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What Is The Least Expensive "Bike Shop" Bike With Drop Bars, Cantilever/Disc Brakes?

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What Is The Least Expensive "Bike Shop" Bike With Drop Bars, Cantilever/Disc Brakes?

Old 03-31-12, 03:21 PM
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What Is The Least Expensive "Bike Shop" Bike With Drop Bars, Cantilever/Disc Brakes?

I just sold a bike this week, which was the second one this year. I'm also working on selling one more in the next week or so. The money I got out of those went into the savings account as it has been slow at work this year and I'm building the 'rainy day' fund.

However, I have three Visa gift cards that at this time total $900 and it seems like a shame to save them for something I need since I don't really get to spend money on hobbies like I used to. I really like the Salsa Vaya, but it runs about $1,400 for the Vaya 3. I've ridden the Salsa Casseroll and it was also really nice. It runs about $1,200 and I might be able to shave a little bit off of that since the one I rode is a 2011 model. I have kind of got to the point where I like disc brakes, but I could probably live with cantis.

Are there any "bike shop" brands that come in less than that? I don't want to consider a bike that I can't test ride, so, places like Bikesdirect are not an option for me.

I need the bike to have braze-ons for fenders and racks, too.

So, any viable candidates?
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Old 03-31-12, 04:10 PM
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The Kona Sutra meets all you requirements except price.
Actually, I might jump on one for my next Xtracycle build. Unless, I score a Dig Dummy by the time I need a new bike.

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Old 03-31-12, 04:54 PM
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Something like this:

https://www.cycle-solutions.com//2011-CCX-3-P4551.aspx

Or

https://www.cycle-solutions.com//2012-CCX-3-P5186.aspx

Or

https://www.cycle-solutions.com//2011-Jake-P4274.aspx

Perhaps?

Jim
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Old 03-31-12, 05:45 PM
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I don't know the difference between cantis and calipers, but KHS has drop bars starting at ~$509 (KHS Flite 150), but it looks like it lacks the braze ons. For ~$800, you can get a Redline Metro Sport, which has drops and discs. And if you can live without the discs, the Torker Interurban might be a good choice- if you can find one.
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Old 03-31-12, 06:04 PM
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You may be able to get a better bike at BD for same money even if you had to return it for a different size. But I hear you about the wanting to try the bike. The bike you are describing says CX to me, and those are pretty pricey. Giant brand bikes seem to have a lower $$$ for similar bikes. The https://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-us/....2/9022/48878/ TCX has an $1100 price tag for Tiagra/Sora components. Perhaps you could find an '11 model. You could do much better at BD :-)
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Old 03-31-12, 07:01 PM
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https://www.specialized.com/us/en/bc/...name=Multi+Use

The base model Specialized Tricross might fit your needs. imo, the components are a bit too cheap, but you can always upgrade in a couple months if you want. Honestly, if you increase your budget just a bit, you can get much better componentry. If you aren't stuck on drop bars, there are a lot of decent hybrids that'd allow you to buy some accessories. And you can always get trekking bars or something if you want more hand positions.
At your budget, you're much better off getting something off of BikesDirect or checking out Craigslist. If I were you, I'd get on Craigslist now. It'll allow you a lot more budgetary flexibility, and you can sometimes pretty high quality vintage bikes for decent prices, and because you're a commuter, a lot of the older bikes may have friction shifting, which can be more practical for commuting.
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Old 03-31-12, 09:22 PM
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PAKE and SOMA is in my town...
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Old 03-31-12, 09:36 PM
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If you want disc brakes I think the Redline Metro Classic https://www.redlinebicycles.com/bikes...-metro-classic or the Jamis Bosanova https://www.jamisbikes.com/usa/thebik..._bosanova.html are the best deals. The Redline is about $1100.
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Old 04-01-12, 01:22 PM
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The Jamis Bosanova looked good except for the carbon fork. Just my preference. I guess I'm still leaning towards the Vaya or Casseroll. I like the steel frame/fork on both of them. I have always preferred steel, but have been riding aluminum for a while.

Craigslist isn't a viable option where I live. I have watched it for a long time and there is nothing there except $200 Schwinn Continentals and stuff along those lines. If there was a nice bike, some hipster has stripped it and turned into a fixie thinking that raises the value of it.
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Old 04-01-12, 06:39 PM
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The new Jamis Aurora looks really nice at my LBS: https://www.jamisbikes.com/usa/thebik...12_aurora.html

The shop sells it for about $830.
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Old 04-02-12, 06:22 PM
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Check out a Torker Interurban - about $650 & basic components.
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Old 04-02-12, 06:39 PM
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I have been looking for a bike similar to what you are describing.

Jamis and Raleigh seem to be making bikes in the genre you are looking for (sportive, randonneur, sport touring, fast touring, touring).

The Jamis Aurora is a nice bike with longer chainstays
The Jamis Satellite is a nice road bike with braze-ons for rear racks and fender (certainly sub $1000)
The Raleigh Port Townsend is nice if you want fenders and bar-ends
The Raleigh Clubman is nice if you want fenders and STI - I really, really like the Clubman but wish it were a little better steel (531 or 753)
The Raleigh Sojourn is nice if you want fatter tires, three bottle mounts, front and rear braze-ons. The Sojourns can be hard to find though but I am hoping to score one this year for a buck less than a grand.
You might also want to look at the Soma Saga

Good luck and happy shopping
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Old 04-02-12, 07:21 PM
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REI Novara bikes are a good value. Right now is the member sale. If you are a member you get 20% off one item. Usually it is allowed on Novara bikes, but not any other brands.
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Old 04-03-12, 10:49 AM
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Originally Posted by divtag
REI Novara bikes are a good value. Right now is the member sale. If you are a member you get 20% off one item. Usually it is allowed on Novara bikes, but not any other brands.
You can get your membership at the same time you get a Novara bike and therefore be eligible to use the 20% off coupon. Including the one time membership fee, a Novara Randonee (closest bike to the Vaya and Casseroll) would then come in under $1000.

https://www.rei.com/product/816068/no...onee-bike-2012
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Old 04-03-12, 03:58 PM
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You mentioned you didn't care for the carbon fork, but I just picked up a Jamis Nova Race that I really like. does have brazons, but stock tires are a bit close to the the frame for a lot of fenders.

https://www.jamisbikes.com/usa/thebik..._novarace.html

Also test rode a Charge Filter Hi at performance bike that seems to fit your stated specifications.

https://www.performancebike.com/bikes..._1108553_-1___

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Old 04-03-12, 04:41 PM
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2011 Fuji Cross 3.0 on sale for $800 right now @ Performance. Swapped the CX tires for slicks (700 x 35) and added fenders, rack and lighting.
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Old 04-03-12, 04:43 PM
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Depends on what brands are stocked in that bike shop. they all have a range of price-points.
Many are different contracts with the same manufacturing sub-Contract corporation.

Drop by your nearest LBS and ask..
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