Not sure about a 100mm fork on the Ogre. Send the Surly folks a note and see what they say. They'll tell you the straight story. My wife rides a Surly Troll, it's a sweet bike. Me a cross check, and I demo'd a black ops pug's recently and I'm about to buy one for the winter. I think for super twisty single track as you describe, it might not be my first choice with the fat tires on it. You work to turn those mothers. The Ogre would be better.

I've already inquired about this matter. Surly will only recommend an 80mm fork if warranty is not to be voided.

- Slim :)

I did not have time to read all the other post.

I would go one of two routes:

1. If you really like one of the bikes on your list over the others, then just buy that one.

2. If there is no clear preference, then make the best use of the employee discount and buy the most high end bike now.

Get the pug with a supplemental pair of 29er wheels.

1. Raleigh Roper. Texas is flat, right?
2. Surly Ogre. It's not bad but I prefer drop bars.

The Roper's only $1400 (and effectively less if you're an REI member) so you'll have some dough leftover for other expenses - hopefully not more family pizza dinners. :)

I understand not wanting to go with a used bike, I'm not huge on buying used stuff either, especially for a bike that I ride every day. But if you want to save some more, and it sounds like you're handy enough with your bikes to finish the assembly of one, there's the option of good ol' bikesdirect:

http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/...ane/outlaw.htm

<$900 for a drop bar disc brake 700c bike, delivered. Tiagra/105 mix. Might be sold out in your size by now though.

All depends on the employee discount you can get though.

? Do you mean to say "the summation of your words is exactly the point."? I think that one flew over me. Try using an upper-cased sigma.

I understand wanting nice, but if it takes having a nice bike to be motivated to ride, then some introspection is appropriate. I ride with folks that mount $6-8K bikes, but I have no less fun on my under $1K bike that is more than adequate and that I can ride and keep up with them on. There are lots of ways to economize and still have a solid bike - but it seems that you are trying to rationalize the expenditure more than anything else. Lots of old farts on this board, so you get old-fart-been-there-have-some-experience answers. You can spend under $1K today and get a full 105 equipped bike, more than solid enough for whatever you need. And if CL doesn't do it for you, Ebay certainly can. You asked, you got the full $0.02.

Nope, my error is the preposition of, which is a typo. What it should have said was "sum up exactly the point."

Riverside eh? I was born in Upland, raised in Chino. Graduated from Chino High School. Long way from home nowadays, but I digress.

I don't live in Oregon. I live in Mexico. Craigslist there is not here, here Craigslist is not there. While there are 1 or 2 bikes of some value, they are not what I seek. I'm not looking for extravagant. I'm also not looking for something that will fall apart and leave me high-and-dry, dead or injured. At 38, I'm smart enough not to get on just anything that rolls and give the thumbs up to the motorboat pulling me down the road. I avoid eBay. Why? Because I have zero experience with it. Will I crapshot $1k on it. No.

I absolutely want the full $0.02. I don't think I've said boo about someone giving me both barrels about the bike selection, or even the finances. I draw the line, however, at saying one thing about my kids. You can understand that, I'm sure.

I would, however, be very interested in these sub $1k full-105 equipped bikes you speak of. Even the $1500-$2500 range seem to have Tektro brakes, or other "shortcuts" to keep the cost down on very stock Taiwanese frames. Can you provide a link?

Go here and scroll until you see the 105 stuff. Some are 105 and Tiagra mix, but others look like maybe full 105. If you really know what you want/desire/fits, then this might be the best option for you in the long run.

Not sure why Tektro brakes should be a deal killer if you're on a budget. Or stock Taiwanese frames for that matter.

Unfortunately, my friends own the local bike shop. Why would I intentionally omit them and send the money to someone in Florida? At least by supporting my LBS they put food on the table. But yeah, I've looked - and then I've asked myself if I can look at the LBS peeps I know in the eyes with any sincerity.

It's actually not. But david58 said "full 105" for under $1k. I'm sincerely interested but I'm doubting its possible.

Santaria, your wife doesn't get the bike thing, because she's too busy worrying about raising your children.

Being a grad student @30 something, with 4 kids...and your entertaining spending that kind of money on a bike?

I have 2 teenagers, and trying to keep groceries in the fridge is exhausting. Strap in my friend, you are in for one hell of a ride. I've kept 2 fed and in sporting goods of their own for football, wrestling, archery, baseball, swimming and yes of course, cycling. Man, I couldn't imagine doing that for four and trying to conjure up 2-3K for a new bike.

