I'm hesitant to post one of these X vs. Y threads, but....

I'm in the market for a new bike. Primary use for the bike will be fairly long-distance commuting (45 miles RT typically 2-4 times/week but would like to move toward typical 3-5 times per week). I've test ridden many bikes recently, and have narrowed my favorites down to two. However, I am having a hard time making my decision between the:


Salsa Casseroll Double (complete build):

and

Civia Bryant Tiagra (complete build):


As you might guess, I favor functionality, comfort, and future flexibility over speed. However, my commute is long enough and has significant topographic relief to warrant at least some attention to speed and efficiency.

My primary criteria for this commuter are:

drop bars
capability to accept full fenders
capability to accept full rear rack

These bikes (as well as just about every other bike in the randonneur/light-touring/heavy-road/cyclocross that I tested) meet those basic criteria. Where these two bikes really piqued my interest is that they both felt quick, responsive (Casseroll might have the slight edge here) and have significant drive train and tire size flexibility (Bryant might have the slight edge here).

Most importantly, both bikes felt comfortable, zippy, and...well... just right.

I know in the end it probably won't matter since I like both and will probably be quite content with either. However, I'd like to hear others opinions (though I promise to ignore them) concerning these two builds, frames, components, and general flames about why you are sick of these threads.

Both are great bikes. I feel the Bryant offers more flexibility (disc brake capability, easy swap to IGH and/or belt drive) for any future changes.

Other options in the price range are the surly cross-check, Masi Speciale randonneur/CX,

If you are a wrencher (like me), you can do a bang/buck build on a bang/buck frame such as https://www.somafab.com/extrasmoothie.html or https://www.somafab.com/dcdc.html.
a cheap build can be easily accomlished by buying a BD bike such as this (or similar) https://www.bikesdirect.com/products/...ntom_cross.htm and swapping components, or by getting a build kit at Jenson, Universal, Price Point, etc.

Here is a screaming deal on a CX bike that is fender/rack friendly, if you don't mind a little assembly (or paying someone $100 or so to do it for you). Anti BD folks flame away, I don't care - I have two BD bikes in my stable and have had good experiences thus far =P https://www.bikesdirect.com/products/..._pro_rival.htm

I have a salsa Casserole Single that I've been using on my 42 mile RT commute 5 days a week and weekend centuries.



The bike is very comfortable, and I'm completely in love with it.

Since purchasing the bike I replaced the stem (there was a recall) and replaced with with a thompson. I also added Nitto Randonneur bars to replace the moustache bars that came on the bike when I purchased it used.

I am considering replacing the seat post because I've had to adjust the seat angle every ~600 miles. I also just ordered a white industries dingle cog because the included Shimano freewheel is dying after ~2500 miles with heavy loads.

When I purchased the bike it didn't come with a chain guard, after sending Salsa an email a new one was shipped to my door for free.

Also, if you don't plan on using a belt do you really want a frame that separates? I once had a bolt holding my rack on come loose when I was about 70 miles from home. I was VERY lucky that I was able to find a replacement bolt to put everything back together, if it was an odd sized bolt used to hold my frame together I don't know what would have happened.