Funding a new commuter
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Looking at getting a new commuter. I’ve commandeered other threads but am getting more sure on upgrading.
Currently riding a Trek 7.2 FX with bar ends and ergon grips.
Looking for something with drop bars for a little more comfort but especially more speed on my 28 mile RT commute!Seeking advice on two questions:
1) N+1 won’t work in my place. Wife approves of a new bike, but requires selling the old. How much
would you sell a 2012 Trek 7.2FX with ergon grips, rack and barends? Retail value of everything combined
around $600. I’m thinking a 33 percent discount, so $400 is possible?2) Test rode a few bikes. I think i’m pretty set on a triple instead of a compact double. I like the granny gear
for climbing up 41st street. My Takoma to Arlington commute gets pretty hilly in the beginning and end and my
legs appreciate the break of that triple.Journey so far:
Bianchi Volpe – like it. A little too expensive and no disc brakes. Have read many places that canti’s aren’t the best for all weather commuting.
Kona Jake – top choice in theory. Heard nothing but things about these, now I just need to ride one! Should be good combo of speed and comfort.
Jamis Nova – meh
Specialized Tricross – test riding soonI’m curious if I should look into entry level road bikes as well? I commute on decent roads
and trails (Sligo, GBT, CCT, 41st Street wall of death) with the exception being the Georgetown Branch Trail and a short stretch
on the C&O Canal. Those gets bumpy. Would an entry level road bike
with better tires (puncture resistant 28 Marathon tires perhaps) be worth checking out? I’m seeing them for significantly less
than an entry cyclocross, even with the price for expensive tires. This would leave room for a good rainproof cycling backpack, jerseys, (baggy) shorts
and other goodies.What say the Bike Arlington experts?
Thanks in advance for all your sage wisdom!
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@Greenbelt 50601 wrote:
Bianchi is neither confirming nor denying that the 2014 Volpe will have a disk braking option.
Those evil sons of … better not make me need a new bike
@lancito brazofuerte 50600 wrote:
Still on the fence about discs, but I know exactly what you mean. NB Zonas are naughty
I took the plunge (on both SS and discs, separately) and am sold on both
@lancito brazofuerte 50623 wrote:
It’s a really well thought out kinda “do everything” bike. Clearance for big rubber, fender mounts/rack mounts, but best of all are the semi-horizontal dropouts a la old school roadies. This allows running geared or single speed or even internallly geared hubs. Basically the same geo as the Macho Man. And that silvery blue color is teh sex.
That was pretty much my take on it
I just have to figure out if the geo is right for me. I’m thinking it’s sorta-kinda close enough to a Cross-Check that I can extrapolate from test riding one.@ebubar 50517 wrote:
…
1) N+1 won’t work in my place. Wife approves of a new bike, but requires selling the old. …Does your N = 1 right now? If so, you need to convince your wife that you need to retain the FX2 as a backup, it is absolutely necessary!!!!!
@KelOnWheels 50626 wrote:
That was pretty much my take on it
I just have to figure out if the geo is right for me. I’m thinking it’s sorta-kinda close enough to a Cross-Check that I can extrapolate from test riding one.Check Surly’s and A/C’s websites. I’m pretty sure surly posts the geos on the site and I know A/C does.
@lancito brazofuerte 50628 wrote:
Check Surly’s and A/C’s websites. I’m pretty sure surly posts the geos on the site and I know A/C does.
Oh, I have a spreadsheet.
Space Horse 49cm
HTA 71
STA 74.2
ETT 530 mm
ST 480 mm
CS 435 mm
BB Drop 75 mm
Fork Offset 52 mm
Fork Length 395 mm
HT 110 mm
Wheelbase 1018.8 mm
Standover 766 mmCross-Check 50 cm
HTA 72
STA 74
ETT 541.8
ST 500
CS 425
BB Drop 66
Fork Offset 44
Fork Length 400
HT 91
Wheelbase 1005.3
Standover 769.4@consularrider 50627 wrote:
Does your N = 1 right now? If so, you need to convince your wife that you need to retain the FX2 as a backup, it is absolutely necessary!!!!!
As they say in the military, two is one and one is none.
@KelOnWheels 50629 wrote:
Oh, I have a spreadsheet.
Space Horse 49cm
HTA 71
STA 74.2
ETT 530 mm
ST 480 mm
CS 435 mm
BB Drop 75 mm
Fork Offset 52 mm
Fork Length 395 mm
HT 110 mm
Wheelbase 1018.8 mm
Standover 766 mmCross-Check 50 cm
HTA 72
STA 74
ETT 541.8
ST 500
CS 425
BB Drop 66
Fork Offset 44
Fork Length 400
HT 91
Wheelbase 1005.3
Standover 769.4So what I can see is more touring/rando geos for the Space horse, and CX geo for the Crosscheck. The lower BB drop on the Spacehorse will feel more stable loaded down with gear. But the Crosscheck will be a bit more nimble. But the Spacehorse comes in that blue….
@jopamora 50665 wrote:
Why did I go to the All-City website. Why did I see the Macho Man Disc. What the heck is up with the standover height! I still want one, something bad now.
WSD
plus it comes in one of the Kel Approved Bike Colors.Drops in June, my birthday is in June… Coincidence?
I THINK NOT.
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