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Looking for advice: Windsor Tourist/Cross Check/Others?

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Looking for advice: Windsor Tourist/Cross Check/Others?

Old 02-15-09, 07:53 PM
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Looking for advice: Windsor Tourist/Cross Check/Others?

I'm looking for a bike to be my daily commuter/fun bike. I commute 4 seasons a year (currently have Marathon Winter's 700x35c). I want something with relaxed road geometry (enough to keep me out of the wind, but nothing that puts me constant bend over mode), clearance for at least my 35 tires/full fenders, rear rack compatibility, and generally bombproof.

Unfortunately, I didn't know what I wanted when I purchased a CAAD9 6 this fall. I didn't understand well enough the difference between a racing bike and other types of road bikes. I've ridden it for maybe 140 miles in Sept-Oct, but it's pretty much brand new (got a great deal on it at least). It helped me realize I want something with more relaxed geometry, full fender/rack capabilities, something other than STI, and probably no carbon. I don't know if it's the racing geometry, but I feel stretched out on it as well (56cm size). I figure I can sell this bike for a little less than what I payed for it (and at least recoup costs if I end up buying a Tourist).

That being said, I'm currently considering new bikes because the used market in my area is pretty slow (metropolitan area of around 180,000, but my city is 50-60k. Live within 70 miles of Minneapolis/St. Paul, but I don't really want to be running all over looking for a good deal used). The Tourist would mostly fit the bill, I would probably sell the tiagra brifters and go for bar end shifters (I should be able to about break even if I sell the brifters on ebay and then go for some dependable brake levers/barcons, right?). What's the weak link on a bike like this? I'm looking for dependability first and weight second. I'm confident I could do all the work necessary on a BD bike to get it up to running order (except perhaps truing the wheels if they are severely off). And, I don't have any ethical objections to their business practices (assuming I get the bike in good condition).

I'm also considering a Cross Check. I saw that a local shop in my area has a 2008 54cm for $900ish. It's already got bar ends, but I think the gearing would need to be adjusted for my area. I've got a 1x7 bike that has 36x28 as it's lowest gear. Hills and especially the wind make it hard to spin with that gearing. Similarly, the complete Cross Check's lowest gearing is 36x25. So, I would swap it out for something else (a wider double crankset? Would a triple be compatible with a double tiagra FD?) Other than that, it appears to be the superior bike to the Tourist (assuming it fits): better wheels, a few better components, more trusted frame. But, it's also quite a bit more money. How much would swapping cranksets run me?

Some might say keep the CAAD9, but I just have no need for a racing bike. I wouldn't feel comfortable using it in the winter (no way to put studs on it really), and putting a rack/fenders on it would be tricky. Plus, I feel as if I might be wasting such a great frame when someone else could put it to good use. I could also just sell the frame and reuse some of the parts on a more suitable frame. But, I would end up having to buy different wheels, shifters, brakes, etc.

And finally, I could continue scoping out Craigslist/eBay until I find some vintage steel that will fit the bill (I'm not in any hurry). The bonus part of an old used bike is that I would feel much more comfortable leaving it locked up outside during the day (anywhere from 5 minutes to 8 hours, depending on my schedule). I currently live in a low crime area, but I'm considering grad school in Cleveland in 2010.

Last bit: fit. I'm around 5'11", 175lbs, and my cycling inseam is somewhere between 31.75" and 32.5" (that was the largest variance between about 4 or 5 times measuring it). Based on LeMond's formula, that would put me at best fit with a 54cm Tourist, and the 54cm Cross Check as well (or a 56cm, depending on my measurements), you decide.

Tourist geometry: https://windsorbicycles.com/touring_geo.htm

Cross Check: https://surlybikes.com/crosscheck.html

I don't really want to spend anymore for a new bike, especially after wasting a few hundred in depreciation on the CAAD9. The thought of leaving a bike over a grand locked up outside when I'm at school makes me a bit queasy.

So, if you have don't have specific advice for my many question, I still welcome you to vote on which path I take:

A. Windsor Tourist
B. Surly Cross Check
C. Keep looking for a dependable used bike on craigslist/ebay
D. Do something with your Cannondale

Much thanks for the help!
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Old 02-16-09, 02:08 AM
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You can sell the CAAD9 frame and use the parts on a Cross Check frame.
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