Good all-rounder
03-23-09, 08:10 AM
#1
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Good all-rounder
Hi all,
Noob to this forum. If this has been asked somewhere else, feel free to just post a link, with my thanks!
I'm looking for a suitable all-rounder. I have owned an old Iron Horse Mountain Bike for more than fifteen years, and it's just too much work to run it on the asphalt. It has an old Shimano 100 derailleur that has clacked and stunk since I got it. I would like to get into a bike for commuting and fitness.
I went to International Bike in Newton and the VERY helpful and informative salesperson (Seth) recommended the Trek 7.1 or 7.3. Both were cool and great riding, though I really preferred the matte black of the 7.1. But features, not color, are my biggest concern. I also went online after and studied up on the 7.5, which is another option. I have $500-$1000 to spend. The 7.1 was on the floor for just over four-hundred, the others in the $600 and $800 range. I would like to pick up a bike with maximum bang for the buck.
I commute between ten and twenty miles a day (I'm a minister, so it varies with meetings and visitation). I would like to have a lot less of an imprint on the environment). I would also like to use the bike for fitness, in half an hour to an hour blocks, almost all road. I'd like to think it would be okay to get over rough patches here and there, but I'm not going to do serious off-roading with it. I'll just keep the Iron Horse around as a beater. I think the straight handles are fine, but I'm not opposed to drop handles if there is some compelling reason to use them.
So, the questions: Are these the right bikes to consider? What about other brands? Obviously International is a house built on Trek, but I'm not opposed to other brands. If I go with a Trek I want to do so because I made a well-informed decision, not because it was the only bike I rode. A friend has also suggested checking out Kona bikes, but there are plenty of other brands out there.
Finally, I'm a noob on this forum, but not on others, so feel free to correct my terminology or approach to this question. I won't be offended.
Thanks!
Noob to this forum. If this has been asked somewhere else, feel free to just post a link, with my thanks!
I'm looking for a suitable all-rounder. I have owned an old Iron Horse Mountain Bike for more than fifteen years, and it's just too much work to run it on the asphalt. It has an old Shimano 100 derailleur that has clacked and stunk since I got it. I would like to get into a bike for commuting and fitness.
I went to International Bike in Newton and the VERY helpful and informative salesperson (Seth) recommended the Trek 7.1 or 7.3. Both were cool and great riding, though I really preferred the matte black of the 7.1. But features, not color, are my biggest concern. I also went online after and studied up on the 7.5, which is another option. I have $500-$1000 to spend. The 7.1 was on the floor for just over four-hundred, the others in the $600 and $800 range. I would like to pick up a bike with maximum bang for the buck.
I commute between ten and twenty miles a day (I'm a minister, so it varies with meetings and visitation). I would like to have a lot less of an imprint on the environment). I would also like to use the bike for fitness, in half an hour to an hour blocks, almost all road. I'd like to think it would be okay to get over rough patches here and there, but I'm not going to do serious off-roading with it. I'll just keep the Iron Horse around as a beater. I think the straight handles are fine, but I'm not opposed to drop handles if there is some compelling reason to use them.
So, the questions: Are these the right bikes to consider? What about other brands? Obviously International is a house built on Trek, but I'm not opposed to other brands. If I go with a Trek I want to do so because I made a well-informed decision, not because it was the only bike I rode. A friend has also suggested checking out Kona bikes, but there are plenty of other brands out there.
Finally, I'm a noob on this forum, but not on others, so feel free to correct my terminology or approach to this question. I won't be offended.
Thanks!
03-23-09, 08:14 AM
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I'd suggest something like a Cross Check complete. Pretty low startup price, decent frame and is very versatile. You can use it to do some light off roading also. This will probably be at the high end of your budget if you buy new, but you can also find one cheaper used. Regardless if you go with the cross check, a cyclocross bike sounds like what you're looking for. I personally have a Specialized Tricross Comp that I use as an all-arounder and it works perfectly for this purpose.
Other options would be the Bianchi Volpe and maybe even a touring bike such as the Fuji Touring. All below $1000 and great bikes. The Trek you mentioned is good also, but personally I don't care for straight bars. With drops you get several more hand positions and if you do any extended riding, you will be grateful for these additional hand positions. Most of these bikes come with cross brake levers on top so when you are on the tops, your hands are right there next to the brakes.
