Epicus07

I test rode one a while back and loved it. It's a bit expensive for a commuter (trying to talk this seller down to $800). My commute is 15 miles round trip (15-20 lbs gear) four times a week and longer rides on the weekend. I want something with more relaxed geometry than a racing bike and i suspect a touring bike would be too sluggish and heavy. I would like to do some light touring with it (30 lb rear rack and light stuff in a handlebar bag).

I love cantilever brakes but i don't think they are necessary (this cass is the old version). I plan on running 28 mm tires w/ fenders.

Should i save my money for a nice old lugged touring bike like a Trek 520, Miyata 1000 etc or do i jump on this casseroll?

kevrider

Casseroll. ride and smile.

voltare

no

voltare

and by no i mean buy that beautiful son of a @&$&

DVC45

You already have too many bikes.

Ember

No!

Drink the Salsa flavored kool-aid, you won't regret it!

Epicus07

I'm selling the Curtlo. The casseroll will take its place.

The Roubaix is the best bike for century and long rides. My Guerciotti is unique and has incredible ride quality and nice tight racing geometry (its probably the most fun bike i've ridden). I need a commuter with a triple and a rack that i can park around town and these two are too nice and can't bear weight.

bhop

I don't understand this mentality. Why should a bike you probably ride more often than a bike that's used for pleasure (weekend roadie for example) have to be "cheap"? IMO, I don't mind paying a little more for a bike i'm riding every day.

If you'd said it's too expensive for your budget i'd understand...but hopefully you get my point.

Epicus07

I agree that a bike i ride every day should be enjoyable and thus worth the extra cost. It is in my budget and i feel confident in my anti-theft interventions.

I'm with you 100%. N+1 all the way

Commuters can get abused, worn down and stolen and for that reason they should be affordable. Realistically it won't get stolen (knock on wood), i will treat her right and if she gets worn down its because i rode the crap out of her.

Sounds justifiable. Now if only this girl would lower her price to meet my budget

tarwheel 

No can do. I retired my beloved Merckx Corsa 01 to get the parts to build up my new Salsa Casseroll, and I haven't regretted it for a minute. I've owned more than 10 road bikes over the years, and the Casseroll is the smoothest riding. It is ideally designed for commuting and light touring but can hold its own on faster group rides. My only hesitation in recommending that you buy the Casseroll is if the new version might suit you better since it has canti brakes and can handle larger tires. However, if you have no need for tires larger than 32 mm, than the old version is great.

I've had my Casseroll for only 6 weeks, and I've already put nearly 900 miles on it -- commuting to work most days, riding on several fast weekend group rides, and riding a 3-day light tour that included a century. I'm taking it on another tour (Bike VA) in June, and plan to bring along a second wheelset with cross tires so we can ride on the New River Trail. This bike is amazingly versatile.

jeffpoulin

I'm sorry to break the news to you, but the Cassaroll is really the perfect bike for what you want to do. Just get it and don't look back.

gunner65

I have a new casseroll frame hanging in my office ready to be built. So no I wont talk you out of it. Unless you may be outbidding me on ebay parts?

Epicus07

My precioussss

exile

It depends on the condition of the Casseroll and how much you can get it for. You should definitely have a bike you enjoy riding, but if thefts a concern, you should also factor that into the equation.

Go by and see it and try to negotiate a fair price. If you think its worth it, then go for it.

HardyWeinberg

Oh really?

Epicus07

Yeah. It has a wonderful ride and is an amazing cross bike. Sadly i won't ever take it off road and would prefer a bike with relaxed geometry.

Epicus07

Update: Bike was in incredible shape but the owner paid $2000 for it and accessories and was unwilling to go below $1150. I would have stretched to $900 but at $1150 i might as well buy the new one.

I test rode the new one and i had mixed feelings about it.

Pros:
-Price
-Longer wheelbase
-Cantilever brakes (ability not actual brakes)
-Ability to have front rack/bear weight
-Handles well.

Cons:
-Heavier
-Color isn't appealing to me (gray/blue dullness)
-Cheaper components (Tiagra, Sora, Low end hubs, Tektro Oryx brakes squeak and don't stop quickly)
-Tall head tube puts me off

I think all in all i prefer the color, components and feel of the older Casseroll. I love canti's but the disadvantages don't justify them. I don't run tires bigger than 32 and truthfully probably won't take it off road.

I'm on the hunt for an extinct beast. Come on CList/Ebay.

Epicus07

I hate to triple post....Tarwheel, your bike is beautiful! i truly hated the look/components of the stock build but with your custom build it might just be the ticket.