Seeking more input before pulling the trigger
 

Well, I've done some re-prioritizing. The other thread was more about disc specific models. While I feel that, yes, discs would be nice, I don't currently have 'em and manage to stop just fine in the rain.

I'm a Clyde at 228#'s, tend to ride the MUP, and do the bus/bike thing. Currently having to place/remove my bike from the rack at the front of bus 3x a work day. I want something a bit more efficient than what I'm currently riding- 2006 Kona Smoke. That being said, here's my list of hopefuls:

-Kona Dew. This one just might be the best climber in the bunch. Don't really have to contend with that much elevation change, but someday I know I am. The fact it's also one of the least expensive of these models doesn't hurt, neither.

-Felt Verza City 3. Not exactly sure why I put this one in, other than my LBS carries Felt. But maybe this one has the better specs?

-KHS Urban Xpress. This one is steel, which I prefer. I think that this one is geared a bit higher than the others.

-Giant Escape City. This one is the only bike of the group that is currently on the floor (in my size) at two different shops. The one closest to work has this exact trim level, while one closer to home has a more base model.

-Trek Allant. Seen it one the floor last week, even sat on it. Didn't care for the handlebars, so those could probably be switched out at purchase. I like the rack on this one better than the Giant, but the Giant has fenders that cover more...

When looking at those, keep in mind that I'm more concerned about the frame and wheel sets; I need something that can handle the abuse.

Edit: I deleted the Metro 9 and the Coda because they are true "special orders". These other models the shop wouldn't mind keeping in inventory if I am not satisfied. All of these are available from the same LBS. Also added a Trek from a different shop.

Get a bike that the LBS has in stock so you can actually ride it before you buy it. From your list, the Giant Escape City is the best equipped for commuting, but that could also work against you if you have to constantly put it on and off bus racks. The frame is very light, so everything may wash out at the end if you compare it with the not-so-nicely-equipped steel frames you're also interested in. I hate that manufacturers don't list the weight of their bikes. If you buy an aluminum frame, make sure the manufacturer offers a generous warranty. My 2nd choice is also the Redline Metro 9 as long as you can ride it before you pull the trigger.

Bump. I added a Trek to the mix and dropped the special orders.

I have a Trek Allant that I've been riding since the end of September, about 340mi. It is very nicely equipped with the fenders and the rack, and I find it to be a great bike for my needs. I have added panniers and "see me" lights, and I have no plans to add anything else.
If I had to pick a downside is that it is a pretty stiff frame and I can feel all the bumps in the road. That can be easily corrected by a suspension seat post, but it's not so bad that I had to go through with it. I just stand when I go over a big bump and let the bike absorb the shock without me on it.

Go with the Kona Dew, IMO. It offers the best frame with the most flexibility for upgrading as time goes on.

The Giant is another great option - it is set up for commuting from day one.

With your budget, I'd really give some thought to the Torker Graduate, but you may not have a dealer near you.

The thing I'd wonder is how much of an upgrade are these bikes over your Smoke. I totally understand wanting to get a new bike, but I wonder if you wouldn't get more bang for the buck out of upgrading the components on the bike you have (assuming it fits and is comfortable).

I was just poking around a few of my favorite web site, and it looks to me like you could upgrade your whole drive train to Deore/LX level and get some hand-built Deore/XM317 wheels for around $400. This is assuming you could install the parts yourself, but if your open to it, I think you could. If you buy one of these new bikes, you'll spend at least $400 and still have Altus level components.

Of course, this brings us to what you mean by efficiency. Components aren't everything. I think you'd feel a big difference with a 9-speed drive train and a carefully chosen gear range, because it would get you tighter spacing between gears. Lighter wheels would also be quite noticeable, and though I know clydes are concerned about wheel strength, a well built 32-spoke wheel is going to be plenty tough enough for you.

The two shops in town that can get Redline won't even bother ordering Torker, which is rather odd since both are through SBS. The Graduate would make a fine in-town bike, but I don't think that it would be up to the type of commute I currently have (or the potential one either, if I keep my job and don't move closer).

Hanging new stuff off of the current frame is a viable option. The only real beefs that I have with the bike is: a)the short chain stays that give me all kinds of heel strike grief, b)the placement of the water cage mounts, c)the grip shifts, and it may not be able to accept 29"/700c wheels.

