down to three choices. specialized, masi, or salsa?
#1
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Nov 2008
Posts: 24
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
down to three choices. specialized, masi, or salsa?
This will be my first bike purchase in over ten years. I want to go single-speed for simplicity. Fair weather commuting and rec rides in NYC. Occasionally heading to upstate or vermont for light trail riding, no single tracks. see pics of all three. I don't really need racks. Fenders? not sure yet.
Masi special commuter '09 795$
Specialized tricross singlecross '09 $900
Salsa casseroll single $900
the ride is what is most important to me. Not a hipster nor do i want to look like one. For that reason alone i dig the tricross. Nothing really "hip" about it. Just a fast ,solid looking machine. How much of a difference does steel frame compared to aluminum really make?
Anyone own one of these models? or maybe know someone who does? thanks......
Masi special commuter '09 795$
Specialized tricross singlecross '09 $900
Salsa casseroll single $900
the ride is what is most important to me. Not a hipster nor do i want to look like one. For that reason alone i dig the tricross. Nothing really "hip" about it. Just a fast ,solid looking machine. How much of a difference does steel frame compared to aluminum really make?
Anyone own one of these models? or maybe know someone who does? thanks......
#3
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: High Desert, CA USA
Posts: 201
Bikes: 2010 SixThreeZero SRAM T3 SixThreeZero 08 Mammoth & 2010 T3, Old Specialized M2
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Fenders? not sure yet.
How much of a difference does steel frame compared to aluminum really make?
#4
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Nov 2008
Posts: 24
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
thanks red horn. what the hell are braze ons? I am just learning about all these terms. And sorry sneaky vike, i did start a new thread. Also not familiar with forum rules or etiquette. The tricross is decent as a commuter you think? It just feels so tight when i ride it. Haben't tried the masi or salsa yet.
#5
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: San Jose, CA
Posts: 3,676
Bikes: Too many bikes, too little time to ride
Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 425 Post(s)
Liked 454 Times
in
313 Posts
was looking at the tricross, ended up with the bianchi san jose since it's a few hundred bucks cheaper.
#6
Utilitarian Boy
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: Bronx, NY
Posts: 3,235
Bikes: Check the sig to find out
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 4 Times
in
4 Posts
get the specialized. It will be a GREAT all weather bike (snow) and you can put largish tires on it too which is a perk since you won't be limited in your options
#7
bring on the snow
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: chicagoland
Posts: 23
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
i have a tricross single and i love it. It's what you said, not a hipster bike, but definitely a solid commuter. i carry it up and down 3 flights of stairs daily, so the top-mounted cable and the flattened top tube are a plus for me. However, i got it for under $500 (it was used). i would definitely NOT pay $900 for one. A lot of shops around here have last years models for around $700 (it was originally $799). But even that's a little pricey, IMHO.
#8
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Nov 2008
Posts: 24
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
yea thats the prob. Price is steep. I found one store who will order me the 09 for 820. I can't find any '08s in my size(56-58)
Bang for the buck what do you think? Which has better components? Thats the point of buying a complete. I don't want to have to upgrade for a while.....
Bang for the buck what do you think? Which has better components? Thats the point of buying a complete. I don't want to have to upgrade for a while.....
#10
Villainous
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Austin
Posts: 1,891
Bikes: Trek 420, Cyclops
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Better to "have and not need" than to "need and not have". Minimal weight penalty.
No rusting. Alum has a little stiffer ride. Steel flexes more when you hammer, usually not in a bad way. The Tricross is very nice. I don't like that the Salsa and Masi have unneeded braze on's.
No rusting. Alum has a little stiffer ride. Steel flexes more when you hammer, usually not in a bad way. The Tricross is very nice. I don't like that the Salsa and Masi have unneeded braze on's.
Also, someone needs to make a head scratching smiley.
#11
Gentlemen.
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Chico, CA
Posts: 1,516
Bikes: S-Works e5 Aerotech with 2009 Veloce and a Fulcrum 5s
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
By trying to avoid the aesthetics of the hipster, you have inadvertently become one. The key is to admit your hipness, thus freeing yourself from it.
The Hipster Paradox is quite tricky.
The Hipster Paradox is quite tricky.
#12
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: High Desert, CA USA
Posts: 201
Bikes: 2010 SixThreeZero SRAM T3 SixThreeZero 08 Mammoth & 2010 T3, Old Specialized M2
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
The braze on's are the little metal fittings brazed (welded) onto the frame that guide and hold the cables. Because there are no derailleurs only a few are needed on a single speed for the brakes. Frames looks much "cleaner" without them.
