Farkleberrie

He's got some preferences, but I'm not sure I can find all of them on one bike:
Frame: aluminum
Cranks: he wants two chainrings, and he wants them big (52/50-4?). He's got long, strong legs and he likes to get on and go.
Tires: 700x35 with fenders

Rack mounts would be helpful and he hates drop bars. Price range is $500-700. So far I've found the Raleigh Cadent FT2, but it's new this year and there isn't much info out there and the Novara Big Buzz from REI. Tire size on this one is 700x28 though.

Riding mostly on a rail trail near our apartment, but he might use it to commute to work as well.

Thanks!

RonH

Look at the Jamis Coda Sport ($700 MSRP). It's a fast flat-bar (not drop bars) road bike that will accommodate fenders and a rack.
If you get lucky, you may be able to find a 2007 Jamis Coda Comp (MSRP $800) at a marked down price.

Here are the closest dealers to your town.
Mountain Cycology
3 Lamere Square
Ludlow, VT 05149
(802) 228-2722
Distance--28.8 miles

Green Mountains
Main Street
Rochester, VT 05767-0253
(802) 767-4464
doon@sover.net
www.greenmountainbikes.com
Distance--32.9 miles

West Hill Shop
49 Brickyard Lane
Putney, VT 05346
(802) 387-5718
info@westhillshop.com
www.westhillshop.com
Distance--49.0 miles

bab2000

Most stock bikes come with 48 T front cranks as stock.

The Specialized Globe line is solid and in range.

Also, visiting store yesterday found the TREK 7500 a smart looking ride, their FX series offers the larger crank. My son is looking for similar package, and at 6'6" requires the large frame, thinks he wants MTB, but trying to convince him since MTB trails are not near by, and the pathways are a 700 tire size is better option.

Best of luck on your search and suspect fenders and other accessories you need will be aftermarket.

I hope of some assistance.

Treker

I have friends who own both a Giant FCR 2 & 3. They love them. I'm pretty sure that you can mount racks on them.

Is your husband set on 35c wheels? IMO, 28C or 32C wheels offer more of a get-up-and-go experience.

I was recently introduced to some Lambert quick release fenders that I added to my road bike. They can be added/removed in minutes sans any tools.

Good luck.

bkaapcke

Do not buy a bike as a surprise for your hubby. No matter what, you'll make some mistake. Instead,, take him shopping, and give him permission to get what he wants. Then you'll both be happy about it.

I recently ordered a surprise bike for my wife, wanting to upgrade her to a real nice ride. I told her on her birthday that it was coming. All I heard for weeks was 'I don't want it'. This was her way of saying I spent too much. When it showed up, sure enough, it was too small. "I don't want it", again.

Rather than hassle with returning it to the LBS, and waiting for another to show up, I gave it to a ride buddy who it fit just right. When she asked where it was, I said; "you didn't want it so you don't get to have it, I gave it away. Talk about a b'day present gone bad. Bye-bye to $750.00! bk

Takabrash

Wow! I need to go riding with you!

And +1 for the advice on NOT making it a surprise. Take him to a shop and let him look around himself- still an awesome present!

Velo Dog

I'm with bkaapcke on this--if you want to actually GIVE him something, make it a picture or a gift card/certificate, then go shopping with him. That way he can get exactly what he wants, in the right size.
A couple of other points:
Don't fixate on aluminum. It's fine, and that's probably what you'll wind up with because that's what most manufacturers use these days, but there's no big reason to choose it over steel, and some pretty good reason to choose steel instead.
Is he a semi-experienced rider? I mean, does he KNOW he needs that gearing? Most "road" bikes are seriously overgeared for the average rider. If you look at the gears people are actually USING, mostly they stay in the small ring and the middle of the cassette.
I agree on his tire preference--I ride 35s most of the time on two of my three road bikes. But tires are easy and not too expensive to change, so don't be turned off by something that comes with 28s. You might even ask the bike shop to give you a discount on 35s, and they can keep the take-offs for resale. It's a minor inconvenience for them.

Velo Dog

Sorry for the double post--my finger must have stuttered.

CommuterRun

I agree with bkaapcke and Velo Dog. Buy him a gift certificate to a bike shop, then let him pick out the bike and get fitted. A bike that fits is part of the rider. A bike that doesn't fit is a torture device.

Farkleberrie

Thanks all for the suggestions, but don't worry this isn't a surprise. These are things he's stated that he prefers for sure and I'm just trying to gather info so we can go look at a few since there are so many makes and models. He really does want the big gearing up front. He currently has a Trek mountain bike and the largest chainring is a 44 and he hates it because even in the highest gear he spins out. He likes his bikes to give him a workout.

CommuterRun

As a gag gift and the way prices are going, first give him a picture of the bike he wants and tell him you decided to save the rest of the money for gas.

'flyer

You are the wife that dreams are made of.
I agree.
Give him free, (but practical) reign of the local pro shop!
(Have you sisters)?