Face Palm

Thinking about my next bike, and wanted to throw this out there for any suggestions:

I'm currently riding a three speed (converted IRO Mark V) that has been great for a couple of years of mainly city riding with some light paved path and road riding. Been happy with it, but with an increased interest in longer distances on the road, I'll likely sell this before year's end and get something in the derailleur family. I can't afford to have multiple bikes (the proceeds of the sale would go towards the next bike), and storage is an issue, so one bike would be much easier.

I've been looking at the Surly Pacer, which fits my needs and budget fairly well (though even that is a bit expensive for me). I want to be able to do longer road rides, but I also need something suitable for riding around town, and not so precious that i can never lock it up for short errands. It's easy to de-brand Surly bikes, which would help for inconspicuousness in the city. I also prefer bikes that don't look like weekend crabon race bikes owned by lawyers with lots of disposable income. Aesthetically, the ideal would be a black bike, with silver components - something on which a Brooks Swallow would look right at home.

The Surly Pacer (or perhaps Cross Check) seem to fit the bill. But do you all have any recommendations of similar bikes I should check out in the same price range? Or perhaps there are vintage bikes I should be looking at?

Face Palm

Not that I can afford a Brooks Swallow either, but i have a broken in Velo Orange clone that keeps my bum quite comfy...

hillyman

trek 520 is a great all around bike'

Thor29

I like the option of having a rear rack and fenders for commuting - the Pacer doesn't have all the mounting points for fenders and racks. The Crosscheck does. Other options are the Jamis Aurora or Bosanova (mmmm.. disc brakes). Kona ***** Tonk is another one.

Thor29

Ha! That's pretty funny - the forum censored the name of the Kona.
I suppose it could be mistaken for a slur against white people but it's actually a type of bar/nightclub.
What if it was called "cracker"? Let's see if the algorithm catches that one...

lbear

Check out the Soma line of frames. Very much like Surly 1/2 lb lighter.