IMO it is a fair price for the features you get. Retail is maybe $100 to high, but a dealer would possibly work with you or give an accessory allowance. I'm not aware of any all road/weather bikes that have the flexibility and fender/tire clearance that it has.
i would definitely NOT pay $900 for one
Last edited by Red Horn; 11-13-08 at 03:34 PM.
#13
Villainous
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Austin
Posts: 1,891
Bikes: Trek 420, Cyclops
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I know what braze-ons are. Sometimes this place just makes my brain explode, that's all.
I'm going to the coffee shop now.
I'm going to the coffee shop now.
#14
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Nov 2008
Posts: 24
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
By trying to avoid the aesthetics of the hipster, you have inadvertently become one. The key is to admit your hipness, thus freeing yourself from it.
The Hipster Paradox is quite tricky.
The Hipster Paradox is quite tricky.
But seriously, in the long run what bike will be the better choice for durability and versatility? I really don't give a **** about colors, looks, hip or not. I just want a solid bike thats going to last for many a good year.
#15
bum style
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: CT
Posts: 664
Bikes: Poprad, Fuji conversion, Quattro Assi
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Durability? Steel. I mean, I don't think you'd have problems w/ that SPecialized, but if that's in your top 2 criteria, I'd go steel.
Versatility? The Masi or the Salsa both have the braze-ons to be geared up later. Flat fixing will be easier with fenders because of the forward-facing dropouts. Those 2 things make them way more versatile.
But the Salsa wins. Painted stem. Sugino cranks. Better wheels (Surly hubs laced to Delgado rims! vs. Formula/ Alex). If there's less than $150 difference, I'd go with the Salsa over the Masi.
Versatility? The Masi or the Salsa both have the braze-ons to be geared up later. Flat fixing will be easier with fenders because of the forward-facing dropouts. Those 2 things make them way more versatile.
But the Salsa wins. Painted stem. Sugino cranks. Better wheels (Surly hubs laced to Delgado rims! vs. Formula/ Alex). If there's less than $150 difference, I'd go with the Salsa over the Masi.
#16
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: High Desert, CA USA
Posts: 201
Bikes: 2010 SixThreeZero SRAM T3 SixThreeZero 08 Mammoth & 2010 T3, Old Specialized M2
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
what the hell are braze ons? I am just learning about all these terms
huh?
I know what braze-ons are. Sometimes this place just makes my brain explode, that's all.
I'm going to the coffee shop now.
benmanship, I hope my answer was accurate enough to answer you question. Enjoy your new venture .
#17
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Nov 2008
Posts: 24
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Thanks for the advice fellas! I will be checking out the Masi and Salsa tonight. I will report back to you later on. Still leaning towards that specialized......
#20
Villainous
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Austin
Posts: 1,891
Bikes: Trek 420, Cyclops
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
#21
VOTE FOR KEN WIND
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: U.S.A.
Posts: 984
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I agree that the Salsa Casseroll is more versatile because of the derailleur hanger and forward-facing dropouts. It is best looking one out of those three too.
#22
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Nov 2008
Posts: 24
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
just got back from my test ride on the casseroll. DAMN that is a smooth ride. I rode a 55 which was perfect. The guy at NYCvelo told me they come a little larger than most companies. Very nice looking and feeling. Damn thing is pricey though.The masi is out. It's the tri-x or the salsa at this point.....any thoughts? same price. In fact i can get the 09 specialized for 820 from another shop so it's even a little cheaper than the 900 for the salsa. tough choice.
#23
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: High Desert, CA USA
Posts: 201
Bikes: 2010 SixThreeZero SRAM T3 SixThreeZero 08 Mammoth & 2010 T3, Old Specialized M2
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Did you ride the Tri-X? Kinda apples to oranges I feel. Compare the gearing and parts. Ultimately it should come down to the frames.
#24
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2008
Posts: 59
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I have the 2008 57cm casserole which I built to a single speed and believe the ride is much smoother than my Cdale alum mtb that actually has wider road tires. I like the flexiblity (single/fixed/derailleur) of the Salsa, rack and fender points, and the relaxed geometry. I haven't riden the specialized though. I'm not sure how wide of tires the specialized will take. I run 28cm on my salsa with fenders but don't think i could squeeze 32cm with fenders.
#25
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Nov 2008
Posts: 24
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Did you ride the Tri-X?