Other options would be the Bianchi Volpe and maybe even a touring bike such as the Fuji Touring. All below $1000 and great bikes. The Trek you mentioned is good also, but personally I don't care for straight bars. With drops you get several more hand positions and if you do any extended riding, you will be grateful for these additional hand positions. Most of these bikes come with cross brake levers on top so when you are on the tops, your hands are right there next to the brakes.
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Last edited by knobster; 03-23-09 at 08:18 AM.
03-23-09, 08:18 AM
#3
Full Member
One option would be to overhaul the mountain bike. You could put on thinner wheels and replace the drivetrain for less than the price of a new bike. When I did that I also put on swept back handlebars (like the old three speeds). They put you more upright which I've really enjoyed.
In some ways buying a bike is as much about buying a bike shop, so if you like that shop getting the Trek's would be great.
Other bikes to consider in that range are Kona Smoke, KHS Urban Xpress, Jamis Coda. For around $1000 you could get a Jamis Aurora if you want drops.
In some ways buying a bike is as much about buying a bike shop, so if you like that shop getting the Trek's would be great.
Other bikes to consider in that range are Kona Smoke, KHS Urban Xpress, Jamis Coda. For around $1000 you could get a Jamis Aurora if you want drops.
03-23-09, 08:33 AM
#4
Velocommuter Commando
Hi all,
Noob to this forum. If this has been asked somewhere else, feel free to just post a link, with my thanks!
I'm looking for a suitable all-rounder. I have owned an old Iron Horse Mountain Bike for more than fifteen years, and it's just too much work to run it on the asphalt. It has an old Shimano 100 derailleur that has clacked and stunk since I got it. I would like to get into a bike for commuting and fitness.
I went to International Bike in Newton and the VERY helpful and informative salesperson (Seth) recommended the Trek 7.1 or 7.3. Both were cool and great riding, though I really preferred the matte black of the 7.1. But features, not color, are my biggest concern. I also went online after and studied up on the 7.5, which is another option. I have $500-$1000 to spend. The 7.1 was on the floor for just over four-hundred, the others in the $600 and $800 range. I would like to pick up a bike with maximum bang for the buck.
I commute between ten and twenty miles a day (I'm a minister, so it varies with meetings and visitation). I would like to have a lot less of an imprint on the environment). I would also like to use the bike for fitness, in half an hour to an hour blocks, almost all road. I'd like to think it would be okay to get over rough patches here and there, but I'm not going to do serious off-roading with it. I'll just keep the Iron Horse around as a beater. I think the straight handles are fine, but I'm not opposed to drop handles if there is some compelling reason to use them.
So, the questions: Are these the right bikes to consider? What about other brands? Obviously International is a house built on Trek, but I'm not opposed to other brands. If I go with a Trek I want to do so because I made a well-informed decision, not because it was the only bike I rode. A friend has also suggested checking out Kona bikes, but there are plenty of other brands out there.
Finally, I'm a noob on this forum, but not on others, so feel free to correct my terminology or approach to this question. I won't be offended.
Thanks!
Noob to this forum. If this has been asked somewhere else, feel free to just post a link, with my thanks!
I'm looking for a suitable all-rounder. I have owned an old Iron Horse Mountain Bike for more than fifteen years, and it's just too much work to run it on the asphalt. It has an old Shimano 100 derailleur that has clacked and stunk since I got it. I would like to get into a bike for commuting and fitness.
I went to International Bike in Newton and the VERY helpful and informative salesperson (Seth) recommended the Trek 7.1 or 7.3. Both were cool and great riding, though I really preferred the matte black of the 7.1. But features, not color, are my biggest concern. I also went online after and studied up on the 7.5, which is another option. I have $500-$1000 to spend. The 7.1 was on the floor for just over four-hundred, the others in the $600 and $800 range. I would like to pick up a bike with maximum bang for the buck.
I commute between ten and twenty miles a day (I'm a minister, so it varies with meetings and visitation). I would like to have a lot less of an imprint on the environment). I would also like to use the bike for fitness, in half an hour to an hour blocks, almost all road. I'd like to think it would be okay to get over rough patches here and there, but I'm not going to do serious off-roading with it. I'll just keep the Iron Horse around as a beater. I think the straight handles are fine, but I'm not opposed to drop handles if there is some compelling reason to use them.
So, the questions: Are these the right bikes to consider? What about other brands? Obviously International is a house built on Trek, but I'm not opposed to other brands. If I go with a Trek I want to do so because I made a well-informed decision, not because it was the only bike I rode. A friend has also suggested checking out Kona bikes, but there are plenty of other brands out there.
