Should I wait?
 

I ordered a new bike (a commuter) back in February with the expectation that it would arrive in April. The bike I ordered is a Spot Brand - Highline. I chose this bike to replace my aging 1993 Stumpjumper. The SJ has undergone some significant alterations to make it a solid commuter, but it has issues.

This is Spot's first run of this model, so to be honest, I thought the delivery date might get pushed back. It did get pushed back, to May, and now June is looking like a pretty optimistic outlook. My dealer has given me the option of backing out of the purchase.

My question is: should I wait, not knowing how long I might wait, or go with one of my other selections???

I spent a few months researching commuters, and other fun alternatives. My main requirements were: disc brakes, 700 or 29er wheels, preferably internally geared, no drop bars (bad back).

The Highline met all of the above requirements and it had the advantage of the extremely low maintenance belt drive system (I've blown 2 chains in the past year). Plus it's cheap enough to allow me some customization room.

Incidentally, some of the other bikes I'm looking into are:

Surly Pugsley - I test rode one this winter and it was the most fun I've had on a bike since I pulled the training wheels off my CCM in 1982. This would require me fixing my SJ back up again for commuting. Pricey to build.

Surly Karate Monkey - Build it up as a bomb-proof, low maintenance, all-season commuter. (with off-road capabilities)

Civia Hyland Alfine - A real commuting beauty, but pricey.

What do you guys think?

tswg

I believe the correct answer is "all of them" :D

N+1=Your maximium allowable bike inventory; N=current bicycle count

The Spot looks nice, and very simple,and the 3-speed is a nice touch. One thing - true there's no chain to oil, but where do you go to get a new belt when it breaks on a long ride? All bike shops have chains...

I just built up an Alfine Hyland frame last week, and it is very, very nice. Any of the bikes on your list would be a great choice, and it'd be a shame to miss half the good weather season waiting for the Spot.

I would wait - I have been riding a spot with *the belt drive all summer and I LOVE IT!

You could take a look at the shaft drive bike. I am liking mine more and more. Only 150 miles on it so far...but it is a nice commuter. I would *never* get a shaft drive for really intense hill climbing or for speed. It has been low maintenance, smooth ride, no chain hassles.

It's summer?

That Highline is an awesome bike. I have been waiting for the next batch of Brodie Ochos to come out later this year, but seeing this has got me thinking. Their website is badly lacking though; Do you know any more details about the frame and components?

I had considered building up a custom bike as well, but got discouraged as the cost just got out of hand. Based around comparable components, it was always a good 50% premium over anything off-the-shelf.

Otter 718, if you like the Brodie Ocho's, also check out the Trek Soho 4.0, the Rocky Mountain Metropolis, and the Specialized Centrum. All are similarily spec'ed out.

Their website does suck. Most of the spec's for the Highline I had to pick up in random spots, but here's what I know (or think I know): steel frame, Carbon Drive Systems belt and sprockets, Crank Bros cranks and pedals, Ritchey seatpost and stem, Schwalbe Marathon tires, Hayes Stroker Trail hydraulic disc brakes, WTB Saddle.

It's cheap enough that I have some room to upgrade as necessary.

tswg

okay .. since February ...