Tio

I am looking for a second bike to fill out my stable. My primary rig is a full carbon bike and I would like for this second bike to be diametrically different insofar the modernism but I would like it to have equal (or more) sex appeal. I am thinking of a full steel bike with ultegra (or maybe the Campy equivalent, given price point).

I will be using this bike as my daily commuter to and fro my job at a university. Secondly, this bike will be my alternative bike (i.e., when the said carbon is in the LBS or such) that I ride with a local club on "fast club rides". I do tend to prefer that my bikes be a bit on the stiffer and responsive side but I realize that there might be some compromise going from steel to my current carbon ride.

Ideally, I visualize this bike to be lugged with lots of chrome (and blue!!!)... but this is not a necessity. As a result of this, I am considering the Cinelli Super Corsa; any thoughts about this bike (especially relative to the ride quality and what I am looking for)? Upon doing a couple of searches of the forum, it seems that the largest criticism of this bike is that the steel used is older technology at a rather high price (but this could be accounted for relative to the history and look of this bike).

Are there any other such bikes that you might be able to recommend (and why these bikes)? I will have to stay at or around 2K (and, therefore, most custom is a moot point). Thanks in advance.

blandin

Viner Competition / Shimano Ultegra Bicycle - $1350

https://www.gvhbikes.com/special_frames.html

frame: Viner Competition, Deda Com12.5 steel tubing
fork: 1" threadless, carbon legs, steel steering tube
headset: Cane Creek S2
front der: Ultegra
rear der: Ultegra
shift levers: Ultegra (standard or short reach)
brake calipers: Ultegra
crankset Ultegra: (170, 172.5, 175mm)
bottom bracket: Ultegra
cassette Shimano: 105 - 12-25
chain: HG-73
wheelset: (Bontrager Select, Ritchey Pro)
handlebar choices depend on sizing needed
stem choices depend on sizing needed
saddle: (Ritchey Pro, Selle San Marco Concor Lt, WTB Speed She)
seatpost: (Ritchey Pro, ITM Mantis, Litespeed)
tires: Michelin Carbon
bar tape: (Black, Yellow, Blue, Red, White, Tan)
pedals: (Time Mid51 or VP161) included at no charge

DocRay

I REALLY think the Raleigh Rush Hour is a cool commuter bike, lot less than 2 Gs.

https://www.raleighusa.com/items.asp?...temid=264&va=0

blandin

Although the Raleigh Rush Hour is undoubtedly a good choice for a commuter, Tio said this bike will also be used for "fast club rides", not so sure the Rush Hour would fit that bill. Tio also said he wanted Ultegra or Campy equivalent and the Raleigh doesn't have either. I think the Viner Competition or some other bike that offers good steel and a group that meets Tio's requirements would be a better choice.

Tio

Thanks for the preliminary recommendations... keep'em coming!!!

I think Blandin's recommendation is a bit closer to what I was thinking (actually, precisely). Why do you think the Viner versus Cinelli? Is this simply a "bang for your buck" or something with ride characteristics?

blandin

I've got to admit that I've not ridden either, but I've only heard good/great things about the Viner and GVH are famous for their great service. At the price, I think the Viner is an amazing bargain. BTW, my steel ride is a KHS Flite 800 with Reynolds 853 tubes. Not lugged, but a sweet ride nonetheless. Bikes direct has the Flite 800 with full DA for $1995 which is a bit pricey.