Originally Posted by
noglider
Raleigh Clubman
Or build it yourself, out of a vintage bike. It's more fun, and you get exactly what you want. Visit the Classic & Vintage section of bikeforums. The possibilities are endless!
The Clubman is missing a few of the things I'm looking for, notably disc brakes.
I have been planning to build something from a vintage frame, but if I have an opportunity to buy a NEW bike, then I want disc brakes. At first I was gonna let that be optional, but the more I think about it, that's the biggest drawback to building from Vintage. Everything I want in a frame is available in older bikes except for disc brake mounts.
I was looking at the Raleigh Sojourn though. It looks like it's pretty much what I want, but it might be a little beyond my budget. Of course the budget will depend on the wife's raise. We might be able to swing it. It's on the list, but not the top pick yet
Originally Posted by
caloso
Salsa Casseroll? I don't know if it has a disc option, but I think it does everything else you want.
I didn't know of Salsa! The Casseroll doesn't look like it offers what I'm looking for, but the Vaya on the other hand...
Thanks for putting this brand on my list
Originally Posted by
exile
It sounds like you are leaning towards touring or cyclo cross bikes. Touring wise you have the Surly LHT, Cannondale T2, Trek 520, and Jamis Aurora. Cyclocross wise you have The Surly CrossCheck and Specialized Tricross. This is not an exhaustive list by any means and i'm sure other posters will come up with other manufacturers like Thorn and Kona. Either way I'd start my search by looking at those bikes. However, ride as many as you can before deciding. Also, make sure your wife gets the bump in salary before purchasing.
Many of those are on my list too, but many are missing some of the criteria I'm looking for. I don't see any of Surly's offerings with disc brakes. If I'm missing it, please educate me! I really like the LHT and I've been watching the used market for one. Does Cannondale make a steel frame at all? The only Trek I can find made of steel is the 820 and it lacks rack and fender attachments. The Jamis Aurora is pretty much what I'm looking for, but it can't help to have as many options as possible
I looked at the Tricross at the LBS a few weeks ago. I like that bike a lot, and they offered me a pretty good deal on a 2009. I actually prefer the 2009 as the gearing is better (11-32 cassette vs 12-25 with the same chain rings). It has 2 fatal flaws though, no discs and it's not steel.
I had never heard of Thorn, but I don't see anything with discs. I've heard of Kona. I saw the Dew, but it's aluminum. Looking now I found the Sutra. That one looks pretty good too.
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Thanks for the replies everyone
There are some bikes mentioned here that weren't on my radar.
If I'm going to buy a new bike, I'm pretty determined to get a frame that can use disc brakes. Many of these don't have that. While they are excellent bikes, I'm unwilling to budge on this feature if I'm dropping $1000+. I'm willing to forgo discs with a used bike, but not if buying a new one.
Thanks again for the model suggestions. So far I have:
Releigh Sojourn
Salsa Vaya
Jamis Aurora
Kona Sutra
There has to be more options, no?
It's looking like I want a touring bike to commute on
