I have been exploring different avenues for my commuter bike. I currently have a road bike that is setup more for performance and I do not intend on converting it to a commuter for a myriad of reasons. I'd like to build up or purchase a bike specifically for commuting purposes.

If I don't go for the complete bike route, I would purchase a frame and build it up. I would like to keep it under $1500, preferably $1000 if possible. My confusion lies mostly in the groupset choices. I have SRAM Rvial on my roadbike and don't need anything that nice (though I know it [strike]is[/strike] was the cheapest SRAM offering) on my commuter.

For the frame I was thinking of a Civia Bryant or Hyland, Soma Doublecross, or Surly Crosscheck. I am sure there are others too, so feel free to suggest.

I am particularly interested in the new SRAM Apex offering. It seems to be about $700. What does it compete with? Is it in the same category as Tiagra or 105? I read it's actually comparable to the upcoming 105, which is confusingly called 5700.

I also understand I could mix and match but it's not like I have some parts bin with random components sitting around. I also assume it's cheaper to buy as a set.

About my ride:

Paved roads with bike lanes and MUP
Weather: Avg high 64-75F, avg low 40-58F
Rain: 0-3.6 inches
Distance: 2-25 miles
Not too hilly

As you can see, I pretty much live in paradise (weather wise). I am not sure how this affects groupset decisions, but I thought I'd include it. I definitely know it will affect my tire and fender choices.

Thanks for your help.

If I were you I'd say Single Speed being that there are few hills etc. then buy some nice Honjos or just go nuts at Velo orange. If you must have gears and they must be new Ribble has a Tiagra group for $385 or so, do that.

Commuting, Shopping ? Shimano Alfine Internal gear hub, and Alfine dynamo front hub ,
both have Disc, all weather stopping , fittings on them .
Alfine brake is Hydraulic, But an Avid Cable operated disc brake would do..

Dynamo Hub means always having lights.

UCSB, College town = get a really good lock.

Your best bet is definitely to buy a complete bike. Unless you have specific components that your heart is set on, buying complete is much cheaper than getting a frame + components.

I think Tiagra is plenty good for commuting. Check out the Kona Jake.

Hi thanks guys. I am a UCSB alum actually so this won't be stored on campus. I always ride places where I can park inside. I will get a good lock though.

I have a SS/FG. I want something with gearing. The Alfine is a good idea but that really raises the price on things.

apex is groovy--especially for the crazy wide range back end. fyi, rival should be adding a medium cage and 11-32 cassette next year as well.

all this stuff works. I'm planning on building a cross check before the year's out with another rival group to match my allez. not sure what i'll do for brakes to get around whatever fat tires i use.

When is the Alfine 11 coming out? I wonder if I could get a Civia Bryant now with a Tiagra and later optionally add on the Alfine belt. I assume it should be possible.

That's thinking ahead
IMO a more graceful transition would be to get the Bryant belt Singlespeed then go for the alfine 11 when available. That way you avoid the added (temporary) expense of the derailleur drivetrain and STI's.

You could go for a folder and then you only have to worry about which folder.

Unless you're really fussy about components, I'd recommend getting something like the complete Cross Check. For about $1,000 it comes with a mix of Tiagra and other comparable parts that are all quite functional for a commuter. You can upgrade little by little as parts wear out. Building up a bike yourself with similar components would cost a lot more.

Good advice there. It's hard to go wrong with the crosscheck. Plus, in your relatively dry climate, the rim brakes won't be as much of an issue as would be in wet, gritty stuff.

Another pretty sexy option is the Salsa Casseroll (which is available as a singlespeed).

Do you know why the Bryant Belt SS costs exactly the same as the Bryant Tiagra?

I built a bike from the ground up as a dedicated commuter. Frame is a custom frame (steel lugged, very pretty).
Brake levers are cane creek - I like they way they feel in my hands - similar to the campy ergo shifters on my fast bike.
Brake calipers are tektro long reach, gives me room for bigger tires and fenders.
Crank and front ring are Sugino single speed stuff.
Rder is Shimano XT - I had a hard time deciding between RDER or IGH, could have gone either way.
Shifting is an ultegra bar end shifter.
Front hub is a Schmidt generator
Rear Hub is a Phil Wood.
Bike is just getting broken in (2000 miles), but I have been very happy with it.

Your choices will be dependent on your commute - hills, length of commute, do you ride in work clothes or shower and get dressed once you get to work etc.....

I need to build a commuter soon too. I'm planning on going full Campy. What level; I'm not sure yet.

Are you being serious? Sounds like it's going to be a very nice (expensive) commuter.