domnit

I'm looking for a bike that's spry enough, quick and comfortable for the occasional century, and can carry a bit. Capable for overnight camping, but sportier than a fully loaded touring bike. Something in the realm of all-rounder/rando/gravel/cross/sport-tour.

The Rivendell "country bikes" seem to fit the bill, but I wonder if they're overbuilt for me - 5'11" 145 lb. Sam Hillborne in my size has a double top tube. What about A. Homer Hilsen - does it have a sportier ride?

Gunnar Crosshairs is ostensibly a cross bike, but it seems to be a tough road bike with good tire clearance and a low BB. It has relatively steep angles, and I heard they can be a bit long. Is it too aggressive for casual long rides and light touring?

What else should I be considering? All City Space Horse looks good and would save me a few bucks. Where does it lie on the sporty-toury spectrum?

Randonneuring frame? I tried a low trail bike for the first time recently and it felt a bit off.

bikemig 

The gunnar crosshairs would be near the top of my list for a fast roadbike which is also an all rounder. I have a soma doublecross and I like it a lot.

Campag4life

To me, you described an Al and not a steel bike.
I just bought such a bike...Specialized Secteur...for same purpose...fast but capable of light touring...will fit up to 28c tires...eyelets to mount racks front and back. Unless doing very heavy touring, I personally wouldn't go steel. New Aluminum bike have an advantage over steel because tube geometry can be hydroformed to create differential stiffness unlike steel. Shape of Aluminum bikes can closely replicate carbon in fact. Tube shape is as important as material.

Exact bike I ordered...what I consider a great value i.e. cost/benefit for the type of riding you describe:
https://www.specialized.com/us/en/bik...ss-and-reviews

Sy Reene

Maybe one of the Surly bikes (Pacer, Straggler, Crosscheck)?
Bikes | Surly Bikes

emveezee

Meh. For the stated purpose (or any purpose really), I'd take the Crosshairs over any aluminum frame. Quality musa steel > space-age manipulated aluminum.

CafeVelo

Modern steel or retrogrouch steel. That's really the crux of your argument. I'm looking for something similar, I have a salsa casseroll (perfect for this application) and want another one built with cheap/parts bin components for dedicated off-road and winter use. My salsa is my commuter as well, so it would be nice to not have to wash it before going somewhere, and to be able to build it in more of a utility direction rather than have it as an all-rounder. My list right now is a cross check or a double cross. New Albion Privateer is on the list as well based on price, and the fact it has tange infinity tubing at its price, but it's kind of relaxed geometry and there's little written about it. I also looked at the space horse but its nearly too nice to use for mud and snow.

Campag4life

That's why its almost impossible to buy a steel frame in Europe...lol.

shelbyfv

Gunnar Sport might be a choice if 32mm tires would be enough.

Chris Pringle

The Rodriguez Adventure seems to fit the bill. It will work for touring, gravel riding and randonneuring. It will allow up to 35mm tires with fenders. I would suggest getting it with two forks to really add versatility -- the steel fork for touring and other heavy-duty purposes and a carbon fork for randonneuring and other more spirited rides.

I wanted something along the same lines, but with the ability to fit much wider tires for touring off-road internationally, so I went with their 26"-wheeled UTB model. I recently completed the entire Super Randonneur series and will complete the Paris-Brest-Paris later this year with my UTB. Excellent bike!

We have two bikes (incl. my UTB) specced with mid-trail forks (~55mm) and love the way they feel as far as handling. They feel very well balanced! The guys at R+E Cycles (AKA Rodriguez) are super flexible in working with you on these kind of details.

wvridgerider

My buddy has a Rivendale Hillborne and really like it. I have the Crosshairs and I enjoy the ride of the bike. I too wanted something that I could ride with wider tires and this is my third cyclocross bike in 14 years. I went with the Gunnar steel fork cause I like the looks and it is painted to match the bike. The bike was painted dark blue pearl. I will buy another Gunnar in the near future, a Rock Hound to replace my Karate Monkey.

domnit

Thanks for all the feedback so far.

I like the idea of 38+ tire clearance - will probably try out Barlow Pass tires. I'm currently riding a heavy frankenbike Centurion, 32mm Marathon Plus without fender clearance, and great handling. It mostly stays on-road, but gets on gravel and even singletrack once in a while.

wvridgerider - nice setup! I was concerned about being in a too stretched out aggressive position on the Crosshairs, but I guess if I get the bars as high as yours it will have easy reach. Does the relatively steep seat tube (compared to a Riv or touring bike) make it feel aggressive even with the high bars? How much can you comfortably carry?

I've tried a couple Rivendells (no drop bars and no real climbing/descending). The feel was great - I didn't have to think about going straight, and it went where I wanted when I did try to steer. Is the Gunnar similar or a little twitchier?

The Rodriguez is a fully loaded touring bike, right? I asked for something sportier, but you may be reading between the lines and seeing that I really want a touring bike

If I go the more budget route, I think the All City closer to what I'm looking for than the Surlys but I haven't ridden either one. Soma Double Cross or Grand Randonneur are interesting, but I'd probably just go for the Gunnar over those.

wvridgerider

The tall steerer works good for me, I did a descent at 47MPH a couple of weeks ago and the bike was super stable. I run that bigger bag in the fall/winter or if it gets cold to put my jacket and such in. I test rode a Sport in a 58 but decided on the Crosshairs because it would fit a 35.

Chris Pringle

It can be if you add front/rear racks, etc. The Rodriguez Rainier is a little sportier that will still work for light touring (e.g., credit card touring). If you really want a sporty bike despite any brand/model, my personal criteria is to have mid-trail front geometry, carbon fork and chainstays length at or under 430mm, but careful if you go too short. Shorter chainstays will make the bike really fun with the sporty feel you seek, but you also start cannibalizing your chances for touring. Shorter chainstays = heel strike with larger panniers. I mention this since you are entertaining the idea of going camping with this new bike. Based on your requirements for an all-around bike, I get the impression you're looking for a well-balanced bike that will ultimately be multipurpose. I suggest you call Dan or Scott at R+E Cycles and have a conversation with either one of them about your needs. They're open Sat. afternoon. They're super knowledgeable and will help you tweak your frame to meet your personal needs. Notice that their pricing is also quite reasonable for a USA-made bike. So, nothing to lose!

knobster

Both my bikes would fit this description, but my recommendation would be to look at the Soma Smoothie. I've got the ES version and it's a great riding bike. Rack, fender mounts and can take up to a 700x35 tire. I think I paid like $350 for the frameset. Soma dealers can get the full bike built up as well, but I'd suggest building it with the components of your choice.