easily removed for weekend club rides (4 screws to remove). I dunno about mounting fenders on one because i've never done it (not a necessity for my commute). If you get the 1 or 2 you probably won't need to upgrade anything.
#15
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The club ride thing is important to me. My commute is only 6-7 miles round trip and all I have is school books to carry. I was actually wanting the panniers for summer camping trips.
#16
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Even though your commute is only 6-7 miles RT, and you have a preference for your club rides, the 'panniers' for summer camping trips' makes it harder for one bike to fit both roles. The Randonee/520 are ideal for commuting/camping, but would be heavy for club rides. The cross bikes would do well for commuting/club rides (with the right tires), but their short wheelbase and high bottom bracket kind of kill them for loaded touring.
I'f I were in that position, I'd get two bikes - get a cross-bike with road tires (I have a Jake the Snake set up that way) and an MTX seat-post rack/trunk that should be able to hold your books (as long as the total weight is under 20 lbs total. It'll also act as a rear splash guard it you don't want to go the full-fender route. For short touring trips, it would also work. For the other bike, I'd save up for a lightly used 520/Randonee/Fuji Touring. Eventually you'll find one at a good price.
If you plan to do serious loaded touring, the Randonee/520 are the way to go, and it would also work for a commuting bike, too. It won't be as light as 'club rider' bikes, but from what I've seen, it's the engine,not the bike that determines the speed. My Kona weighs close to 30 lbs in full commuting setup, and I pass a lot more riders than pass me......
I'f I were in that position, I'd get two bikes - get a cross-bike with road tires (I have a Jake the Snake set up that way) and an MTX seat-post rack/trunk that should be able to hold your books (as long as the total weight is under 20 lbs total. It'll also act as a rear splash guard it you don't want to go the full-fender route. For short touring trips, it would also work. For the other bike, I'd save up for a lightly used 520/Randonee/Fuji Touring. Eventually you'll find one at a good price.
If you plan to do serious loaded touring, the Randonee/520 are the way to go, and it would also work for a commuting bike, too. It won't be as light as 'club rider' bikes, but from what I've seen, it's the engine,not the bike that determines the speed. My Kona weighs close to 30 lbs in full commuting setup, and I pass a lot more riders than pass me......
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Last edited by kokomo61; 05-14-08 at 02:48 PM.
#17
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The more I look the more I want a Jamis Quest. Beautiful bikes. I think thats a bit out of my reach though.
#19
Retro-nerd
I want a bike to commute on. But I also want to be able to do club rides on the weekend. I'd like the ability to put panniers on it. I also really want drop bars. I also like the idea of not wanting to upgrade later. I'm willing to spend up to $1000.
So far the stuff I've been looking at is BikesDirect stuff. I've heard alot of bad about them though so I'm not sure I want to go that route.
This is the stuff I've considered.
Motobecane Cross or Cross Pro
Merceir Corvus AL
Windsor Knight
Trek 1.2
I'm really looking for someone to say ______ this what you need.
So far the stuff I've been looking at is BikesDirect stuff. I've heard alot of bad about them though so I'm not sure I want to go that route.
This is the stuff I've considered.
Motobecane Cross or Cross Pro
Merceir Corvus AL
Windsor Knight
Trek 1.2
I'm really looking for someone to say ______ this what you need.
Sometimes upgrading can mean buying an older bicycle once you dial in on what's best for you. The many suggestions on this page are good ones. Stay in your price range and don't be afraid to pull the trigger on what you think is right for you. Cycling is an on-going education for everyone. But your real education starts when climbing on the saddle!
Good luck!
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#20
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Maybe your club won't. Up here in the soggy PNW it's considered rude to show up for a club ride and spray down everyone behind you because you don't have fenders and flaps on your bike.
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#21
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Are there any mid-market sport/light touring bikes with long-reach calipers. At the high end you have IF Club Racer, Gunnars Sport, Soma ES, Surley pacer etc.
If you must be a one-bike guy then it is a good style to use.
The Giant SCR may have some features but the rack eyelets are a little too close to the brakes. I dont think they ever tried fitting a rack.
If you must be a one-bike guy then it is a good style to use.
The Giant SCR may have some features but the rack eyelets are a little too close to the brakes. I dont think they ever tried fitting a rack.
#22
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Well part of my confusion is that I'm a guitar player. With guitars you don't always get what you pay for. For example $3000 Gibson's. Cycling seems to be a bit more in tune with the spend more get more idea.
#23
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Absolutely NOT! Most cycling stuff is vastly overpriced and fashion oriented. The cheap basic bulletproof stuff is where the quality is.
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#24
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