Time to upgrade my commuter....
 

I've been commuting since May of '09 here in Seattle.
My commute is around 15 miles round trip...

http://veloroutes.org/bikemaps/?route=47372

I've got about 5,000 miles on my Jamis Citizen 1....

http://www.jamisbikes.com/usa/thebik...tizen1_bk.html

.... needless to say this old girl is starting to fall apart.

Time to upgrade. My budget is $1,500

I had my heart set on a Surley Long Haul Trucker, but my fit is a 54cm and I'm not to keen on the 26" wheel.

http://www.surlybikes.com/frames/lon...trucker_frame/

Here are some other bikes I'm considering.

Rodriguez Navigator
http://www.rodbikes.com/bigphotos/navigator_big.jpg

Masi Speciale Rondonneur
http://www.masibikes.com/steel/randonneur/

Trek 520
http://www.trekbikes.com/us/en/bikes/road/520/520/

Redline 2011 Conquest Classic
http://www.redlinebicycles.com/bikes...nquest-classic

Traitor Ruben
http://www.traitorcycles.com/Bikes_Ruben.cfm

I'm relatively new at this and would appreciate some advice.
26" wheel pros/cons?
Disk Brakes?
thanks
g

26" wheels are fine. Don't listen to the idiots who argue that you'll be "slower" compared to 700c wheels. Small differences in wheel diameter don't make an extremely noticable difference in performance, particularly when you consider that if 700c were "faster" - then why the hell didn't we all stick with the larger 27" wheels that road bikes used to have? My Surly has 700c wheels and it's fine. If I had it to do again I may have got the one with 26" wheels because you can fit fatter tires on it. I'd bet my life that my 30 mile commute time would be the same. I'd probably just ride one cog smaller on the cassette to compensate for the smaller diameter wheel or something....just my $0.02. Disc brakes are fine, so are cantilevers (properly adjusted--sometimes takes some skill, especially low-profiles) and v-brakes (brainless adjustment)

I've never liked the LHT discrimination against those of us with less height. I kind of understand why they do it, but I don't like it.

There are some nice things about 26" wheels, but most of the biggest advantage, I think, is quicker accelaration, which seem to be counter to the touring bike mindset. Bigger wheels roll over things with less impact to the rider, which is why mountain bikes are going the 29er direction and is another reason I don't think 26" wheels make sense on a touring bike. Even so, the big negative, in my mind, for 26" wheels on an LHT for commuting is that the choice of quality slick tires is limited. There are a few really good choices (the Schwalbe Marathon Supreme, for instance), but not as many choices as you'd have with 700c wheels. On the other hand, the 26" LHT's can take wider tires.

Disc brakes? I think they're really nice for riding in the rain, both because of stopping reliability and (more importantly) reduced rim wear. You spend a bit more on brake pads, but it's still a nearly neglible expense. I am not a fan of the cheaper mechanical disc brake sets, such as the Avid BB5, but the Avid BB7's are great and not a very expensive upgrade.

You really can't go wrong with any of the bikes in your price range if you get one that fits.

Have you looked at the Kona Sutra or Salsa Vaya? I hate to add a bikes to an already long list, but it seems like you're early in the process and I like these two.

Have you considered a Surly Cross Check? They're extremely popular commuters, although they don't have mounting points for disc brakes.

I did take a Cross Check for a spin. I felt a little to stretched out, to forward leaning, while the LHT was a bit more upright.

It will probably be cheaper to fix your current bike than to buy a new one. However there is nothing wrong with looking for a new (or used) bike.

I have the 26" LHT and like it. I don't feel fast on mine, but I like the versatility. Smaller wheels are supposedly stronger and quicker to get up to speed in comparison to 700 wheels. But 700 wheels are supposed to roll better and require less effort to maintain speed. But there are so many other factors that come into play that the whole debate takes on different contexts to different people.

My advice is not worry so much about the wheel size but worry more about how the bike feels, how it fits, and what you want out of it. Basically what doesn't your Jamis do for you? You want a faster and smoother ride? You want to carry loads of stuff with you? You want to fit a variety of tires? You want disc brakes for bad weather? etc...

