Originally Posted by
Tom Bombadil
Thanks for info all.
One more frame, is the Salsa El Mariachi 29'er frame setup to be too much a mountain race bike or could it be a nice all-rounder everyday bike? The 16" frame is close to my fit measurements, and the higher front end looks appealing. I'm assuming I could use 700 wheels on it, and get back to some nice 700x32 tires. The fork is OX steel on it, as compared to 4130 cro-moly on the Ala Carte.
Tom,
Based on my experience I would advise not putting overly much weight on price. I bought my Roubaix in October and now I am replacing it with the Gunnar Sport. I got an unbelievable price on the Roubaix (the LBS was no longer a Specialized dealer and was closing out) and it is a great bike. But there were several things that, in the end, I can't live with. It was a good learning experience.
So, think about how you really want to use the bike and what are the inadequacies with what you have now. What can't you do? What opportunities will open up with the new bike? Have you learned everything you can from it or will the next bike be another learning experience (like my Roubaix). If the next bike is going to be a keeper then don't put cost as priority one because you will want to keep it a long time.
Come to think about it, I'm not sure you have really summarized here what you really want to do on a bike (the requirements document in engineer speak) and that should be foremost in your mind. I know fit is a priority with you but where/how/in what style do you wish to ride?
(BTW: The El Mariachi is geared really low. I know you know that but...Really what are your requirements?)