jaxgtr

Just took a look at the Specialized AWOL Comp.....the fact that you could put a normal drive train or go with a belt drive is very cool. I thought about getting a belt drive bike for my commuter, but no one locally had one and I really would like to test ride one before I moved that direction, however I have read stellar reviews of them.

Sullalto

There are racks that hook up to the quick release skewer and brake bolt, so no eyelets in (most)carbon bikes isn't necessarily a deal killer.

Like the axiom streamliner, which, bonus! Sits back farther than most racks, giving you more heel/pannier clearance. Probably necessary for short chain stay bikes. Which most carbon bikes are.

Most non-cyclocross carbon bikes don't fit tires wide enough for off road either.

c_m_shooter

Get a Cross Check. I here the Straggler is pretty good too, but I still like bar end shifters and Cantis.

sgtrobo

well, managed to get asome test rides in on 3 different bikes, a Salsa Fargo, a Kona Jake, and a Redline of some sort.

The Fargo fit like a glove. I really liked the upright riding position. I don't know if the Jake or the Redline were set up properly, as I felt like I was almost flipping forward over the handlebars, just sitting on the bike. I know the Fargo is supposed to have a fairly upright riding position, and it makes sense that it would be more comfortable since I'm used to MTBs, but I was really surprised at how..."weird" the more forward position of the Jake and the Redline was really uncomfortable.

Are there any other bikes out there that are more upright like the Fargo?

sgtrobo

ok, so ended up riding a Surly Troll, Surly Ogre, a 2012 Salsa Fargo, a 2015 Salsa Fargo, a Kona Jake, and a Redline of some sort, as well as a Giant Anyroad, a Giant Revolt, and a Specialized AWOL.

The Troll and the Ogre were outstanding, but I was looking for a dropbar bike and although I could convert it, that would require additional work and cost and I wasn't up for that.

Rode the Kona Jake and the Redline. Wasn't a fan of either. They felt too..."twitchy", and they had too much of a 'lean forward' position and I prefer the more upright riding position.

Rode the AWOL and absolutely loved it, then almost immediately after rode the Anyroad and Revolt. Didn't mkae it around the block before I just brought them back. They felt far too...eh....they just didn't feel as stable or as compliant as the AWOL.

Rode the 2015 Fargo on multiple occasions and absolutely loved it, although I wasn't a fan of the low-geared front double. I do want to do some road riding and some distance/endurance stuff, even unloaded. I rode the 2012 Salsa Fargo because...it's cheaper than the 2015 version and it has a front triple, which I liked. It had bar end shifters which I hated, and BB5s. However, it was incredibly cheap because the LBS wanted it out of the shop, for obvious reasons, so upgrading to a Shimano Sora groupset + BB7s and 180mm rotor + Jagwire cable kit ended up being $1255 + tax, and that's what I ended up going with.

Thanks to everyone for their input and assistance! Pics will go up once I have it in my greedy little mitts.

jsigone

of your list, I'd go Jake the snake. CX with disc brakes with great reviews and popular following, swap out tires for some high rollers that is good for both paved and dirt/grass. Sammy slicks or Happy Mediums come to mind. I use 35c sammy slicks.

If you get into a roadie groove, put on some 25 or 28c slicks on there. It does have fender mounts, the carbon fork has been getting great reviews and its disc brakes so more stopping power on those steep fire road decents.


Also note that almost ANY CX bike is designed to be a race bike, fairly agressive fit unless you go one size up. Longer TT, higher HT and shorter stem.

indyfabz

Surly Cross Check would likely suit you better on the road that the Straggler, which is billed as a Cross Check on steroids, and still work well on hard pack with the right tires.

dr_lha

People seem to be missing the fact that the OP already bought a bike, so this thread is done!

sgtrobo

great forum! Even when I'm done folks still want to help!