Salsa Vaya 2 or 3?
 

I’m just getting into riding. I’m currently riding a Townie 7D, and I’ve come to conclusion that it’s not really built for the distance that I’m riding; and I’d like to move a little faster.

I want a solid bike at a reasonable price. I’m looking for something that will suit me now, and something that I can continue to grow into as my skills improve.

That said, with a little research I’m currently eyeing the Sala Vaya. I was settled on the Vaya 3, but my LBS informed me that the Vaya 2 is a ‘substantial’ upgrade over the 3. He let me know that the drive train, and the wheels are much ‘better’ on the 2. However, I don’t really want to spend that much on a bike just yet.

At this point I’m a little worried that I’m going to get the 3 and it’s going to fall apart or something. I want to buy a bike that’s going to last me a while. So is the difference that substantial? Is the 3 not going to perform due to these components? Are they going to wear out quickly? I want to make sure I'm not throwing my money away.

I know you probably see a lot of these threads, so I appreciate any responses. This is a huge deal to me.

The components are better quality, but there is nothing wrong with the components that come on the 3. They certainly aren't going to fall apart on you anytime in the next few years. The 3 has Sora level components and I've had a touring bike with it that had countless miles on it and was a good 15 years old and functioned flawlessly.

I don't see any problems with the 3 model.

I'd buy the 3 - I like the green colour :)

I wish I could remember all the details but I did read that someone asked customers over several years their experiences with Shimano Alivio and Deore (probably equivalent to Sora and Tiagra). Deore apparently runs smoother when pedaling fast and does not need to be adjusted as often as Alivio. And the long distance cyclists on this site insist Deore LX (probably 105 equivalent) will last longer than Deore.

That being said, I don't doubt Salsa sells good bicycles but my own personal choice might be a bike like the Trek CrossRip with the Shimano Claris groupset and buy 8-speed Shimano Ultegra bar-end shifters from Chainreactioncycles.

I really appreciate everyone's input.

@hybridbkrdr

I'll have to take a look at the CrossRip!