Finally, I'm a noob on this forum, but not on others, so feel free to correct my terminology or approach to this question. I won't be offended.
Thanks!
03-23-09, 08:33 AM
#5
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Hey chairbed,
I have the Trek 7.5 and love it -- it's a sweet commuter. However, you definitely want to ride all three Treks before you buy, to see if you think the difference in ride is worth the difference in price. I rode the 7.3 and 7.5 and felt the difference was significant, but not everybody thinks so, so check it out for yourself.
I have the Trek 7.5 and love it -- it's a sweet commuter. However, you definitely want to ride all three Treks before you buy, to see if you think the difference in ride is worth the difference in price. I rode the 7.3 and 7.5 and felt the difference was significant, but not everybody thinks so, so check it out for yourself.
03-23-09, 09:58 AM
#7
Senior Member
Here is a good article about bikes and biking. Even if you don't use any of the stuff, it's worth reading.
https://www.crazyguyonabike.com/doc/p..._id=91099&v=5P
https://www.crazyguyonabike.com/doc/p..._id=91099&v=5P
03-23-09, 10:15 AM
#8
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really digging the article. The first page does not belie the depth at all. Great place for someone like me just getting going again to reframe the debate.
03-23-09, 10:30 AM
#9
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I'm also a newbie and a pastor who uses his bike to commute to calls, etc. To be honest, I am a Trek fan, and so I am biased. I went to seminary and served my vicar year in WI, not far from Waterloo. I was riding a Trek Navigator the last few years, and enjoyed it. This year, however, I splurged and got a Trek Allant ($489) at the LBS. It has been great so far. I put 200 miles on it in about a week and a half. It comes with fenders and a rack included, which was nice (although they could be added on another bike rather easily). It also hauls the child trailer well (we have four little ones). I don't know about the roads you're on, but it is pothole city up here after a bad winter and road repair cutbacks. The Allant has handled the bumps well, and yet I can still maintain a good speed too.
Blessings on your shopping. There are many more who know much more than me on here. I've learned a lot, and hope to keep learning.
Blessings on your shopping. There are many more who know much more than me on here. I've learned a lot, and hope to keep learning.
03-23-09, 10:38 AM
#10
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These are some fairly versatile bikes, in my opion anyway, and could be used for any and all of commuting, touring, cyclocross, road riding and off road riding.
https://www.bikeforums.net/general-cycling-discussion/368115-drop-bar-discbrake-700c-off-peg.html
trek portland - https://www.trekbikes.com/us/en/bikes...land/portland/
cannondale cross xr7 - https://www.cannondale.com/bikes/08/c...del-8XR7C.html
Brodie Ronin '09 - https://www.brodiebikes.com/2009/bikes/ronin.php
Brodie Ronin '08 - https://www.brodiebikes.com/2008/2008_bikes/ronin.php
rocky mountain solo cxd - https://www.bikes.com/main+en+01_102+...tml?BIKE=606#2
kona sutra - https://www.konaworld.com/08_sutra_w.htm
Kona Sutra - https://www.konaworld.com/09_sutra_en.cfm
Kona Dew Drop - https://www.konaworld.com/09_dewdrop_en.cfm
Orbea Diem Drop Disc (2009) - https://www.orbea.com/en-gb/productos...icicletas.aspx (see road bikes > fitness > diem drop disc)
focus cross disc - https://www.focusbikesuk.com/focuscyc...cross_disc.php
focus mares disc 2009 - https://www.focusbikesuk.com/focuscyc...mares_disc.php
Devinci Caribou2 (2009) - https://www.devinci.com/11628_an.html
Raleigh USA Sojourn (2009) - https://www.raleighusa.com/bikes/road/sojourn/
Rei Novara buzz road bike (2009) - https://www.rei.com/product/779985
rotwild rs1cx - https://www.rotwild.de/en/ (street bikes section)
Fixie Inc. Pureblood - https://www.cycles-for-heroes.com/bik...oss/pure-blood
fixie inc. pureblood - https://www.cycles-for-heroes.com/200...pureblood.html
Salsa la Cruz - https://www.salsacycles.com/laCruzComp08.html
Salsa Fargo - https://www.salsacycles.com/fargoComp09.html