The main reason why I'm looking at getting another bike is, well, I just want one ;). I'm starting to rely on my bike more and more. The family is down to just the one vehicle, and I would like to at some point to let my wife stay home and save the gas money (it's a '99 Suburban- 42 gallon tank, need I say more?). Do that, I would have to start riding to the bus stop instead of being dropped off. That would mean route I'd have to take would be roughly 12 miles, with 8 miles of rolling hills, on a divided 4 lane.

The efficiency comes into play with not just what I'm currently doing, but what may become a reality. My bike is geared like a friggin' mountain goat. It will climb damned near anything that I'm likely to see, but I'm wondering if a larger diameter wheel will actually roll better or not.

The models that I linked to were chosen due to my own personal taste, as well as local availability. I didn't include anything from Specialized, Fuji, GT, Masi, Bianchi, Raleigh or Diamondback due to either I felt they were overpriced, didn't really like the styling, or unsure if the LBS could actually get a specific brand/model (even though they are technically an authorized dealer).

OK. Given what you've said, I see the wisdom of buying a new bike. There's no better reason to buy a new bike than because you just want one. :thumb:

Have you looked at the Fisher Monona? I guess it's a crap shoot as to whether your Trek dealer stocks it, and it's a bit pricier than some of your other options, but if you're going to upgrade, you should really upgrade.

What's with Trek still selling bikes with quill stems?

That Monona? Man, that thing just made the list :thumb:. What intrigues me the most is from what the video overview of the GF Fast City line said- with that flip-flop dropout, the drivetrain can be configured as geared, SS, or as IGH. So, that is a plus.

The local Trek shops do stock GF in the mtb segment, but when it comes to the fitness segment, they push the Trek FX line rather hard, meaning that's all they have on the floor. I'm not knocking the FX line in anyway, but if 8 out of 10 people are riding them, I just want to be one of the two that aren't.;)

As to the frame material, IIRC the Trek went in order of white, black, (possibly something here), and red. Where does the Gary Fisher gold fall in that sequence?

I'm curious what you mean by more efficient. Do you mean the weight? Or the 42T front chainring is too small? As a general bicycle, I kind of like the GT Traffic 3.0.

no1mad,
are all these on your list at a local bike dealer in your city ?
service after the sale matters.
other than that it's just collection of parts. a frame and stuff that's attached to it.

echo 'define: ''efficient''
a fully enclosed aerodynamic velomobile is very efficient.. because of the fairing.

1. Less weight would be nice. If I'm not riding it, then I'm lifting off of the bus racks or throwing it in/removing from the back of the Suburban. 2. The 42T is the only chainring that I use, and there are times that I find myself wanting "more" when I decide to really push it. 3. There is a LBS that claims to be a GT dealer, but I've never seen them actually stock anything from GT. I could not get the Traffic 3.0 image to load from its product page.

One shop carries Kona, Felt, KHS, and Giant. He keeps Dew's in stock (not in my size atm), has the Giant in my size (sans fenders, rack, and kickstand) in my size. The Felt and KHS would be more of special orders or exchange for something else in stock. Another has the Allant in my size on the floor, as well as different trim levels from the FX line that I didn't mention. The Trek shop can order that GF without a problem. The Redline Metro 9 and Jamis Coda would be considered true special orders- basically buy before I try.

As for the efficiency, I'm wanting to experience for myself if the 29"/700c wheels would make for either a speedier ride or smoother one, if not both.

The velomobile will be an evoluntary step at some point in the future :thumb:

Just thought... not to throw you off but, considering you're using the bike for commuting, maybe take a look a something with internal gearing, drum breaks perhaps?

What I really want is something with a steel frame with a belt driven IGH, disc brakes, and rack/fender friendly. The Norco Ceres is on my short list for those features. Unfortunately, it is both too expensive and the nearest LBS that carries them isn't even in my state.

That picture that you attached is the Torker Graduate with the S-A 5spd IGH, correct? The two main issues with that one is that I suspect that it would be a bit more complicated to remove the wheels for tube replacement and that there are no shops in town that will order them. Other than maybe changing out the drums for discs and adding a front dynohub, this thing would be okay for around my small town, but I am unsure how I'd like it as a commuter.

Like anything else, it's not complicated when you know how. Just have your LBS show you. I can't imagine why you'd want to change out the drums for discs... drums rock! Maintenance free baby and should last the life of the wheel. I wasn't trying to sell you on the Torker, I just really dig the internal stuff.