Wow! That Kona Sutra sure has it all...


http://www.konaworld.com/documents/c...tra_review.pdf

I guess I want a bike that's everything my Jamis is not. Steel Frame, drop bars, a swifter ride, a road bike that can handle panniers.

I like this bike more with every commute; I don't think I'd call it "swift" though. The Randonneur is the same frame.
Speciale Commuter flip/flop

http://lh4.ggpht.com/_hSZo5vjiPmQ/TJ...0/P9220026.JPG

http://lh3.ggpht.com/_hSZo5vjiPmQ/TJ...0/P9220030.JPG

Falling apart after 5k miles? If so sounds like a poorly built bike

Nice DiabloScott! She's a real beauty....

When I started out I was 260lbs, now down to 235...

I know day in and day out I've taxed her alot.

I blew out the suspension fork about 3 months ago...

...My L.B.S. has me back on the road with a loaner fork,

so much for the Jamis Warranty...

The LHT is basically a truck (hence the name). It is heavy, feels slow, but is stable and comfortable for long rides. If you want something quicker than a cross bike might work better for you or a sports-tourer.

Just test ride as many as you can in categories such as touring, sports touring, or cross bikes.

Will do.....
I'd still like to get up on a 56cm LHT with 700s, just to see how she feels. I've got to track one down in the 'hood.

The Rodriguez Navigator for $1500 seems pretty sweet. A locally built steel frame, you can't beat that.

http://www.rodcycle.com/

I'm going into this slow and steady, ready to pull the trigger after the Seattle Bike Expo in the Spring.

The hardest part about this time of year is finding bikes in popular sizes. for reference i'm 5'9 and ride a 54cm LHT. There was a google group which listed what size people ride. I bought my bike after months of searching and test riding I started around september and bought in december.

First choice: Rodriguez (if it has good geometry, I'll get it b/c you live right near them and it's cool b/c everything is done in-house there)
Second choice: Trek 520 *warning (The trail on the '09-'11 on the xs and s size increased from 6.4cm to 7.1cm, in theory this makes the handling more sluggish)

If it really was only a "little bit" too stretched out, there are ways to fix this. You might try a size smaller to shorten the cockpit, or you might try a size larger to make it easier to get the handlebars up above the saddle. A shorter stem and/or handlebars with some backward sweep (Nitto Noodles, if you're looking for drop bars) will also help.

They're really nice bikes. Don't discount them if you didn't have time to dial in a fit.

Well here she is
http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a3...igator_big.jpg

with her components
http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a3...2010RodNav.jpg

Do you see any reason why I shouldn't pull the trigger on this one?

Looks like they skimped bigtime on components. I change my mind. Get the Trek 520.

Trek 520 has better shifting(Dura Ace barcons) that will outlast those lowend STI shifters.
Avid SD5 V-brakes are much much more powerful than those Tektro Dual Pivot brakes
Shimano Deore LX derailleurs are a whole lot better than those Shimano 2200 derailleurs
Shimano Deore LX hubs are better than those entry level formula hubs

Don't know whether the Trek 520 54cm or 57cm is a good fit for you, but their trail 6.4 and 5.9 respectively is better than the 7.1 that I quoted for the xs and small size so disregard my last statement about trail.

$1,369.99(Trek 520) vs. 1,599 (Rodriguez) Considering the big gap in levels on components, it's a no brainer, Trek 520 all the way.

Another possible bike would be the Jamis Aurora -- online you can get a 2009 for $700 shipped. I bought one from them about a month ago and the experience was very positive.
http://www.bicyclebananasstore.com/2...a09_aurora.htm

Another good option would be the Windsor Tourist from bikes direct. Good price ($600) and there are enough folks on BF who have had good experiences with that model.

Either of those would leave you with extra cash to make upgrades or customizations along the way.

It's over your budget, more so when you add pedals, tax, whatever . If you're serious about your budget you can get there.
I'd find out what the biggest tire size is that will fit with the fencers, you'll probably want 32mm?
Very nice looking though and the appeal of the local connection is a good one.

My thoughts exactly. Are you sure you don't just need to freshen it up a bit with some new replacement components? May save you quite a bit.

