Looking for a good commuter/ all arounder
 

So I'm looking at getting a good all arounder. I was reading up on the Kogswells but the lack of dealers in Toronto, Ontario is a bit of an issue. Does anyone have any other suggestions for something similar? I like the ablility to load up the front like the Kogswell. Sadly I won't be able to use it for work since I commute about 150km/day but I would like to be able to do groceries and shopping on it.

I'm thinking about an 8 speed internal hub shifter to make it a little more "winter friendly".

Anyway, suggestions would be very welcomed.

Two nice ones are the Breezer Uptown and the REI Novara Transfer. I don't know if REI has stores in Canada, but I'd hope so! I bet Breezer has a dealer in Toronto.

Sprockets,

Could you not order a Kogswell directly from the company? I know that Matt sells them straight outta the factory himself, and I'm sure he'd be willing to ship one to you granted that you pay for shipping.

Or, better yet, find a contact in Buffalo and drive down to get it...while you're there take in the views in Niagra!

go to www.kogswell.com

I've thought about ordering one from them directly but honestly I'd like to get some advice about frame size. I don't mind building one from the frame up (I actually enjoy that kind of stuff) but if I'm going to be spending a decent chunk of change on a bike I'd like it to fit me very well. I've bought bikes before only to find that they don't really fit that well.

I called a LBS about the Breezer and the Surly LHT. I like the Surly, they were selling for $1100 CDN. Heh, maybe it'll be cheaper for me to order out of the States now that the CDN dollar is higher the the USD!

We have measured drawings of P/Rs here:

http://kogswell.com/sitePR.php

And we have a process that we use to help folks find a good fit. Start by looking at this page:

http://kogswell.com/fit

and the email those dimensions to us. Be sure to include a bit talk about how you'd like your handlebar position to change.

From those measurement and that feedback we will generate a drawing and email it back to you.

Our email in info@kogswell.com

Just stop by a LBS and try some out. You won't know you like it until you've ridden it. You might want to look at hybrids.

If you want a Nexus hub, the Cross Check might make more sense than the LHT... semi-horizontal dropouts remove the need for a chain tensioner.

Looked into the cross check - no more available this year apparently. :(

I think I've decided against building one, no real savings there and realistically I jsut don't have the time to dedicate to a build. Shame really because I really liked the idea of a Kogswell but the lack of sales of complete bikes is kind of a deal killer for me right now.

After a great deal of research I'm quite lost as to what it is that I want to get and am rally more confused than ever. Maybe I should just take a wrench to my old Miyata elevation and put some money to it for better accessories.

There's also the prospect of running across the border and getting a deal on a bike now that the US dollar is on par with the CDN dollar. Does anyone know of a good bike shop in Buffalo or Tonawanda NY?

Arrg! Too many decisions!

well, I decided to buy locally, and I'm glad I did. I managed to get a SMOKIN' deal on a Cannondale Bad Boy in matte black. It has 700c tires with disc brakes, enough clearance to put 26" rims and mountain bike tires on, a fairly aggressive seating position but not too bad, and I think I'm inlove!

Now I'll just need to get some fenders and a rear rack, woo hoo!

If I had the money right not I would purchase a cyclocross bike. They seem fast and sturdy, good for road and dirt trails. Sounds like a good all-round bicycle to me. I would look into one if I had the extra $1300 kicking around.