fast road commuter
 

right now i have a khs flite 300, steel frame road bike, it does the job, never gets stolen no matter where i lock it up, but i was something new
some things i look for in commuters:
fast (most people on this forum like bigger tires on there commuters because i guess there more "dependable" ive had 2000 miles on my bike with road tires, held up fine)
black(just looks cool)
steel(comfort matters)
105 components

any suggestions on what to get next?

You and me both. I am looking into a roadie with more of a racing geometry. I may commute on it once or twice a week. My touring bike will remain my primary commuter. That and I will purchase a messenger bag.
The bikes I have been looking at are not black so that won't help. How about a Felt? They have a mostly black bike, black and yellow I think.

whats wrong with the current bike? maybe start there in the quest for a newer (hopefully better) one.

I'm guessing the OP wants a newer bike because he\she does.

Personally, I am fine with my touring bike. However, a backup bike and a reward for a good year at my job are both my reasoning for a new bike.

It's not new? One is never enough? Variety is the spice of life? Gimme, gimme, I wants it now?

I call it the "Oooohhh... sexy bike" syndrome, and yes I'm afflicted.

yeah what i am saying is it sounds like he's got a road bike already but now wants a "fast" road bike...

to me that would mean maybe some new tires and lighter wheels?

"not new enough" isn't really a reason i get rid of stuff but i am sure there are plenty who do.

Here's a cool looking cannondale http://www.cannondale.com/bikes/07/c...del-7XR2C.html

Not sure what the frame is made out of but if your looking for comfort, 28c tires will smooth out roads better than any specific frame material.

ummm, the OP wants steel. Aren't C'dales all aluminum?
I think KHS makes some really nice steel (853) bikes with 105 or higher level for reasonable prices.
I'd also look at Fuji (not sure what the frame materials are).

Jamis has a steel roadie or two, but I dunno about the color.

Consider the Trek Portland/Schwinn DBX realm. They're not steel and they're not black (though I'm not sure about the '07 DBX), but they are fast "commuters." Jamis are good, too.

The best "fast commuter" is a cyclocross bike fitted with 28mm road tires. I think a Surly Crosscheck would satisfy your craving for black.

The Jamis Satelite is steel framed, chrome and black color scheme, but only Tiagra.

thanks for all the ideas, that cannondale looks sweet, just for a commuter i would much rather prefer steel, i think im going to save up for the crosscheck by surly, that thing is pretty darn sweet, and pretty strong looking for what i need it for

what kind of wheels? my wheels i have i cant true anymore because the nipples are too hard to tighten or loosen at all, ive had about 2000 miles on the bike so far and i live 2 blocks from the ocean, so everything seems to get a little rusty or worn out pretty badly. i need some wheels that are pretty darn solid, wieght not to concerned about, just rock solid

rocky mountain sherpa 30

and what i mean by fast is drop handle bars, skinny tires (700x23), and under 20 pounds

Solid good rims, go with Mavic Open Pros.
And give Internal Hubs a thorough looking over.

Sounds like you'd get better suggestions in the Road Cycling forum. Nothing about your requirements really scream "commuter".

So you're building up a Cross check with full 105 and putting skinny tires on it.

Okay...

May I inquire as to your price range?

good luck getting a surly under 20 pounds...

if that is really your weight goal your gonna be looking at pretty high end steel bikes.

now 25 pounds is a whole different ballgame.

well, i can take 25 pounds, thats how much mine wieghs right now, i was thinking they came lighter, and i love skinny tires on my commuter, 700x23 has been working for me great, just one flat after 2000 miles, i dont go off of curbs really, i have a nice bike trail next to my house and both my jobs and school are all right next to the bike trail, so i dont need big tires or something that most people have as a commuter

word; sounds like you want a nice road bike... go to the local shops and start test riding!

you will quickly find out exactly how light you can go for you given pricepoint. i think antything with shimano 105 or above on it will treat you well for the longhaul.

i also highly recommend geting a shop to take some time to try to get you properly fitted for the bike (this can sometimes cast 50 bucks or so). that will make a world of difference in comfort and speed.