dizzydtrain

Hey all,

I recently started trimming down my bike collection (I know, not what you generally hear around these parts I got rid of my Giant TCR Carbon road bike and my single speed steel cyclocross bike --Raleigh Furley. Looking at adding an all around bike for recreational and some organized riding.

My current choices are the Salsa Warbird and the Kona Roadhouse. I test rode the Warbird and my shop has a cracking deal for a Warbird at $1500 for a 2016 Tiagra model in Orange. Now the color is not usually what I go for because it is pretty flashy but I must admit it doesn't look bad. I do like the ride and it's impressive how good that Alu frame really is.

My other choice is the Kona Roadhouse which I have also ridden as well. The Kona would set me back about $2200 but I would get a sweet steel frame with better componentry. The downside would be additional weight and less flexibility in tire width. I believe the Kona can support up to 35mm and the Warbird goes up to 42 ish.

In either case, I am looking to buy a sturdy bike that will last a long time and that can handle most recreational riding. I do plan on jumping in an occasional group ride (Nothing too crazy 18-20mph), doing some centuries and hitting up some fire roads/gravel. I still have a 29er hardtail that I can take out to if I am itching for some single track.

I honestly dig how the Kona looks and its a bike that will be cool in 10 years and will probably hold its value. I like how the warbird rides and it does feel lighter than the Roadhouse but the deal I am getting really makes the Warbird a contender. I would more than likely purchase a second set of wheels for either bike if I got more into group rides if i felt that the knobbier tires became too cumbersome.

Anything else I am missing in my comparison?

garciawork

I have heard that the Roadhouse is pretty stiff, and not that conducive to gravel as a result, but I have never ridden one. You have, but maybe ride it again to make sure, because that could ruin one of the uses of the bike.

I would personally go with a steel bike, but that is just my personal preference.