Hi everyone,

I've been commuting over a year on my $200 Schwinn hybrid from target. I'm looking to graduate to something with a little more zip (and quality). I've been intrigued by the raleigh roper and the RX 2.0 cyclocross bikes. Both seem like they could be easily retrofitted with a rack and fenders, but still get me to work and home more quickly (30 miles round trip). I don't have a clue about components and specs so would be curious to hear some opinions on the 2 or some other recommendations in this price range $1000 - $1400.

https://www.rei.com/product/848613/ra...x-20-bike-2013

https://www.rei.com/product/848615/ra...oper-bike-2013

They're both fine bikes and the disc brakes are a nice choice for commuting. REI is having an attractive sale. Have you considered the surly cross check which is going for under $1k? Not as fancy as the 2 bikes linked to, but a very solid choice that would make a fine commuter/all round bike.

Thanks (and yes the REI sale is my impetus for making a move ASAP!) I hear a lot of people talk about the Surly on here. Do you have a good sense for what the tradeoffs are amongst the 3?

I was just at REI last Monday and I saw the Roper in person. The bike is impressively nice. I'd pick that over the Surly CC, just because the CC does not come with disc brakes, not even mounts for disc brakes.

The RX is nice too, but it is alluminum and with BB30 (I'm not a fan).

If it's mainly a commuter, I'd go with the roper. It has a better eyelet configuration for fenders and a rack on the rear, and a chainstay disc brake mount vs seatstay. Might also have more clearance for wider tires and fenders, hard to tell, but that's my guess based on the forks.

The Marin Lombard is a good choice too.

https://www.rei.com/product/845695/ma...bard-bike-2013

It has triple rings at the front. Good to have if you plan on touring with it.

I think the RX is focused a little more towards those that will actually race CX with it, while the Roper probably appeals more to the commuter crowd. If the extra cost isn't a problem, I would pick the Roper over the Surly CC since the Roper is spec'd better and it's less ubiquitous.

This thing is heavy and for a commute in philly, I doubt the OP will need three front rings... My vote is for the Roper as an AL bike for commuting does not sound like a good idea to me, unless you plan on getting serious about racing in the fall/ winter.

Thanks for the insights everyone. I put in my order for the Roper today. I'll try to remember to share my impressions once I've logged some miles.

Good choice! I was admiring the Roper the other day in REI and one of the bike mechanics started telling me about how it was his favorite bike in stock. Don't know if he was trying to wrangle up a sale, but I definitely agree with his assessment. Seemed like a tough and versatile bike.