Truth

Hello, all:

I want a bike for commuting, fitness and speed. I have a mountain bike that I've modified a bit so it's more street friendly but I'm not getting enough speed out of it. I'm interested in something for long rides, as an alternative to always using my car, as well as something that's gonna go fast. I would like something a bit more comfortable than a performance road bike, but not as relaxed as a flat-bar commuter. I'm most interested so far in the Specialized Sequoia and the Specialized Allez. The Sequoia is going to be more comfy, but maybe not as fast. The Allez will be faster I imagine, but perhaps not as comfortable.

Any opinions?

Truth

soloflyfisher

I'm in a similar situation--I've got a decent (if old) mountain bike, but am looking for something that would be better on the road (but still okay on dirt roads). I'm leaning toward a cyclocross frame, but with triple (mountain) gearing. The Bianchi Volpe seems like a nice possibility, though I'm leaning more toward either the Lemond Poprad or Gunnar Crosshairs frame, but built up to my specifications.

oilfreeandhappy

I picked up an Optima recumbent (USED), and it has fit my needs quite well. It's fast. I find I'm often passing road bikes, going 20+ MPH rather easily. Every once in a while a strong road cyclist will pass me. The other nice thing about it, is that I can load it down, and still enjoy riding. I use it for commuting, and carry my lunch and clothing. I pull a trailer with it for grocery shopping.

The proprietor of our local recumbent store swears by the European model bents, with the hard-shell seats. They do take a little ride-time to get comfortable with them though.

joelpalmer

I have a couple of friends (who are a couple actually) who commute and tour on Volpes and love them. They seem to handle just about everything pretty well.

M_S

What's your budget?

I'd lean towards a steel road touring bike or a steel cyclocross bike. In the plus or minus 900 dollars range, you have lots of options:

-Bianchi Volpe
-Surly Cross-Check
-Surly Long Haul Trucker
-Novara Randone
-Fuji Touring
-Jamis Aurora


Probably others as well. Many manufacturers are starting to realize there is a huge market for tough, comfortable, mid level road bikes.

Allister

I agree with oilfreeandhappy; if you want speed and comfort, you really should consider a recumbent. I bought a Bachetta Giro26 a couple of years ago, and I've never looked back. I keep the mountain bike I used to commute on for mountain biking these days.

Truth

Hmmm...

After reading the replies and doing some more research, it looks like the Bianchi Volpe might be exactly what I'm looking for. I'll check out some of the other recommendations, too.

My budget will definitely be maxed out at 900 bucks but I'd be willing to do it if I find exactly what I want.

Between the speed of a pure road bike and a pure mountain bike, where does something like the Volpe fit?


T