Salsa Casseroll
 

Hi,
haven't seen one, just saw this review...
http://www.bikeradar.com/gear/catego...eroll-07-19168

It fits my idea of what a bike should be, reasonable price, relaxed geometry, long reach brakes that allow cushy tires.

You know, what the world needs is a side by side comparison of steel bikes at this
price point, especially including the Surly Pacer, and Rivendell Bleriot. Would be very interesting (not to mention helpful) to see how they stack up against each other.

http://www.jensonusa.com/store/produ...+Fork+Set.aspx

My lbs has the frame in stock too...beautiful welds, flawless paint, worthy frame of any high end build group. Just a very classy frame...tempting.

I've had mine for a couple months now. It's more or less a dressed up Surly. It really doesn't feel much lighter than my brother's Crosscheck. I chose the Casseroll over the Pacer because it had a little more tire clearance and has eyelets for a rear rack. Be sure to test ride before buying though because the top tube is a little longer so you're supposed to buy a couple sizes down. The Rivendell bikes are great if you have the $ and if you are comfortable with the 650cc tires (in the case of the Bleriot). Personally, I grew up riding tig welded steel bikes rather than lugged frames so there's no sentimentality there for me. But I've looked at a number of Rivendell frames up close and can vouch for the quality. You really could plan on keeping one of those frames for the rest of your life.

Nice Read.

I have a Crosscheck. But I have read that the Surly Pacer is the closest frame to a Rivendell that Surly makes. :rolleyes:

No way. That would have to be the LHT. The LHT is virtually a TIG-welded Atlantis; it has the same small frames-26"/large frames-700c setup and similar geometry in most sizes.

BTW, if any one really wants to ride a lugged bike but wants to do it cheap, the new Soma frames might fit the bill. http://www.somafab.com/speedster.html

Even the smallest of their bikes are too big or me. Top tube length is perfect but seat tube is too long and so the standover would not be comfortable.

Debernardi, Ciocc and Olmo steel frames are available for similar money, albeit much less flexible.
The Marinoni Ciclo does the same job, but is sexier by definition ;)