Need help choosing a ride
 

Hello,

I really want to start riding to work this summer. My current mtn bike is too mechanically problematic and I don't like the rolling resistance on the road, so I am going to buy a new ride.

My commute is 14 miles according to Google maps. I live in North Idaho, and the vast majority of what I'll be riding on is paved but not great quality asphalt. A lot of the time there is quite a bit of gravel/debris on the side of the road. This bike would also need to double for recreation and I'd like to be able to hit some dirt roads around my area too, so I am thinking of a cyclocross (or road and putting CX tires on) bike as good balance. I am not looking at getting into competitive cycling.

So I guess the primary criteria that I so far know are:

Primary use: Commuting/Recreation with the goal of fitness
Roads: Lesser-quality asphalt and some gravel
Weight: Could care less (I am a husky dude, won't be doing too many hills anyways)
Material: Steel for durability?
Do I want speed? YES (ugly hybrids are out of the question!)
Gears: at least 10 (no single speed)
Bars: drop
Petals: toe clips?
Budget: preferably <$1200 but the lower the better.
Maintenance needs to be relatively simple.

Please critique my thoughts. Am I being unrealistic here? Thanks for any help!
-Ethan

This just might fill your prescription:

The Nashbar Steel Cyclocross bike ~ $750
www.nashbar.com/bikes/Product_10053_10052_526536_-1_202339

Good Luck!

- Slim :)

PS.

You're just the most perfect thinker...

I had never heard of that bike before, I will look into it! Thanks so much :)

Surly Crosscheck $1150

If you have a local bike shop, see what they offer. Some still have some leftovers from last year they are trying to clear out.

The Surly Cross Check looks awesome, and I'll definitely be visiting my shop soon. Now that I have an idea of what to look for, I feel more confident about buying. Thanks guys!

Now if the roads are lees then perfect, then I go with a 36 spock wheel and a good size tire. Not a 22 mm or 25. more like a 35mm. Now you said that you want a bike for competitive cycling. Is that road or dirt? let us know.

something like this will do for your commute: http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/...m_cross_xi.htm

A Cyclocross bike would meet your requirements. Since the road condition is crappy, you'll want fatter tires that run at lower pressure for a smoother ride. What is your budget? A CX bike at your LBS is probably going to have a price tag of $1200 minimum from what I've seen when I was shopping around for a winter bike. The Nashbar bike looks like a reasonable choice: 32 spoke wheels 30mm wide tires and it has 105 components for $750. Unfortunately, sizing and fit are not guaranteed. I don't know how much it would cost to return for a different size. The BD bike looks like a clone of the Nashbar bike. You might be happier with 32mm width tires. I think 28mm might be narrow for crappy roads. You don't mention if want fender or pannier mounts for wet weather.

PAKE

http://www.pakebikes.com/product/F8EF09/C%27Mute+Frame

yeah.
 

YES. I just bought my pride and joy - a 2011 Kona Jake for $900 at my LBS. It was the very last one they had! Fits all my needs and I love the simple cantilever brakes. Can't wait to ride it to work this week!

Thanks guys!

Nice Choice....Congrats! :thumb: