Cross/Adventure Bike for City and Surrounds (~$1500)

[dkel]

@hozn 114314 wrote:

I think @dkel is doing something similar to his straggler?

Yes, I am: rack and fender mounted to the same eyelet without any problem.
[ATTACH=CONFIG]8418[/ATTACH][ATTACH=CONFIG]8419[/ATTACH]

@hozn 114314 wrote:

Edit: Between this and the Straggler, I’d probably go with the Macho Man for:
(1) The caliper being inside the rear triangle; no interference with fender/rack stays.

I get this, but it hasn’t been a problem because I got a rack and fenders that would work (though, those choices are limited).

@hozn 114314 wrote:

(2) The awesome color.

What?!? Sparkly purple is awesome!

@hozn 114314 wrote:

(3) The setup for running solid shifter housing. Note, though, that the FD cable comes from the top. I don’t know if they install one of those pulley things in the default configuration, but I would replace that ASAP with a top-pull FD like the Shimano CX70.

You’ve mentioned this on other occasions…why does this matter? I don’t know as much about such things as you do, but I haven’t felt like I’m missing anything.

[DaDitka]

Looking at the Macho Man Disc specs it seems that the front derailleur is actually a Shimano CX70 while the rear derailleur is a Shimano 105. No idea what that means, but maybe they chose the CX70 for the reason hozn mentioned (although I don’t quite understand what that reason is). I’m assuming since that is an upgrade hozn recommended that having the CX70 base is a good thing and not a downgrade?

[DaDitka]

Oh, jrenaut, maybe it’s just the picture of the nickel colored Volpe disc on the Bianchi website. The brown handlebar tape and saddle with black frame of the regular Volpe looks great.

[83b]

Those all seem like great options for bikes! In terms of storage capacity, if you do decide to go with a saddlebag, I use one of Rivendell’s Nitto saddlebag mounts to make it easy to detach and carry with me. It’s really convenient.

Rivendell also carries saddlebags that are similar in design to Carradice, but also has a few in significantly larger sizes, which could be nice for a car-replacement bike. I’ve been riding with 11 liter saddlebags for a few years and have generally found that size to be great for my daily stuff, but not big enough for a week’s groceries. If decide you wanted something a little schmancier, Swift Industries lets you design your own bag. I got some for Christmas and have been extremely pleased with their quality so far.

[rcannon100]

I recommend this bike. It’s green. It comes with its own mountains.

[ATTACH=CONFIG]8420[/ATTACH]

[Phatboing]

I know those mountains! GAP?

[Powerful Pete]

Still think that green bike is nice, but a bit too subtle/stealth for my tastes…

[AFHokie]

@ebubar 114261 wrote:

I’m with you on the steel, but while your testing, I’ll also throw in the Giant Revolt. It’s Aluminum but is very comfy. Someone on here has one and likes it a lot!

I think I’m the only one on here who has one so that’s probably me. It’s an aluminum frame, so it might not be what you’re looking for. The Revolt 1 retails for $1470 and the Revolt 3 for $1045. It is fender ready and has rear rack mounts, but does not have front rack mounts. I think I saw a Revolt 3 in Papillion Cycles in Arlington about 6 weeks or so ago. If nobody has one in stock, I ride a medium; you’re welcome to take it for a spin if you want to try one out.

I think they usually have a few Anyroads in stock as well. The lack of rack mounts was why I didn’t opt for an Anyroad. Otherwise, I’ll second that it’s a really nice & comfortable ride.

have you looked at the Specialized AWOL? Its a Cr-moly frame so it may work if you’re solid on wanting steel. The basic retails for $1350 and the Elite for $1550. It does have rack and fender mounts.

What I wanted in a bike is very similar to what you listed. It was a tough choice for me between the Revolt and the AWOL.

[jrenaut]

@DaDitka 114346 wrote:

Oh, jrenaut, maybe it’s just the picture of the nickel colored Volpe disc on the Bianchi website. The brown handlebar tape and saddle with black frame of the regular Volpe looks great.

Regardless of color, it is a great bike.

[hozn]

@AFHokie 114356 wrote:

Its a Cr-moly frame so it may not work if you’re solid on wanting steel.

Wait … cr-mo is​ steel.

[DismalScientist]

@hozn 114358 wrote:

Wait … cr-mo is​ steel.

The only real steel is manganese-molybdenum.

[hozn]

@dkel 114336 wrote:

I get this, but it hasn’t been a problem because I got a rack and fenders that would work (though, those choices are limited).

Yeah, the “flying” placement on the seat stay limits your fender options. Doesn’t look like it would affect you since you have that adapter to move the mounts rearward (though it also looks like you’ve done some crazy bending of your fender stay?).

@dkel 114336 wrote:

What?!? Sparkly purple is awesome!

Yeah, I really like the “pow!” colors like the orange of the macho man or the green of rcannon100’s new steed. Obviously this is 100% personal preference The purple is definitely a different color.

I love the new specialized crux paint job.

[IMG]http://bikearlingtonforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=8423&stc=1[/IMG]

@dkel 114336 wrote:

You’ve mentioned this on other occasions…why does this matter? I don’t know as much about such things as you do, but I haven’t felt like I’m missing anything.

So, it might not be a big deal to you since you’re always running full fenders, but I run the big tires without fenders (for off-road) and that little pulley is in the perfect place on the bike to get jammed up with dirt/mud/etc. And then front shifting starts to suck. It’s just a really bad design. Luckily top-pull FDs like the CX70 exist and solve the problem cleanly. It’s great they spec that FD on the macho man.

[hozn]

@Powerful Pete 114355 wrote:

Still think that green bike is nice, but a bit too subtle/stealth for my tastes…

Forse meglio?

[IMG]http://bikearlingtonforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=8424&stc=1[/IMG]

I think rcannon’s bike is a pretty awesome color, maybe even better than the orange — a little more novel, anyway! I have to say the bright bikes really stand out on the road, which is rarely a bad thing.

[AFHokie]

@hozn 114358 wrote:

Wait … cr-mo is​ steel.

It’s been a looong day…

[Powerful Pete]

@hozn 114361 wrote:

Forse meglio?

Beh, direi proprio di si. A parte il gruppo utilizzato, ovviamente!

[Author]

Posts