About the bike... I would have to agree with Treebound. Find a good CX frame, and build your own bike. You can get the parts you want, probably cheaper (even with your discount) and it'll give you something to tinker with in your spare time ??? Wow, you actually have spare time? When my kids were little, I had to barter time with my wife to get my training time in.

Not trying to be harsh, just realistic.

I think everyone needs to lay off an quit giving life lessons. OP is a grown man. I'm sure he is capable of making adult decisions with his wife. This is a bike forum about bikes, so let's talk about bikes!

Also, bike commuting will probably save money very quickly. That being said, maybe the budget is a little overkill for a 7 mile commute but you never know how far you might want to go. I would suggest looking for something at the 1K price mark like the Salsa Casseroll or Surly CC or KM. With a discount, that should be pretty affordable and would perform just as well as a more expensive bike. Let us know what you end up getting.

Get the Tektro cut corner bike as long as the frame is quality and upgrade later, slowly. Maybe even hound down NOS.

+1 on the Roper...

You are working for a LBS, are you? Why pay a lot for a bike then?!?


Here's what I did. A friend knows a LBS owner. A good one. Experienced. I went to the guy with my friend and said:
"I need a bike to ride 10 - 30 km per day, all year long. I want to lube/adjust/service it just 2 times per year (spring and autumn) and ride it every day. What is the cheapest bike that will do?"

The man built me a bike for some 350 euros. All new parts! It is a hybrid (622x40 tyres). I'm happy, second year on it now. Just added some Schwalbe Marathons and 2nd hand aero bar this autumn.
BTW, shifters are Shimano Acera. The LBS man said they are the cheapest that work well. 8 speed rear, 3 front - Acera. No problems. Since my area is flat (I go to mountains for fun when it is not raining), V-brakes are just fine, good enough.
Roads are awful in my country, but 37-40 mm tyres are the cure. No problems with rims or wheels becoming untrue - so far.

Breakdown:
- aluminium frame - strong, stiff, good welds, heavy, cheap, cheap... :)
- cheap suspended front fork, but amazingly it still works well
- cheap Zoom suspended seatpost and a cheap but quite comfortable seat
- 2 euro metal flat bars with cheap comfy grips
- Shimano brakes and shifters (acera)
- rear wheel was rebuilt by the LBS man with some expensive durable spokes.
- front and rear wheel hubs were some 15 euro quality Shimano that should be waterproof for riding in foul weather
- rear rack, water bottle holder etc were some firm looking aluminium ones - not expensive
- fenders from my old bike, steel ones, 50 years old

The bike is heavy, but durable and works well (so far). It is one that I could afford and works for me. The LBS guy said that adding more money would not make the bike a lot more durable, just lighter (which was irrelevant for me since I always carry some 15 kg of stuff in my backpack).

Yeah I don't think you'll find a complete 105 for < $1k. But a 105 drivetrain, yes. Competitivecyclist.com has BMCs with the newest 105 crankset/derailleurs/shifters/cassette/chain for $999. Including delivery right now too.

Good advice if OP really wants one on the cheap. Although it sounds a bit like he wants a shiny new 2012 model bike.

My son is in a similar position (but no wife) but he has me, a bike guy, for a dad; so he's blessed with 4 bikes to ride. From what I can see his bike of choice follows an order of priority:

1. Sexy Roubaix, w/backpack for stuff.
2. Sexy FG/SS w/backpack for stuff.
3. 29er
4. Old skool FG/SS

A go fast bike seems to be a necessity.

No.
Some areas of Texas are flat.

You nailed him...Good Work.

Ah, thank you for clarifying. I am not in Riverside anymore, alas, nowadays it is a dangerous place to live if you are not in an affluent, white neighborhood.

Some? A quick glance a topo of Texas seems to disagree.

Unwarranted advice; perhaps op's sitrep is different than yours, maybe he has 2-3k to burn off for a bike. Teaching for grad school brings good money for the work involved, which is nearly nil in terms of labor or hours.

Let's revisit the OP's sitrep:

He has no business buying an extravagant bike (let's say anything over $500) before he has enough in savings to support his family for 6 months should they have to go without income for a period of time.

He doesn't state how long ago he sold off his passel of bikes, but it seems kinda recent the way he worded it.

I envision him selling off his $1000-2000 bike for $500-1000 within a year if something crops up. If he gets a $100 bike he'll not be tempted to sell it for quick money and not wind up bikeless again.

He's counting chickens, IMO.