putupwet

The Jamis Coda Elite seems to do it for me, but I thought I'd ask around to see if I've missed anything comparable that I should maybe check out before going for it.

desired qualities:

• stout, good quality, long-lived, hybrid commuter
• steel frame, carbon fork, attach points for fenders, pannier racks, etc
• flat handlebar for upright riding position
• hydraulic disc brakes
• granny gear - triple crankset, at least 32T on cassette
• not nearly as dorky as my Schwinn Sierra GS

other bikes i've ogled, roughly ordered by their desirability to me:

• Specialized Sirrus Elite Disc (test rode this one, nice bike)
• Kona DR DEW
• Trek 7.4 FX Disc
• Dahon Formula S18 (out of spec, but I really like this bike for some reason)
• REI Novara Gotham
• Fuji Absolute 1.1D
• Cannondale Bad Boy Commuter

thanks,
tim

putupwet

I either exhausted the comparables or didn't form the question very well. Thanks for having a look. Now to figure out how to test ride one... it seems they're a special order and no longer available from my LBS. Maybe test riding one of the other Codas will help me get a feel for the fit.

gregjones

Actually, I think that you've done everything except to pick one.

Anything off your list would serve you well.

I do like the Specialized.

fietsbob

Taiwan grinds out a lot of other peoples brands ,

Just look for the component pick you like in a size that is right, and the brand is secondary .

if all the components out of the carton aree not exactly what you want
the Dealer can change them and you pay the difference.

dynaryder

Ride as many as you can,and pick the one that fits you best and whose ride(comfort and handling) you like the best.

koolerb

I got my wife a Coda and its a really nice bike. One thing I noticed after the fact is that the chainstays and seatstays are narrow. So if you think you may want fatter tires at some point you may want to look at one of the others. The other bike we looked at was the Dew. I thought that was a really nice, good value, bike as well.

putupwet

Hi gregjones - I liked my brief time ripping around downtown Oly and up into Port of Olympia, on the Specialized, too. I felt a little stretched out on it, and it did seem to transmit a lot of surface roughness my way. Are there specific things you like about it that I could take into consideration?

putupwet

fletsbob - I've noticed that you consistently offer excellent advice in these matters, which I translate (in a positive, shiny fashion) as, "Oh, jeebus, just shut up get a bike already." For my pre-purchase, pre-conceived ideas of what I want out of my next bike, and taking into account the component and characteristics pick, the Jamis appears to do it for me. I'd just like to pick up my new bike at the LBS with a minimum of customization and fussing about. Again, you make a good point, and I sense that the spirit will move me soon. When I swipe that card, I'll imagine that I'm making you proud!

tim

putupwet

koolerb - good info. I appreciate you sharing this with me. I'm probably good with not going to fatter tires on the commuter. gracias!

tim

WestPablo

You can't beat the Elite!

gglovebeiye

agree,Just look for the component pick you like in a size that is right, and the brand is secondary.

putupwet

Hi WestPablo - do you have one? anything you really love or really hate about it?

thx,
tim

WestPablo

I don't own an Elite, but I did test ride one when looking for a new bike back in 2011. I wound up getting a road bike, but I still remember the smooth and fast ride of the Elite.

I am now the proud owner of a Raleigh Record Ace!