sgandu

I'm down to picking between these two hybrid/urban bikes that have a steel frame. I intend to use the bike for city bike paths and distances of 10-30 miles most of the time, occasionally over 50 miles. I would also ride with or without a child seat on it. I intend to buy the bike stock and only change the handlebar (prefer something like a moustache bar) to be a little more upright and be easier on my wrists, specially the Marin which has really wide handlebars. The Marin 2013 is $450 (plus whatever my LBS charges to put it together for me), 2014 is $750, Coda Sport/Comp/Elite is $540/$730/$1000. I might want to add an internal gear hub at some point down the line, but that's not really a requirement. Although I don't intend to be riding fast or climbing too many hills, I don't want to be struggling too much if I can help it.

dynaryder

I've owned two Codas and have test ridden the Muirwoods;they're pretty different bikes. You need to decide based on test rides as to which one fits you better and which one's ride you prefer.

WestPablo

The Muirwoods is more like a mountain bike, but can be used as a commuter.

The Coda is more like a commuter, but can be used for "light" dirt trail duty.

I'd prefer the Coda Comp, unless you can more afford the Elite. Otherwise, I'd go for the savings on the '13 Muirwoods.

It's not hard to assemble an online bike:

www.bikesdirect.com/instructionhelp.htm

sgandu

I tested both. THe Muirwoods rides like a solid steel tank and has no issues on any sort of Urban surface. The Coda was a little more zippy but still a solid ride. The weight different between the two is not much and I feel like both can be used to go fairly long distances. I picked the Muirwoods, looking forward to riding it. Will probably just pay an LBS to do it for me for $75, which gets me to $550 or less which seems like a good deal.
What sort of handle options do I have with the Muirwoods? I am interested in some from Velo Orange (Handlebars - Components) and Surly Open Bar but not sure which will install with the Muirwoods. I need something that has more rise and that bends (like a moustache or North Road Bar) for a more upright position and rises above the saddle.

WestPablo

You're gonna have a 31.8mm clamp diameter...

Handlebars

* I don't think any Velo Orange folks are gonna be able to help ya!

sgandu

OK - I obviously don't know what I'm doing here!
So what do I need to match for the handlebar besides 31.8 clam diameter (also known as center?)
I am looking for North Road style or similar bars that have some rise, sweep in and can be upright..

WestPablo

I can't seem to locate any North Roads that have a clamp diameter of 38.1mm. However, I have found a Bullhorn with that diameter.

It's a Nashbar Bullhorn @ $20.00 Bikes, Cycling Clothing, Bike Parts & Cycling Gear: Bike Discounts & Deals from Nashbar

* Handlebar diameter facts: Handlebar Diameters

sgandu

Thanks that clears up a lot. I have to worry about shifters and brake levers as well I guess.
Did you mean the Nashbar Bullbar? That seems to point upward instead of parallel or downward towards the ground.

WestPablo

Imagine a Bullbar turned 180 degrees towards you, with the horns pointed upwards...

Isn't that close to where you'd want your hands positioned?

If not, maybe we should shoot for a Moustache bar...

sgandu

Ok so you mean upside down.
Yes I want my hands roughly similar to the North Road.

DorkDisk

There are shims for that, but you might look into an adjustable 25.4 stem to dial in your fit first

WestPablo

I thought that I had seen adapters for smaller diameters before, but I wasn't sure...

I tried to Google it, but came up short! Sorry OP, I tried....

dynaryder

Unfortunately,those instructions don't tell you how to tension the wheels. Machine-built wheels need to be gone over by hand to ensure longevity.

You could also just get a different stem that matches the bars you want.

WestPablo

True, but that's something that can be done at some later date, after assembly. It will be cheaper at that time, than paying for the entire assembly...

sgandu

I intend to have an LBS put together the bike, tension wheels, basic tune-up, install a new handlebar or cut off a couple of inches of the stock super-wide handlebar. It will probably be $50 plus the cost of the handlebars. Thats fine with me as it gives me peace of mind and helps a local biz. I just need to pick a handlebar before I go to them net week. The Nashbar Bullhorn might work, any other ideas with a 31.8mm clamp?

WestPablo

I have three ideas, but they're not handlebar options:

1) If you could locate a bicycle co-op within your locale, you might get better ideas as to how to approach your handlebar dilemma.

2) Perhaps discussing this matter with your LBS will better resolve this handlebar issue.

3) Go to the Mechanics sub-forum and ask the real bicycle mechanics about this specific issue.

SHOFINE

Love my On One Marys on my Fatty. On-One Mary Handlebar

Have similar Metropolis Bars on my Kona & Sawyer. Velo Orange Milan on my World Sport.

WestPablo

Hey there, Sgandu!

Dude! Go to Jenson USA - Online mountain & road bike parts, clothing and accessories shop | Jenson USA Online Bike Shop...

They've got a virtual smorgasbord of varied handlebars and stems. Checkout the Cinelli Bullhorn!

SHOFINE

Or Modern Bike: Cruiser Bars - Modern Bike
Stems - Modern Bike
[h=1][/h]

WestPablo

I think @SHOFINE has a winner here with the FSA Metropolis Cruiser bar!

SHOFINE

Well these are my kind of bars! I can't tell no difference between the Marys or Metropolis except the Metropolis you can rest your hands inward of the grips....flatten out a bit.

sgandu

I think the FSA Metropolis is the winner here! Going to order one soon. Any idea which store is cheapest with shipping?

WestPablo

Modern bike handles the shipping. You'll just have to get a "quote" from them...

Modern Bike
(515) 263-2000
webmaster@modernbike.com

11:30-5:30pm weekdays only

ScooterMaxi Jim

This is true, but in that price range ($450-700), these are the best value steel bikes you can buy. I test rode both of them at season's end a few years ago, and probably would have purchased the Coda if they had the size I needed (21"). The Coda (even the Sport) is a lot lighter and more responsive - about a 5 pound difference. With the thinner tires and larger wheels, you have more of a direct road sensation. This is a better bike for speed work.

I'm very happy with the Muirwoods (26 inch tires, rim brakes -2010 model). It is quicker to start up in stop and go. I modified to a thinner tire in back (32mm), giving me better road feel without sacrificing stability. Muirwoods will handle poor roads far better. Better pedals are a good idea. No question this frame is more solid - and preferable if you are going to carry extra weight anyways. I have just modified it an unusual way, allowed by the wide handlebar. I have L bar extensions on the ends that allow for a more upright position (my seat is about 2.5" above the straight bar), and have moved the shorter extensions toward the middle (14" spread) and aimed forward - racing style. Amazing flexibility and hand relief. Really needed this mod, as even 30 miles were really hard on the hands, and I'm planning on a 125 mile day ride about a month from now. (Wish me luck - I have work to do to get up to that.)