I'm posting this in the commuting forum since people here come from all different walks of life (folding, mtb, road, touring).

Right now I have a Novara Forza (recreational MTB parts, hybrid) and a Mercier mini velo from bikes direct. I'm going to be giving away my hybrid to my brother, most likely, and so I'm currently looking at new bikes.

My budget is $1500-$1800. I went shopping for about 6 hours yesterday and test road about 4-5 bikes. Of those I liked the Kona Sutra and the Salsa Vaya 2. I really, really liked the Vaya 2. Unfortunately, the Trek store didn't have the 520 and there aren't very many options for CX at the stores I went to. I'm planning on trying the Surly LHT sometime next week, but the components seem rather cheap and I'm not going to be doing touring with 50+ lbs, at least anytime soon.

Here's "my story:"

1. I have a bad back (herniated disc) so I'm not really into super aggressive road bikes. I want something decently fast so that I can maintain speed with my friends on our weekend rides. With time I'll become a stronger rider as well.
2. I really like steel bikes, but am open to alloy. I'd prefer not to get a bike with a carbon fork since you usually sacrifice other things for that in my price range (if you can suggest something I'd definitely be interested).
3. I do commute to work nearly every day and plan to do so in the winter (RT is only 3 miles)]
4. I like disc brakes and definitely want them. BB7s are awesome!
5. I may get into CX racing, so a CX bike is an option as well
6. I may get into light (CC) touring
7. I know I do want to do century rides next year (see #1: my bad back) so a wide range of gears is a necessity
8. I like compact cranksets, but that's not a necessity

I've been working with my LBS to help customize a bike and get a quote; retail shops don't want to work with you when you wish to swap out components, for the most part. I don't mind getting something and upgrading components, but buying OEM is always nice since that's the best deal you can get.

Did I miss any other bikes (touring, road or CX)? I'm willing to take my time and when I'm on travel soon I may be trying bikes on the road.

A Recumbent will offer back support. Some, like HP velotechnic, offers a dual suspension
SWB bike that can be ordered as a disc brake Build.


In the Race style Cross , Felt ad Redline are companies to look into.

tire swap for road riding.. Panasonic Jack Brown are a nice 32 wide tire.. light and supple..

For the Upright position , a stem and Bars swap to something Upright,
and set aside the Cross Race bars and such
till better back strength. returns ..

Given The Racing is quite the intensive 45 minute workout,
The Herniated disk may make you more of a spectator
as the fit riders go a lap or 2 up on you..

so maybe a direct trip to the Beer Tent
with a cup of Pomme Frites. will be a more reasonable goal..

thats where I'd Be.
not true here , during the Wet season there is still a need to keep
the doors open and the lights on, so any Bike project is welcome.

but maybe the Nuclear bomb scientists and snow avoiders,
make a different business climate in ABQ NM.

You could start with a frame and build it out with a parts package. The same shop selling the Salsa may be able to get it as a frame, with a discounted group package more to your spec. A Surly LHT disc, same thing -- you could have a shop build out the frame; same distributor they order the frame from has group package deals which allow for some reasonable customization. The Disc Trucker complete is $1400 msrp, which gives you $100-400 budget for upgrades and add-ons -- the only thing it doesn't have which you're looking for is a compact crank.

Soma also has a CX bike, disc compatible, which should build out to not much more than the other bike's you're looking at.

If you're talking to a shop about a bike purchase, they should be willing to work with you on upgrades, like discount + free install on upgrade parts, or instead of discounting new parts, shop cost for take-off parts in trade against the upgrades.

I'd get a surly ogre frame and build it out the way you want..a drop bar version even. It's super versatile and if I didn't already have more bikes than I need, I would get it for myself.This way I can live vicariously through your purchase and obligatory follow-up pics.

Is there any reason you aren't just jumping on the Vaya? It sounds like exactly what you want. If you're just looking for similar options with minor variation, how about the Kona Rove?

If your budget can be extended, the Cannondale CaadX Disc Ultegra also looks very nice.

I'm 5'6" and they only had a 52cm and 56cm. At 52cm it has 26" wheels and at 54+ it has 700c. I would definitely want 700c wheels and at some point I'd like to get some really nice wheels and hubs, but keep the bike.

The Vaya has SRAM Apex components. They seem great for this application, but since I'm going to keep this for a while I'm not sure if I want 105 (or equivalents like say, Force).

Edit: I'm also looking at bar end shifters since it seems like they are very reliable and not that much of a "bother."

Since you list touring.. Bruce Gordon.. a benefit is his racks come in the deal..
got my set in 84, still going strong..

Since you're thinking bar end shifters, the Vaya3 may be perfect for you. Same great feel as the Vaya2, but with a triple and barcons. And they are VERY nice barcons.

There's a lot to be said in favor of 26" wheels for someone your height. Granted, it limits your tire and wheel options a bit, but it fixes some problems related to fit and geometry.

Of course, you should obviously get what you want. The Rove might be just the ticket.

A lot of people think Apex is as good as 105. Personally, I prefer Shimano to SRAM, but I find the new Tiagra makes me as happy as the old 105.

Tout Terrain The City ... much better than the bikes you tested.

CrMo
Brifters
Alfine 8 or Rolhoff
Hydraulic discs
Integrated rear rack built into the chassis
700c wheels

Would like a new commuter, may have to wait until next year. Locally, I've been looking at the Vaya, Surly LHT disc, Redline Metro and a Jamis Bosanova. All bikes have disc brakes.

If the Bosanova had Avid BB7's, it would be perfect. I remember reading that choosing a bike should be based on frame first and components and wheels next. With this is mind, I guess it's a toss up between the Bosanova and the Vaya.

https://www.myjamis.com/SSP%20Applica...cat_grp=road_9

Good luck with whatever you decide.

Decently fast means highish pressure in the tyres - which means your back getting a bit of a battering (horrible on aluminium bikes, would lessened by a carbon frame)
It's a mountain bike thing - but a Thudbuster seatpost can ease things up a lot. I have LT models on a couple of bikes, they do look a bit wack on a road bike. I would consider an ST for your purposes.

Just something to throw into the mix.

With that budget, I think you should get two bikes. Spend 2/3 on one and 1/3 on the other.