Opus Sentiero - https://opusbike.com/site_route.php?lang=en (see 2009 bikes > road > cyclocross)
Genesis Croix de Fer - https://www.genesisbikes.co.uk/series/croix_de_fer
BikesDirect Motobecane Fantom Cross Outlaw - https://www.bikesdirect.com/products/...ane/outlaw.htm
Baron bicycles - https://baronbicycles.com/spec.htm
Marin bikes toscana - https://www.marin.co.uk/2009/bikedeta...?ModNo=3965-1F
https://www.bikeforums.net/general-cycling-discussion/368115-drop-bar-discbrake-700c-off-peg.html
trek portland - https://www.trekbikes.com/us/en/bikes...land/portland/
cannondale cross xr7 - https://www.cannondale.com/bikes/08/c...del-8XR7C.html
Brodie Ronin '09 - https://www.brodiebikes.com/2009/bikes/ronin.php
Brodie Ronin '08 - https://www.brodiebikes.com/2008/2008_bikes/ronin.php
rocky mountain solo cxd - https://www.bikes.com/main+en+01_102+...tml?BIKE=606#2
kona sutra - https://www.konaworld.com/08_sutra_w.htm
Kona Sutra - https://www.konaworld.com/09_sutra_en.cfm
Kona Dew Drop - https://www.konaworld.com/09_dewdrop_en.cfm
Orbea Diem Drop Disc (2009) - https://www.orbea.com/en-gb/productos...icicletas.aspx (see road bikes > fitness > diem drop disc)
focus cross disc - https://www.focusbikesuk.com/focuscyc...cross_disc.php
focus mares disc 2009 - https://www.focusbikesuk.com/focuscyc...mares_disc.php
Devinci Caribou2 (2009) - https://www.devinci.com/11628_an.html
Raleigh USA Sojourn (2009) - https://www.raleighusa.com/bikes/road/sojourn/
Rei Novara buzz road bike (2009) - https://www.rei.com/product/779985
rotwild rs1cx - https://www.rotwild.de/en/ (street bikes section)
Fixie Inc. Pureblood - https://www.cycles-for-heroes.com/bik...oss/pure-blood
fixie inc. pureblood - https://www.cycles-for-heroes.com/200...pureblood.html
Salsa la Cruz - https://www.salsacycles.com/laCruzComp08.html
Salsa Fargo - https://www.salsacycles.com/fargoComp09.html
Opus Sentiero - https://opusbike.com/site_route.php?lang=en (see 2009 bikes > road > cyclocross)
Genesis Croix de Fer - https://www.genesisbikes.co.uk/series/croix_de_fer
BikesDirect Motobecane Fantom Cross Outlaw - https://www.bikesdirect.com/products/...ane/outlaw.htm
Baron bicycles - https://baronbicycles.com/spec.htm
Marin bikes toscana - https://www.marin.co.uk/2009/bikedeta...?ModNo=3965-1F
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Recommended reading for all cyclists - Cyclecraft - Effective Cycling
Condor Cycles - quite possibly the best bike shop in London
Don't run red lights, wear a helmet, use hand signals, get some cycle lights(front and rear) and, FFS, don't run red lights!
shameless POWERCRANK plug
Recommended reading for all cyclists - Cyclecraft - Effective Cycling
Condor Cycles - quite possibly the best bike shop in London
Don't run red lights, wear a helmet, use hand signals, get some cycle lights(front and rear) and, FFS, don't run red lights!
03-23-09, 07:58 PM
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Thanks everyone
Thanks for all these great suggestions. The hunt is on.
Went to Wheelworks in Belmont, MA today, and fell hard for a Surly Cross Check--a little high for my price range, but manomanwattabike. I like the minimalist feel of it (which is part of why I liked that matte black fx 7.1) and I REALLY appreciate the upgrades on the Surly. I think drop handlebars are essential now, so I may have swung myself out of the fx camp.
this is great fun, even just the research.
Went to Wheelworks in Belmont, MA today, and fell hard for a Surly Cross Check--a little high for my price range, but manomanwattabike. I like the minimalist feel of it (which is part of why I liked that matte black fx 7.1) and I REALLY appreciate the upgrades on the Surly. I think drop handlebars are essential now, so I may have swung myself out of the fx camp.
this is great fun, even just the research.
03-25-09, 08:46 PM
#12
Senior Member
Consider a Novara Randonee from REI - it is designed for light to medium touring and road duty - which lends characteristics that make it excellent for all-round use. It has a very comfortable steel frame, a sturdy rack, quality components and strong wheels. Plus it has a very comfortable (and adjustable) riding position. All for around $850 on sale with the REI 20% off coupon (this month!). I have an 08 and it is one of my favorite bikes to ride.
