Since I'm not real versed in SS components, I'm wondering which of these would be the better bike to be used as a SS commuter. I'm not considering price, and I already have a spare set of fenders so the fact that the Raleigh has them isn't a big deal for me. First, the Raleigh.



Sizes 50,53,55,57,59cm
Frame Reynolds 520 Butted CROMO w/CNC dropouts, Canti bosses
Fork 4130 Chromoly Classic Cross
Crankset SR Suntour Single Speed w/CNC Guard, 42t
Bottom Bracket Sealed Cartridge
Brake Levers Tektro Road
Brakes Tektro Oryx canti
Cog Set 16t Freewheel, 15t cog
Rims Alex AT-400, 700c, alloy double wall,machined side
Tires Vittoria Randonneur Cross 700x35c w/reflective sidewalls
Pedals Road Pedals w/clips and straps
Handlebar Alloy Road
Stem Alloy Ahead
Seatpost Alloy Micro adjust 27.2mm
Saddle Raleigh Road
Headset Ahead 1-1/8
Colors Black
Chain KMC Z-82
Hubset (F) Alloy Sealed 32h, Track (R) Alloy Sealed 32h, Track
Spokes 14g Stainless Steel
Grips Raleigh
Extras SKS Fenders, Rack Mounts, Cateye reflector set, Clear Coat, Owners Manual

And now the Bianchi.



Style
One-Speed Cyclo-cross/Commuting
Sizes
44, 49, 52, 55, 58, 61cm
Color
Dark Green; Washed-Up Blue (not shown)
Frame
Bianchi DB CrMo, rack & fender mounts
Fork
DB CrMo, rack mounts
Retail Price
$599.99
Components
Headset VP AheadSet, 1-1/8" threadless
Handlebar Bianchi alloy
Stem Bianchi 3D forged, 15º
Brakes/Levers Cane Creek SCX-5 / Cane Creek SCR-5
Crankset Sugino XD, 42T
Bottom Bracket Cartridge
Chain KMC
Cassette Shimano 1-spd freehweel, 17T
Pedals Wellgo resin
Wheels Bianchi Alex Solo wheelset, 28h rims
Tires WTB All Terrainasaurus, 700x32C
Derailleurs, r/f none
Shifters none
Saddle Bianchi Velo
Seatpost Bianchi alloy, 27.2mm

If you want a fixed option, One Way. If you're sure you don't, San Jose.

I'd bet the raleigh has better hubs. Other than that, the rest is pretty comparable as far as componentry. Ride 'em both and figure out which geo you like better.

Personally, I'm biased towards the San Jose for 'cross racing, but for an "off the shelf" commuter the raleigh wins, because:
More roadworthy tires
More roadworthy gear ratios
comes with fenders pre-installed
more setalthy paintjob to reduce attention from thieves

Did you give any thought to the Redline 9.2.5? I like mine, but have not rode the others so I can not give you an honest comparisson.

For what it's worth, the Raleigh has a prettier fork.

The '07 San Jose has a fixed/free hub, but is shipped with a freewheel only. The One Way has both a freewheel and a track cog out of the box.
Components are too similar to set one of the bikes apart. It comes down to black or green. Also the Raleigh has a more classic fork with lugged crown.

What about the Kona Paddy Wagon?

so for the 07 san jose you get a flip flop? sweet. i'm picking one up tomorrow for my wife. tiny little 44cm frame.

To be fair, it appears to be a factory mistake...so they are not specified that way. The rest of the 07 bikes will probably be freewheel only.

I like the Raleigh....I nearly bought a SanJose a few months ago....my Bianchi dealer is anti fixed/ss for some reason....sucks he's also my Raleigh dealer(why a dirtbag doesn't won't to sell a customer what they want is beyond me). I also looked at the IRO Rob Roy....which I think is a pretty good deal(has twin eyelets on the rear)...ended up just building a conversion from an older TREK 720...

There's a few folks with the SanJose and some with the IRO Rob Roy around this and the Commuting forum...who all seem pretty happy with their bikes. I haven't seen anyone talk much about the oneway from Raleigh...I like it ...looks a tad classier than a Redline 925.

Littlefoot, you wouldn't happen to be shopping at Outback in L5P, are you? They also oddly discourage/make fun of customers seeking fixed gear cycles. Unfathomable.

Don't be so sure, their spec doesn't really specify. The one I saw at interbike had the new Alex wheelset with a flip flop hub. This was a great selling bike for them this season and one glaring flaw was the absence of lockring threads, I for one hope they have answered that.

But why 28h wheels on a ss 'cross bike?

i think i'd choose the one way. hell i like it so much from this post i'm gonna hit up my lbs and give it a test ride.

I've had my one-way for about three weeks now. It's nice and smooth, much more enjoyable on the commute than my track bike (will use that one for racing though).

question...actually my friend brought it up...do you have to take the fenders off the one way to change a flat?

The rear fender has plastic saftey tabs (the type that is usually found on the front) you can pop the rails out without tools, easy as pie.

good deal...i'm rocking a team fuji ss i built currently, but i want to grab somethign else that has fenders, and this bike is the best looking out commuter ss of all that i've checked out...

In two words.......Rivendell Quickbeam!!!!!

This bike would be my first non custom single speed (actually a four speed) fixed or freewheel but nevertheless, a way more usefull bike for communting if thats what you really want. If you live on a fairly flat route, have good/young knees and don't mind variable cadence then get a single geared bike. If on the other hand you have strong wind in one direction or slight downgrade one way or a uphill, either way I'd get the Quickbeam. Two front chainrings and an extra gear on the flip flop hub can give you a decent range for when you are tired,sick or just lazy or if your route varies too much. Its lugged and better looking IMHO so check it out.