Don't sweat your choice too much. You'll do alright.;)

Down to just two now.
 

I've decided to KISS the search and just concentrate on models that are currently on the floor around here.

-Giant Escape City. From the original list, but haven't had a chance to ride it yet.
-Specialized Sirrus Sport. Actually took this one for a spin. Let's just say this puppy is a breed apart from what I'm used to!

It's going to boil down to the test ride, and luckily there is one shop in town that sells and stocks both of these models, so I'll be able to compare over the same terrain.

On paper, I'm leaning towards the Giant simply because it has the rack, fenders, kickstand, and bell thrown in. I'm just wondering how the SRAM stacks up against the Shimano of the Sirrus.

It's always hard to compare Shimano to SRAM. Both brands have fans who overweight their favorite, and there's really not a direct level-to-level mapping between the two. Beyond that, this is the first time I've seen the VIA group. It looks nice, but you never know until you use it.

Both bikes look like they have frames worthy of hanging on to and upgrading over the years. I think you've got two solid choices. If ride doesn't decide it for you, I think you're right to lean toward the Giant because of the extras.

Yeah, I think that either of these will make a fine choice. Specialized has expanded their line from only 3 to like 7 this year- including one featuring disc brakes. And I've seen the Escape equipped with a carbon fork in the UK. So I think that I'm gonna have some fun! :D

Not saying it's good for you, mind you, but that KHS bike is a nice bike for the money. Thanks for the heads up on that one. Now if only the closest authorized dealer wasn't 50 miles away ...

The geometry is different on these bikes. I would think one should feel different than the other. Its not good or bad just at least somewhat different. I think I would lean toward the Giant because its has more relaxed geometery and espcially the longer toptube (personally I have short legs so I like this) and it also has an alloy fork. The Giant is a longer bike overall. I have always kinda liked the Sirrus line and depending on what you like and your physical dimensions it could end up fitting you better. Like others have said either bike will likely be nice to test out the larger wheel is better/faster theory. The Shimano stuff on the Specialized is nothing fancy so I would imagine the SRAM stuff would stack up to that. I personally like the look of the VIA stuff better not that it matter much. Enjoy the test rides. =)

Quick question about the differences in frame geometries between the Giant and Sirrus- which do you think is best suited for climbing hills? My current bike is geared so low that it can crawl up the Eiffel Tower, but it takes a while. I'd be nice to have something that climbed like a mountain goat in heat (assuming I'm fit enough).

I am not sure I have enough knowledge to answer the questions about the climbing geometry, but I would assume the Sirrus has a bit more aggressive geometry so it might be better. Stiffness might make more difference. I did have a vintage road bike that I remember flexed alot so it probably wasn't a very good climber. Of course I was at least 35 pounds heavier then so maybe it wouldn't flex as much now. =) It certainly doesn't flex much as a frame sitting in my basement.

As a commuter I rarely think about climbing because my hills typically are the last mile of my short commute and so I don't usually push myself much. I have taken to spinning up hills. I don't know how much climbing matters to you. I would think climbing hills is more about the rider than the bike. Also I am not sure how well anything climbs when you have it loaded down with a few extra pounds of accessories and whatever else you might be carrying. I weighed my commuter today and it was around 40 pounds.

Yeah, I was thinking that the Sirrus would be a better choice for attacking the hills. Hills aren't part of the current equation, but...

The "Sag Wagon" is an older Suburban. Currently wife makes 2 25 mile R/T's to drop me off and pick me up from the closest bus stop that works with my work schedule. If I start riding from my place to that bus stop (lowest traffic volume) or home from the bus stop (rush hour), then I would cut the fuel bill in half + save on the other wear and tear stuff.

These bikes are right around $500. My 'Burban has a 42 gallon fuel tank. Last time I filled all the way up from the fuel light being on cost me just under $100- and the prices have gone up since then. My logic thinks that the new bike would pay for itself in roughly 10 months, faster if fuel prices rise. Of course, that RIT estimate doesn''t take into account better lighting, upgrading my cycling wardrobe/winter gear, and consumables which I'll incur regardless if I get the new bike or not.

What kind of mpg does that beast get? I think you are going to have the new bike paid off alot faster than 10 months if you eliminate one trip each day. My guess is you will save at least $5 in gas each trip. Do you have a gas card? =)