I bought a Jamis Coda Comp in 2008 and used it to commute to/from work for the past 8 years. My commute is 10 miles each way and I ride on roads, paved bike paths, and crushed limestone bike paths. Alas, due to a major lapse in judgement on my part, my bike was stolen last week. So, I'm on the search for a replacement.

My requirements are a steel frame, straight handlebars, and components on par with what my Jamis had.

I really enjoyed my Jamis so one of my options is a 2016 Jamis Coda Comp which I can purchase from an LBS for $530. Another option is a modified Surly LHT with straight bar, Alfine 8-speed internal hub, and front hub generator. This is about the same price as a new Jamis. A third option is a Torker InterUrban Flatbar also in the same price range.

Please provide thoughts on the options above or if there are other bikes I should consider.

Here is a link to the customized Surly LTH I'm thinking about purchasing:

https://chicago.craigslist.org/nwc/bik/6086841121.html

I think that LHT would be a steal. Hub generator + light + igh + fenders + $700 = buy! (If it fits you) The only downside to that bike is I'm personally not too crazy about 26" wheels, but if my commuter was stolen and I was looking around, I might just make an exception...

RubeRad,

Thanks for chiming in. Looks like you have a CrossCheck which I looked into, as well. Although a used CrossCheck is not for sale at the moment, it seems like a CrossCheck would fit my needs better than an LTH. Any thoughts on that? Also, what is it about 26" wheels that you don't like?

eh, it's probably just a vanity thing, I feel like 26" wheels are for kids, and I'm a Big Boy now. I'm not all that big (6'), but I get the impression that I look like a circus bear.

You might enjoy a CrossCheck more, it is basically supposed to be a bit sportier than a LHT. Many people on BF say LHT handles its best when fully-loaded (like for unsupported touring). But if you're buying used, you can only buy what is for sale. If I had built my CC a year or two later than I did, I would have gone with a Straggler instead, for the disc brakes.

Generally speaking, I think you get more value from CL than buying a bike new from LBS -- it's the same as buying a new vs used car, 30% of the purchase price vanishes as soon as you drive it off the lot. CL has good-as-new bikes (like seriously ridden less than 50mi) going for half their original purchase price all day long.

My Jamis was from an LBS, but now that I know what I like and my size, I think I can go directly to CL. I'm torn between getting the LTH which has some goodies that sound interesting (internal hub, hub generator w/ light) vs getting a bike that is "more sporty" which is probably how I'd classify my old Jamis Coda Comp.

I would go test-drive the LHT. If you like it, get it. If the ride is radically un-pleasing, don't. Be up front with the seller that you like the customizations, but coming from a sportier bike you're not sure you'll like the ride. Anybody that puts that much bling onto a bike has to be cool, and I'm sure would love to show off the bike and talk about it.

Also, if you buy it and decide only later you don't like it that much, you should easily be able to sell it again for no loss.

Where do you live, abouts, and what frame size are you looking for ?
I have a 21" Coda Comp, from '12 that I'm looking to sell. It's not posted yet on CL.

I'm in the Chicago area. My previous Coda Comp was 19", but I think 21" may work. Are you in CA? Not sure how much shipping would be.

Shipping can be in between $60 (best case) and $90, with Fedex Ground.
Also, I just checked, Amtrak has a service called Express, and it's $65. With Amtrak, though, you have to pick up the box at the train station, closest to you; Fedex would deliver at your front door.

Mihail,

I've sent you a PM. Probably better to discuss this off-line to avoid cluttering the forum.