Singlespeed with a future. Does it exist?
 

Looking for advice on finding a new bike. Though I usually have 2 bikes on hand, I've never actually bought a "new" bike before, so am really weighing all my option. I have a vintage lugged custom steel bike. Its geared, heavy, durable, and slightly dented but not bent (Ongaurd Pitbull V. Thief; Ongaurd FTW!). Looking for something a bit more trimmed down, maintenance free, versatile, and with good potential for upgrades.

Here are my criteria.

- Singlespeed with a future
130mm spacing to accept either internal-gear hubs OR has derailleur hanger for future geared life

- Strong frame (either steel or quality aluminum)
In a year or two expecting to have a childseat attached to this bike, need strength (and also, maybe gears)

- "Aggressive" geometry
I like to ride fast (20-25 mph); something like the Trek Soho is too laid back

- No V-Brakes
I really like CX singlespeeds, but V-brakes are a major pain in my ____

- $1000 absolute max


Options I have been considering-

Salsa Casseroll
Van Dessel Country Road Bob

Haven't made it much further than those two. Any other suggestions?

http://www.salsacycles.com/casserollCompSS08.html

You could scratchbuild the same thing w/ a crosscheck frame and it would take V or cantilever brakes if you prefer (maybe the Casseroll does that anyway)

Ha! You must have posted the Salsa link while I was editing the message. Definitely on the list.

Heh... the casseroll SS seems like a really nice package.

Bianchi San Jose, and you can always gear it up as a Harris Cyclery "San Jos8" with a Nexus-8 rear in the future.

Pake C'mute?

Salsa SS is a sweet bike, You could build up a Cross check SS for under $1000 as well.

FWIW, I'd recommend a trailer rather than the seat, ESPECIALLY if you are wanting a sportier geometry.

I used a trailer on my (RIP, stolen) Tommasini road bike, and aside from an understandable lateral "lag" when climbing out of the saddle, it was great. I could corner more or less as normal, and my son loved the trailer.

On the bike side of things, I really like the Bianchi San Jose Pro ALOT. It is on my shortlist for sure.
Thing is, you said 'no v-brakes'. Other than my first question (which is 'Why not?"), do cantis fall into the same category for you?

No V-brakes? How about cantis?

If no, you're ruling out some great options. The ubiquitous Cross Check, of course, is one.

For the money, I don't see how you can beat the Major One -- $550 for a scandium frame and carbon fork!

Of course, you can always convert your vintage frame to singlespeed.

My beef with v-brakes and cantis has largely been mechanical. I just find them to such a pain to adjust. I know it throws out a whole class of bikes for me, though, so I might need to get over it.

Especially since the Surly Cross Check seems like a great bike. Does anyone sell them pre-built as SS?

The Cotic Roadrat. If you'll accept cantilevers or discs to get around the no v-brakes rule...

What can't you adjust on a v??? Half the reason they replaced cantis is that there is nothing to adjust...

What's wrong with V-brakes?

You could get a pre-built Karate Monkey SS, w/ discs (and a flat bar). But I think the essence of what you described is the Casseroll SS