Of course, if you don't like the bike you have, go for it.

edit: Sorry, didn't see your response before I posted this.

Yes, if the Jamis you currently have only lasted 5,000 miles I certainly wouldn't buy another. $1600 for a year and a half of riding is ridiculous, IMO.

thanks 531, I was afraid of that...

Diablo, speaking of breaking the bank, moving up a grade to keep that local connection.

The Rodriguez Rainier for ouch $2600

http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a3...ainier_big.gif

http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a3...010RodRain.jpg

trek portland is the heat. love mine so far.

I wouldn't worry about going with 26" wheels, my buddy that i tour with runs a 700c LHT, our last ride together i didn't have problems keeping up with him or anything. I did get him on some of the passes as the 26's do spin up a little faster. But that trek looks like a really good bike if i had 1400 bucks i would probably get that, for that matter wanna buy an 87 kuwahara for 1400:)

Thanks Fiz, I'm going to refocus on that LHT, test the 54cm with 26" wheels again. Then find a 56cm with 700...

NO WAY!

I like the idea of the Portland but the wheels just do not cut it. Not to sound bad but the guy is 235lb. I am 220 (was 240) and blew out a 32 spoke wheel last year. Those low spoke count wheels just do not cut it for us big guys. That is a mandatory pass till Trek figures out to put some decent wheels on it for the bigger guys.

Stick with a bike with 32 spokes or 36 if possible.



Now you have several flavors of bikes in your list. You have a couple HD touring/ utility and then you have some sports bikes.

What exactly are you looking to do and carry? This going to be a daily driver where you are carrying stuff for work, Run to the store for a bag of groceries or are you able to travel light and have no really need to carry anything that wont fit in your pockets and a seat bag?

I'm going to try to point out the differences in the designs not tell you what to buy. You need to figure out what you are buying it for and want out of it the narrow it down.
Size:
I have lower back issues and of the mind set to ride the tallest frame I can stand over and flat foot and fix the fit with seat and stem adjustments. That is going to make for a naturally higher handle bar height for a more relaxed riding position and be easier on my lower back. My ideal frame size would be 60cm with a 110mm stem according to fitters. I ride 63cm frames with 90mm stems and very happy with the combination. Try the 56cm and see what you think but dont buy a 56 just for the wheel size. More later.


Sport bikes:
Like the Traitor bikes as well but as a big guy in a hilly area Id like to see a 36/50 crank on it to get some gear for the hills. It is a sport bike with short stays. Trunk bag would be fine but you would be limited in pannier sizes if you are looking to make it a mule.

Like the Rodriguez bikes but it is also a sport bike geometry with the same loading issues as the Ruben just has the gears the Ruben doesn't have. Looks like a nice bike for Credit card touring or commuting if you have minimal stuff to carry and not having to stuff big bulky jackets you needed on the way into a bag for the ride home.

Redline...Same deal as above. Fun rider, minimal utility.


The trucks (Masi, LHT and 520).

I loved the Masi in last years colors. Still one of the bikes I wouldn't mind owning. It would do fine as a Credit card touring and it could successfully be fitted as a full blown touring bike

LHT: I would not rule out 26 wheel especially on a truck/ utility bike. At your height to fit a 700c there are compromise made in the geometry on some bikes. To keep the toe overlap in check they have to screw with head tube angles and that changes the ride. The LHT is a TRUCK. It is a utility bike and built as such. The wheel selection was to keep the geometry true. Nothing wrong with what they did. Don't get hung up on tire sizes, there is reason for it. They designed the LHT for daily use as a do it all/loaded touring and the geometry is set up so as not to tax the rider. For a general do it all rider it excels but it is not a sports bike for darting in and out of traffic. It is a SUV of the bike world

The 520 has shorter chain stays that will be the more sporty feel of the three. I have nothing bad to say about the 520. It is more of a "sport tourer" but it is built strong and should be a very reliable daily driver.

Shimano 2200 is essentially Sora quality. No way would I pay $1600 for a bike with Sora-level components. The rest of the components are described so vaguely, one has to wonder how low the quality is there too.

2200 is worse than sora i promise