DavidPT40

In early 2014, when it was still too cold to even ride, I purchased my first real bike. A Giant Nutra. Just by pure chance, it happened to be the perfect bike for me. Strong low-alloy steel frame, triple chain-rings to climb steep hills, and geared high enough that it could go faster than I could ever want on flat ground. However, it is a 20 year old bike. It was built with inexpensive components.

Now I'm looking for a roadbike version of this. I love the chrome-moly low alloy frame (basically this is just a corrosion resistant steel) and the triple chain-ring (bad knees are what knocked me out of running back in 05). I'd like a bike with drop bars, STI shifters, and the new shimano 11-speed 5800 drive train. However, I'm having trouble finding one that meets these specs. Is a triple chain-ring incompatible with the new shimano 5800 drive train? Got to have the granny gear for warming up the knees and climbing hills. Are there any bikes out there that already meet these requirements?

Any advice would be appreciated.

David B

illdrag0n

Probably best of getting something like a cyclocross bike (105 gearing, disc brakes, more relaxed geometry) and chucking some roadies on it. If you find from that point the cyclocross gearing isnt so good on the knees (i'm a 300 pounds and climb steep hills all the time with ease) then maybe look into swapping the chainring and cassette out, but you will probably need a new derailer also, especially the front.

dr_lha

FYI 5800 doesn't come in a triple version.

Little Darwin

You may be able to retrofit with modern component and drop bars.

If you do that, I would suggest saving cash and going with an older 10 speed 105 group (if you can find NOS)

You may be able to get by with a compact double as well, which usually gives a 34 tooth low chain ring, so it is smaller than the middle ring of most triples.

I have a touring bike set up with 10 speed 105, and a compact double, and I haven't ridden it much, but it rides well.

I also would have no hesitation to ride Tiagra instead of 105. It will be 10 speed, but I honestly think with 20-30 gears to choose from on a 10 speed that 11 speed is designed mostly to get money from people who would have otherwise have been perfectly happy with 10 speed.

It is like the old joke about amplifiers, where someone bought one that went up to 11 because 11 is obviously louder than 10.

PhotoJoe 

I went to look up the steel offerings on Jamis' website and they seem to be gone. Up until a couple of years ago (the last time I looked), they had some steel offerings.

It's not steel, but Ti. Would a compact double with an 11-speed 11-32 work for you?

Save Up To 60% Off Shimano Ultegra Road Bikes | Titanium Road Bikes | Roadbikes - Motobecane Le Champion SL Ti

dagray

I would even be comfortable with an aluminum frame like the Raleigh "Revenio" (I love that bike, put many miles on it before going to the Orbea "Orca").

I would get the upgraded components to at least a 105 groupset and then if a triple crank was needed (and I can see the value of one even though I run a compact double) one could be ordered and installed.

dr_lha

They still sell the Quest, a steel road bike.

QUEST

EDIT: And the Aurora: https://www.myjamis.com/SSP%20Applica...cat_grp=road_9

EDIT2: And the Bossanova! https://www.myjamis.com/SSP%20Applica...cat_grp=road_9

PhotoJoe 

Wow. I really did a poor job of searching. Guess I needed to hit more than the "Road" tab?

dr_lha

Yeah, the Quest is hidden under "Performance" and the other two under "Adventure"!

Jarrett2

Here a couple of options:

Nashbar TR1 Touring Bike

Nashbar Steel Cyclocross Bike

Wait til a 20% off day and get them for a song.

cale

The 5800 stuff is mostly going to be found on racing bikes. It almost sounds like you're in the market for a light touring bike. Something immensely stable and comfortable but with the refinement that comes from better quality switch gear.

There are still any number of triple cranksets to choose from but if you're looking for a proper enthusiast-level "road" triple (52/39/30) they can be hard to find on a bike that is already built up. The Salsa Vaya 2 is one such bike. It ticks a lot of your boxes. Good luck in your search., Vaya 2 | Bikes | Salsa Cycles

squirtdad

no mention of budget...but the surly pacer could be a good long term option (meaning it should last and you total cost of ownership should be good)

Pacer | Bikes | Surly Bikes

looks like about $1650 with 105 gear....

LGHT

OP is there any reason why a carbon bike won't work? Just trying to find the logic in purchasing a steel / alloy bike? I haven't been riding all that long and when I picked up a alloy Fuji bike with carbon forks and stays the first thing my brother said (long time rider) was get a carbon bike.

jjjjjjay

I can understand wanting a triple! I wonder if a comparison has been done on similar bikes, on flats and serious hills, comparing compact to triple options. Seems like most folks have preferences, but wonder how much effect the change really has?

Anyway, I miss the happy days of always having a decent gear for serious elevation!

cale

It's funny how we both recommended a model/brand owned by the same company, QPB. (Salsa and Surley are two of ten brands QPB owns.) I think they're working hard to exploit this niche.

DavidPT40

I went with the Nashbar TR1 Touring bike. I was ready to spend 2-3 grand. However, my local bike store wasn't being very cooperative. Also bought some road pedals for the bike, a first for me (along with the associated shoes). So all in all, I think I definitely found my road version of my Giant Nutra. Everything was 20% with free shipping, so I got a good deal.

As to a question as why I prefer steel bikes. By trade, I l inspect equipment in the petrochemical industry. Things made out of aluminum, carbon steel, low alloy steel, stainless, fiber reinforced plastic, etc etc. The low alloy steels offer the best bang for the buck when it comes to durability, corrosion resistance, and crack resistance. But durability and toughness are the main factors. I don't want a delicate bike that I'm afraid to put in the back of my truck.

I probably had $5000 bucks worth of fun on my Giant Nutra last year. If this bike even comes close to that, it will be money well spent.

LGHT

Ahhh ok. Makes perfect since. The first thing I learned after getting my new carbon bike is that although it's strong it's horribly brittle and prone to cracks when tightening down parts etc. I still have an older nishiki that I ride in the dirt and toss in the back of the truck from time to time. I don't think I could break that thing if I tried...