no1mad 

between:

Marin Muirwoods
KHS Urban Xpress

I'm wanting a steel budget bike that is a tad bit faster than my Kona Smoke. Currently leaning towards the Marin because it's got 26" wheels, so the tubes that I have should fit.

JAG410

Don't base your purchase on a $6 pair of tubes you have laying around. Ride them both and get the one that fits the best. I like the KHS Urban Xcel, it seems to be a better deal.

no1mad 

I hate to reply to my own post, but nevermind.

Looks like I'll be getting my step-daughter a Smoke as well (older, rental model) from the same LBS I got my Smoke from. This way I only need to buy one size of tubes, instead of two.

If I knew how to delete my own thread I would. BUT, then again, maybe some lurker out there wants to know which of those two would be better...

infecto

I know you have made your mind but if you already have a smoke I would not really go for another flat bar bike.

no1mad 

With my vision, I don't have much of a choice. The best part of my eyesight is from the core down. Dr. said it was ok, just so long as it's not drop bars. I know, you can adjust the stem on road bikes where you are essentially in the same position as a flat bar, but he said it, my wife heard it, and that is the end of that. I will be getting a trekking bar shortly, if that makes you feel better about the lack of hand positions, b/c my bar-ends aren't cutting it.

infecto

Not so much making me feel better but just trying to point out that its not so much the bike that makes someone faster but your body.

JeffS

I wouldn't expect either of these to be better or faster than the smoke.

no1mad 

Understood.

infecto

Also what I was trying to point out.