JMargolin

I'm ready for a new commuter bike--one with an internally geared hub so I won't have to replace the freewheel every year. I am leaning toward a 350 dollar (on sale) commuter bike from Nashbar with a CroMoly frame (discussed here: https://www.bikeforums.net/archive/in.../t-783643.html). However, I know someone in my city who is selling the Jamis Commuter 4.0 2008 model for a comparable price (used), that was discussed here: https://www.bikeforums.net/archive/in.../t-651546.html. The main difference is that the Jamis has higher quality components and an aluminum frame. I'm a bit reluctant to go with the aluminum frame due to the stiffer, less comfortable ride. It comes stock with a shock absorbing seat post, but this is not included on the bike that is for sale. Any thoughts about the relative comfort of the two frames? I can't test ride the Nashbar bike for the obvious reason that it is mail-order.
Thanks!

tjspiel

If you're hoping for a consensus on aluminum vs steel in this forum, you'll be disappointed.

My advice would be to try out the Jamis. If you find the ride too harsh then go with the Nashbar. Personally I feel that ride quality has a lot more to do with frame design, tires and such as opposed to frame material. I believe the Jamis does have a chromoly fork in either case.

I've owned a couple of aluminum bikes and several steel ones though I've never owned a bike with a rigid aluminum fork. Frankly, if there's a major difference in ride quality, I haven't noticed.

LesterOfPuppets

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I doubt the Nashbar frame is all that plush. Any road feel differences can probably be adjusted for with tire choice/pressure.

I'm a steel-is-real kinda guy but that Nashbar doesn't get me all that excited.

Lack of Suspension seatpost is a plus in my book.

phughes

It all depends on how the frame is designed. I think the best advice is to find a bike you like and buy it, irrespective of what the frame is made of, unless you have some other compelling reasoning for choosing a frame material.

David Bierbaum

It really comes down to personal preference in the end. I like cro-moly for the simple silly reason that when I flick the tube with my nail, it makes a musical "ting!" sound, while aluminum makes a less melodious "tunk" noise!

Lspade

+2 i have commuted on a fully rigid 26er made of aluminum and another made of chromoly. No difference, the mtb tires make it unnoticeable. I have commuted on an aluminum road bike and a chromoly, both with 23mm tires at 110psi, I could notice a difference but it wasn't enough for me to prefer one over the other. Instead, make your choice based on rust factor. If you live in MN with salty winters use aluminum for example.

2_i 

I hope you are not trolling. Steel vs chromoly frames belongs to the same category of topics as chain lubricants, riding with or without helmets and religion on other lists. Gallons of vitriol are likely to be poured in short order from both preference sides w/o much resolution.

Now personally I belong to the chromoly camp. In part this might be due to the fact that I am light so flexing an alu frame is next to impossible for me and thus I can knock my teeth out on an alu frame. Moreover I like when I can attach things to my frame without worrying about gouging that frame. Finally, I like to be able to modify the frame if I need to, going to a local shop that does braze-ons. As to the specific bikes, I am not sure I'd take either because I further favor a slant top tube, so that I can mount over that tube if I need to, and I favor an abundance of gears.

SlimRider

In terms of durability and longevity, I'd always select chromoly steel.

LesterOfPuppets

I get super picky on road bikes. My Diamondback has the wrong kind of steel. Not nearly as nice riding as my dearly departed Pinarello.

Commodus

You're comparing two inexpensive bicycles. They are both going to 'ride' approximately the same: poorly.

With good steel and good aluminum there are differences. At this price point, it's irrelevant.

JMargolin

Thanks, TJ, and all the rest. The Jamis has an aluminum fork, actually. I will go and try it out, though (although it will be a busy Sunday and the bike will be gone before long). I probably forgot to mention that I have a pretty short winter commute (< 2 miles to the train station), and I am looking for durability and value. I have a Jamis Coda Sport for my longer (22 mi. RT) summer commute, and that frame is delightful.

cyccommute 

I wouldn't put the Jamis in the category of an inexpensive bike. The Nashbar, yes. But the Jamis was an $800 bike which puts it in a different level than the Nashbar.

canyoneagle

+1 The Jamis is a definite step up. If you can test ride it, do so - request a rigid seatpost and possibly a proper saddle for your sit bones, and see how you like it.
That spring saddle AND a shock seatpost is ridiculous. the rest of the bike looks great. It would make a fantastic commuter IMO. I can't tell from the photo, but if the bike has a way to adjust chain tension (horizontal or sliding rear dropouts, or an eccentric bottom bracket), I'd dispense with the front derailleur, rear tensioner and one of the chain rings, and go with a straight 8-speed setup.

The most important thing is the fit. If the bike does not fit you, move on.

On the steel vs aluminum thing, the only thing I'll say is that it depends. Search the forums and you'll find endless threads with highly emotional content and some scientific and practical stuff too. The easy answer IMO really is "it depends". I've ridden harsh steel bikes and smooth aluminum bikes - there is alot more to it than a simple material choice.

hubcap

I have that Nashbar bike. I currently use it for the 10mi rt portion of my daily commute. It is a smoking deal for what you get. The ride is smooth and plush and I imagine the Jamis is similar. What I don't care for about the Jamis is that they couple a chain tensioner with the alfine IGH since they are using a double up front. Do you need that many gears? I don't and I definitely don't want the added complexity on a bike I specifically got to limit its maintenance needs, especially in the snowy slushy winter. Do you need the disc brakes on the Jamis?

I have nothing against aluminum frames and would still have purchased the Nashbar if the frame was not steel. I got the bike with a discount coupon for around $270 shipped (IIRC). I doubt you can find a nexus red band IGH equipped bike elsewhere close to that price. If your big hang up with this is frame material, I can't imagine the ride being much different between the two bikes assuming similarly equipped tires.

fietsbob

You make an aluminum frame reliable by making it stiff.

Though Trek's Aluminum Domane road Frame, has an interesting approach
the seat tube passes between the chainstays, at the top, and is held there in the position
by elastomers. so has a whole length to where the tube joins the BB..
moving a little Bit.. to soften up the saddle connection.

we shall see how longevity sorts out.

pallen

Which is better, Democrats or Republicans?

JanMM

Can't Believe It's Not Butter or Smart Balance???
Which is correct to use?

acidfast7

I like Aluminum 7005 because it's lower maintenance. It may oxidize but shouldn't rust through.

I'd be inclined to clean a DIN 25CrMo4 frame (SAE 4130) because it could start to rust after a wet ride.

Therefore, I usually buy Alu 7005 because I'd spend the time riding the bike, rather than cleaning it.

acidfast7

Two parties only

The Pirate Party is the only way to travel!

Plecks

They're both terrible. Use real butter.

JMargolin

Thanks, hubcap! My latest brainstorm is to take my Jamis Coda Sport and retrofit it with an IGH and sweep handlebars. However, by the time I've done that, I don't know how much money I'll have saved. BTW, 270 for the Nashbar is a great deal. Where do you get such a coupon? It is currently at 350.

jon c. 

Real butter is indeed the only acceptable answer.

LesterOfPuppets

Real butter for sure. Sometimes I even splurge and get some Russian butter. Higher fat content makes it oh so yummy.

SlimRider

Betcha it doesn't taste as good as CHROMOLY!

fietsbob

I vote for Bacon !