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Salsa Casseroll review

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Salsa Casseroll review

Old 04-05-09, 09:35 PM
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Salsa Casseroll review

I recently went in search of a second bike to augment/compliment my Surly Long Haul Trucker. I was looking for a bike I could set up lighter that the LHT (which is outfitted for touring). I wanted a bike for weekend rides and Charity rides. With the help of my LBS and lots of reading on the forums, I chose the Salsa Casseroll frame. It's geometry is a bit more upright that the Trucker, wheelbase is shorter, TT is shorter. It weighs about the same as the Trucker.

The final product has Shimano 105 drivetrain with brake/shifters. My shop built wheels using Ultegra 36h hubs, Velocity DeepV rims and Schwalbe Blizzard tires (the extra beef in the wheels is because I'm 6'5"/250), Ultegra brakes Ritchey bars and stem and a Brooks Pro saddle. The Casseroll is their size 59cm (my LHT is a 62)

I've put almost 200 miles on the bike now, and I really love it, it feels lively and responsive. It's like an energetic puppy; always eager to go. It actually makes me feel like I have more energy on rides. The Trucker is smooth and stable, but with 700x32s and front and rear racks, it isn't zippy The Ultegra brakes are strong, better than the Avid Shorty4s I have on the LHT. The wheels/tires really roll nicely. The Brooks Pro looks beautiful on this frame; it is noticeably stiffer than the B-17 I have on my LHT, but the rear is getting aquainted The frame fits like a dream with a 100mm stem, very comparable to the 62cm LHT in size (maybe even a tad longer feeling in the TT). The frame is decaled with the saying "Ride and Smile" and it is very appropriate.

Two thumbs up for this build. I'd also give credit to my local shop ( Jeff @ Cyclepath, Hayward, CA) for the design/build.

Steve

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Old 04-05-09, 10:31 PM
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Sweet ride. How much did it cost all in?
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Old 04-05-09, 11:17 PM
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It's hard to pin down because there was some some horse trading involved I had the 105 drivetrain on another bike and used it for this. It was within spittin' distance of $2K all bundled together.
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Old 04-05-09, 11:25 PM
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Originally Posted by stedanrac
I recently went in search of a second bike to augment/compliment my Surly Long Haul Trucker. I was looking for a bike I could set up lighter that the LHT (which is outfitted for touring). I wanted a bike for weekend rides and Charity rides. With the help of my LBS and lots of reading on the forums, I chose the Salsa Casseroll frame. It's geometry is a bit more upright that the Trucker, wheelbase is shorter, TT is shorter. It weighs about the same as the Trucker.

The final product has Shimano 105 drivetrain with brake/shifters. My shop built wheels using Ultegra 36h hubs, Velocity DeepV rims and Schwalbe Blizzard tires (the extra beef in the wheels is because I'm 6'5"/250), Ultegra brakes Ritchey bars and stem and a Brooks Pro saddle. The Casseroll is their size 59cm (my LHT is a 62)

I've put almost 200 miles on the bike now, and I really love it, it feels lively and responsive. It's like an energetic puppy; always eager to go. It actually makes me feel like I have more energy on rides. The Trucker is smooth and stable, but with 700x32s and front and rear racks, it isn't zippy The Ultegra brakes are strong, better than the Avid Shorty4s I have on the LHT. The wheels/tires really roll nicely. The Brooks Pro looks beautiful on this frame; it is noticeably stiffer than the B-17 I have on my LHT, but the rear is getting aquainted The frame fits like a dream with a 100mm stem, very comparable to the 62cm LHT in size (maybe even a tad longer feeling in the TT). The frame is decaled with the saying "Ride and Smile" and it is very appropriate.

Two thumbs up for this build. I'd also give credit to my local shop ( Jeff @ Cyclepath, Hayward, CA) for the design/build.

Steve

Yeah, one of the guys who rides in our 'Urban Ashphalt' ss/fx rides here in Nashville has a 48tx16t fixed version of this bike and says it rides very smooth w/a quick response. He's in his 70s and had no trouble keeping up and in some cases surpassing his compatriots. The price keeps me away as I'll go w/a Mercier Klio TT for my fixie having a Fuji conversion ss. VERY nice ride though. Enjoy it!

BTW, love the Topeak Road Morph w/guage ALL my commuters are equipped w/this pump.
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Old 04-06-09, 07:22 AM
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Very nice. I was all set to order a Casseroll in December but there was a 4-month waiting list. So I ordered a Bob Jackson touring frame instead. I would have been very happy with a Casseroll if that had worked out.
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Old 04-06-09, 08:24 AM
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Very nice ride, I've been looking at one of those to have as my next and primary commuter. I'm trying to convince my wife that I need yet another bike. I have the HardRock which I now commute on but I got it mostly for family rides, makes it easier for the little guy to keep up with me. I have my Tarmac for occasional commutes but don't want to destroy those expensive Mavic wheels on potholes. I also want a steel bike and this one when outfitted with a rack and panniers should fit the bill as an all around commuter. Thanks for posting; now I'll dream until I decide to pull the trigger.
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