Originally Posted by
CCrew
The problem with "off the shelf" bikes is that if you're looking for something specific.... and you're headed in that direction... you pretty much have to build it out yourself instead. Yes, it costs a bit more usually, but often not as much as buying that off the shelf one and modifying it to what you want.
Let me ask if I may.. What's your preferred price point?
As to the components, it's best to compare bikes in it's class, and combine with your needs to come up with something optimal. Loaded touring usually uses MTB parts - Usually Shimano LX 9 speed. and a triple front. Road bike/cross is usually 10 speed with a front double. Bar end shifters like on touring bikes save a lot of $$ over STI shifters like on road bikes.
Building a bike isn't rocket science. It's pretty basic mechanicals and there's TONS of info on the web for help.
There's any number of ways to buy the parts. Piece by piece by scouring sales/eBay, etc. Personal favorite of mine is finding a bike with a good component set getting dumped by a bike shop, Craigslist, or someplace like Bikes Direct and stripping the bike for it's components for your frame. Then Craigslist or eBay the bare frame you stripped for a couple of bucks back.
Just some thoughts out loud.
And I'm not surprised by your friends 29er, nice 29er frames are $$ and the front forks even more so. I want to build something like a Niner, Independent or OnOne but that frame fork costs just makes me flinch.
I'm starting to think I might want a custom frame.
My wife and I talked about it some more, and she was thinking about a budget of $2000. I was only thinking $1500ish, so that's good news!
My buddy's 29er cost him ~$2500 total. I think he got a deal on the frame ($800)? He also watched eBay for several weeks buying parts. He put the deposit on the Frame in late fall, but didn't get the frame until around May.
I'm curious about finding "bikes dumped by the LBS". That would make building a custom a lot cheaper/easier.
Originally Posted by
noglider
Wow, that Raleigh Sojourn looks fantastic. It's got everything!
Now, why are you so set on disc brakes?
Originally Posted by
noglider
I haven't used disc brakes, but I have a feeling the trend towards them is a little too strong, for that reason. They may be better for the rain, but many caliper brakes are definitely good enough.
Disc brakes stop better.
I have a motto... "good enough, isn't"
I haven't done my commute with discs, but I've done very short test rides and the stopping power is phenomenal. I like to go fast, so that's helpful if I'm going 25+mph.
Originally Posted by
exile
I understand my list of bikes did not meet all your criteria. I was just pointing out bikes you may want to look at that would meet some of your criteria. I should have stated that in my original post.
The Salsa and Soma that CCrew pointed out seem to fit your criteria. He also makes a good point about the conundrum faced with "off the shelf bikes". You sometimes have to weigh how heavily certain factors will play in your decision making.
Don't take it wrong. I still very much appreciate suggestions. My goal was to help me find which models of bikes are out there that have my requirements.
Originally Posted by
lumpynose
I've also wanted disc brakes and was discussing it with a bike mechanic and he pointed out that for a road bike they add definite complexity for not much of an advantage. Probably the main (only?) advantage for a road bike is that they provide better braking in the rain.
I plan to ride this bike in all weather. That's my main motivation for discs. I have V-brakes on my current bike, and they are kind of soft.
Nobody ever debates that discs stop better. As far as I can tell, the objection must be weight? I'll take better performance for a little extra weight.
This bike's primary role will be a commuter. That's why I posted in this forum. I would like to tour with it someday perhaps. While I want the braze-ons for it, I doubt I will have a front rack attached most of the time. For work and errands, I think a set of inexpensive panniers will be fine.
I've been looking at lots of bikes the last couple nights and I'm starting to lean more towards a road bike, but I must have a rack and panniers. I tested backpack vs messenger bag vs rack, and it wasn't even close
I commute on paved urban trail the entire way. I love to go fast (is 15mph average fast?), so that has me looking at road bikes. I'm not interested in something that could be raced. I have no interest in competitive riding, but I am interested in doing long rides on the weekends. There are are great places near Flagstaff I could ride to easily in a day for a quick overnight tour.
Thank you to everyone that has participated on the thread. I value all of your thoughts. I still think my list of criteria are pretty firm:
steel frame - I ride aluminum and don't like it
braze-ons for both racks and fenders
wide gear range - need high top gear to go fast on commute, but low gear for climbing hills with panniers
disc brakes - I know this is controversial. Let's just agree to disagree. I originally thought this was optional, but I'm pretty determined about this if I buy a NEW bike.