WestPablo

Oops! Perhaps you're right. Might just be my darned paranoia kickin' up again!

Sorry Al!

DiabloScott

This one's about $1200 - any local shop should be able to order you one and build it up for you.



Comes in 58 and 60cm versions for tall guys.
2014 Vaya 3 | Bikes | Salsa Cycles

kextyn

I've considered this one and its high on my list. I want something that will be fun and fast on the road when I'm not commuting as well. How nimble would it be compared to the crossrip?

DiabloScott

They're both pretty long bikes so the handling won't be zippy. Salsa wheelbase and chainstays are a little longer, but the biggest difference in feel would be aluminum Trek vs steel Salsa.

Also the Salsa is a triple and the Trek is a compact.

WestPablo

I always thought that bike cost somewhere around $1500.

Only you can tell how nimble it feels compared to the Crossrip during the test ride...

kextyn

The Vaya 3? The MSRP is up there but I don't know what they're actually selling for. Doesn't look like there's any in stock around here so I probably wouldn't be able to get much off the MSRP on a special order.

alan s 

May want to look at Save Up To 60% Off Road Bikes, Bicycles, Mountain Bikes and Bicycles with Bikesdirect.com, New with full warrantiesif you are handy with a wrench and don't mind buying online. Seems like they are frequently out of stock on more popular bikes and sizes, though.

openaff

It might cut close or slightly exceed your $1200 budget, but I recently got a Specialized Tricross Sport Disc 58cm for my commute. The local shop didn't have it either, but they deal with specialized so I was able to order it in and pick it up. I used to ride a Trek road bike with ultegra components for commuting that was a real treat to ride, but I had to replace it due to damage from a bad case of road debris. I also test rode a cannondale roadie with disc brakes and it felt like I was riding on a twig, real light, but no substance.

I'm 6'1 and got fitted to the 58cm by a certified fitter at my local shop, and I really enjoy the ride so far. The Sora components aren't as smooth as my old bike's ultegras as expected, but the ride as a whole is very smooth. Overall, with all the mounts and the quality of the ride, I am pleased with it. I also posted on fitting the SKS Longboards to it a little bit ago because the front fork mounts were a little different. Here: https://www.bikeforums.net/commuting/...sc-brakes.html

If you're going to be using a rack, I also fitted an Axiom Streamliner (disc variant) to the Tricross with ortlieb bags, and I am very happy with it as well. I have the black and red Tricross, and I think it looks very nice together.

Because of your height and inseam, though I am no fitter, I'd bet you'd be right with a 61cm frame, but I would check anyway if you have any fitters available.

I hope you find what you're looking for.

fietsbob

other than the imports.. how about custom. say One of Brent Steelman's handmades Steelman Cycles

just say what you want.


OP Said the Nearest LBS carries Red Line .. they have options ..

Fact: what brands the LBS does not carry is really hard to test ride.

downwinded

What's not to like about the crossrip elite? The carbon fork is really nice. Disc brakes are not a bad thing for a commuter. If you like it, seems a shame NOT to buy it because it is a Trek... If the dealer is ok to work with, it should make a really nice bike. I was going to get the elite but the LBS shot me a price on the LTD I couldn't refuse. A little less than 500 miles and still happy. There have been a couple of adjustments going from a hybrid to a drop bar bike that they guys at the LBS have helped me with and THAT is why I am glad I purchased locally. I can stop in and chat, gain some info and you don't get that everywhere.
There are other good suggestions here. Ride em all and talk to the dealers. You'll get a warm fuzzy feeling at some point.

kextyn

Downwinded: I think I am going to end up with the crossrip elite unless the Cannondale dealer can give me a good deal on something. I'll be heading over there today. If I do get the crossrip I'm not sure if I should go with the trek concept store in town or a small shop which is a little closer. It will depend on price I guess. The big trek store just feels too corporate and I the guys at the smaller shop seemed a lot friendlier.

Fietsbob: there is a giant/redline store very close to home but they don't carry any CX bikes. When I inquired about the price on anything they would order the employee stated it would be MSRP because "they have to". That didn't seem quite right considering the marked down prices I've been seeing.

downwinded

Good luck! And don't forget to post pics!!!

WestPablo

Hey there, Kextyn!

Stop the press! Stop the press!

Don't pull the trigger on anything until you've checked out the Diamondback Steilacoom. It would appear that at similar prices, the components on the Steilacoom by far beat the Crossrip!

Just check their base model on their website...

tarwheel 

For a budget price, the Nashbar CX bike is hard to beat as it comes equipped with Shimano 105 components. They often put their bikes on sale as well. For a little more money, get your bike shop to build up a Soma Doublecross, Saga or ES, Surly Crosscheck, All City Macho Man or Nature Boy. Salsa Vaya another great option and would probably be my pick or the Soma Saga, as both could be used for touring as well. I've got two cross bikes, a Gunnar Crosshairs and Ritchey Breakaway Cross, but they would cost more than any of the above. I bought both the Gunnar and Ritchey used for a fraction of retail cost.

agmetal

I haven't seen any mention of the Bianchi Volpe - I got mine just under a year ago, have something like 4500 miles on it, and love it.

tarwheel 

The Volpe is another great option. Very solid bike for a good price.

agmetal

I have mine set up like this (saddle raised slightly since this was taken) EDIT: I've also since switched back from my Nokian W106 studded tires, to my WTB All Terrain tires

jaxgtr

I just ordered a CrossRip Comp to replace my Trek 7300 as it was not cutting it for me any longer. It was just becoming painful for me to ride, so I am going to transfer the Ultegra drive train from my steel frame which I dont ride anymore. All 4 models have the same frame, with the comp as the initial version with the Disc which is what I wanted. I also liked some of the features like the internal cable routing and the BB5 brakes will be fine in the flat lands of Florida. So while it was a little pricey for just a frame an some so-so wheels....I'm still excitedly waiting for it to arrive so I can get to work transferring parts and take it for a spin. I figure it will pay for itself within 12 months by the amount of gas I save driving to work. So it's a win-win.