Originally Posted by
Stujoe
It really all depends upon what you want to do and how the bike feels. After modifying my HardRock to be better on my commute, road riding and trails that I typically ride, I have come to the conclusion that a Cyclocross bike is probably what I will end up getting down the line. Something fairly nimble that I can ride a long amount of miles at a decent speed on but not be afraid of the potholes on the way to work or some dirt or limestone trail riding on the weekends.
Probably a Surly Cross Check or Kona Jake the Snake type bike. I have to save the pennies for that, though, so it probably won't be until late next year or maybe not even until spring 2009. Until then, the HardRock is fitting the bill for my budget.
That Kona Jake the Snake looks like a nice bike and it seems like it's a step up in some components over the Surly Cross-Check (derailleurs are Shimano 105s on the Kona versus Tiagra on the Surly) for about the same price in the complete bike. But I don't know that much about such things. I just found a post where someon said Dura-Ace > Ultegra > 105 > Tiagra > Sora but I have no actual knowledge of that.
How tall are you Stujoe? I'm only 6'1" and I know there are many clydes several inches taller. I have muscular meaty and lengthy legs and I'm not comfortable having to fold myself too tightly, as my beer belly precludes bending my knees up into my abdomen. I've noticed that the Surly Cross-Check and Kona Jake the Snake cyclocross frames seem a bit more compact or compressed lengthwise than the Surly LHT. I suspect I'll be more comfortable on a longer bike, and I don't mind trading off some nimbleness for the kind of riding I envision. I think a roomier bike will encourage me to ride more.
One other question... what kind of potholes are you talking about? The roads in my area are mostly well-maintained but uneven pavement and potholes do occur. Is this really of great concern for a road bike versus a cyclocross when it comes to potholes, and what characteristic in the cyclocross makes it compensate better? Is it just the type of tires or more than that?