SullDC

Hey guys, I'm searching for a minmal road bike, similar to the attached picture and was wondering if anyone has some suggestions?

Right now I have a '96 Diamondback Approach hybrid. It was given to me as a hand-me-down and while I've maintained it nicely for the past 3 years, I'd like to invest in a major upgrade.

I'm 5'11'' 185lbs late 20's, live in Brooklyn and commute 5 miles daily to work and the gym, and do 20-50 mile rides on the weekends.

I was thinking about getting a single speed but I would like 5-7 gears for when I go on longer rides. I'm looking for something with a very light weight and minimal aesthetic (possibly could be mistaken for a single speed at first glance), has only a rear derailleur with 5-7 gears, has front and rear breaks, and doesn't come with a lot of loud branding and flashy design (maybe I'll just have to repaint?).

I've never really used dropped handlebars and I think I'd prefer minimal riser handlebars like I have now. Maybe I would prefer drop handles but they've felt awkward the hand full of times I've tried them.

I don't really know much about different frame geometries, but generally prefer a something where I'm not completely hunched over with a sore back, and that I can be more aware of traffic.

This may seem odd, but I would like to frequently attach a seat-post-mounted rear rack that would hold 5-10lbs of gym clothes or groceries when I'm running errands. The idea is that I can remove this without tools when I want to streamline my setup before a ride where I don't to bring anything. This would be about 25% of the time. On the other hand, maybe I can just wear a backpack...

The bike in the image I attached caught my eye because of it's simple and minimal aesthetic, and is generally the look I'm after.

I'm looking to spend around 1000-1600$ Does anyone have any suggestions? Thank you!!!!

SlimRider

Get a really awesome road bike that will keep up with the best and can always be upgraded whenever you like because it will last you a lifetime, due to the fact that it's made of chromoly steel.

Get any one of the following, you won't be disappointed:

1) The Jamis Satellite Comp ~ $1000
www.jamisbikes.com/usa/thebikes/road/satellite/12_satellitecomp.html

2) The Jamis Quest ~ $1825
www.jamisbikes.com/usa/thebikes/road/quest/12_quest.html

3) The Schwinn Letour Legacy ~ $800
www.bikesdirect.com/products/schwinn/schwinn_letour_legacy_xi.htm

* The Quest is an exceptionally light bike...It's made of 631 chromoly!

PS.

Remember:

Dura Ace > Ultegra > 105 > Tiagra > Sora > 2300

*********

OTOH

You could save a ton of cash and get this 2011 Schwinn single speed, also made of chromoly:

The 2011 Schwinn Madison ~ $300
www.nashbar.com/bikes/Product_10053_10052_540608_-1_202614

nickp08

i use my bike pretty much the same way as you do, but I have a regular aluminum road bike (Cannondale CAAD8). the geometry is pretty comfortable. i wear a backpack for carrying stuff (gym clothes, groceries, etc.) as i hate having crap on my bike and i wear a hydration pack with a few extra pockets (for my chain, spare tube, pump, etc.) other times.

even with the $400 i just spent on wheels and what not on my roadie, i really am thinking hard about a singlespeed to compliment it... something cheaper (easier to replace if stolen/damaged), more subtle (single color, no logos, etc.), and easier to maintain and holding out my roadie for longer rides.

haven't seen many bikes that have just a rear derailleur though, that might be something the guy built. a guy i ride with rides something that might suit you as well... it's also custom built, nice gloss black, simple flat bars, and looks like a singlespeed but he has the gears in the rear hub with 3 speeds. works great for him.

dalava

Some of the Surly's may fit the bill.

SullDC

@dalava, do you have any Surly suggestions?

SullDC

@nickp08 Do you think a single speed would work well for longer rides? I understand the concept of a single speed not needing gears due to weighing less, but I'm pretty certain I'll feel a need for during 20-50 mile rides.

SlimRider

I would most seriously recommend the Salsa Casserole, the Surly LHT, or the Surly Pacer.

All of the above cost somewhere near $1200...

SlimRider

Single speeds work best on the flats, where there are no hills, or inclines. Of course, if you want to suddenly increase your speed with less effort, a single speed won't be that helpful. OTOH, if you're a very strong cyclist, some people in the distance, just might think you're not riding a single speed at all.

nickp08

it's not really about weight, frankly. it's about having a range of gears. plenty of people in the city ride fixies/singlespeeds, so it really depends where your longer rides ARE. are you talking about riding up over the GWB up through palisades and/or up to nayak? if so, then maybe a geared bike should be a priority. but if you're talking about riding around the city (which is pretty flat with the exception of the bridges), i think you could get acclimated to riding in one gear pretty quickly, and it's less maintenance and less stuff to go wrong.

i borrowed my roommate's singlespeed (i had never ridden one) and had a total blast, had no issues at all. i took it for a short ~10 mile jaunt and i didn't miss the gears at all and felt super comfortable on it. i really only use about 3 gears on my roadie when riding in the 5 boroughs (including the bridges, unless i'm really tired/lazy), i have pretty strong legs, and i tend to mash as it is, so i don't think it would be a big deal for me. your mileage may vary.