Originally Posted by
AlexReynolds
Therefore, I am looking at three steel bikes/frames that would be used both for touring (~50-100/mi per day) and commuting (hills, ~5-10 mi/day):
- Jamis Aurora Elite
- Velo Orange Rando
- Surly Long Haul Trucker
I'd like to build up a new bike, but I don't know much about frames and the added expense means I want to make sure I make the right decision up-front.
So my question is what your experiences have been with using bikes built from the VO or Surly frames is like, or the pre-built Aurora Elite. If you ride these bikes, what are your experiences like?
My opposition to the Surly is that the size of frame I would get (53cm) only takes 26" wheels. The 26" wheels I have seen on a LHT look tiny, and make it look like a children's bicycle, compared with 700c wheels. I'd prefer to ride on 700c wheels. Otherwise, the price seems okay.
I don't know anything about the Jamis.
The VO Rando is a road bike with a low trail geometry designed for front biased loads. It is not a touring bike, but it would be a nice fast commuter.
The LHT is a great touring bike and makes a fine commuter. I don't think the 26" wheels on a small frame look odd...in fact I'd go the other way and say 700c wheels on a small frame look odd. But, aesthetics are personal.
The Cross Check offers 700c wheels in the smaller sizes and makes a decent touring bike and a nice commuter. The CC doesn't have a triple crank, but if that's something you want a LBS can swap one in for you.