Funding a new commuter

[ebubar]

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 soon

I’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!

Topic

[KelOnWheels]

@ebubar 51754 wrote:

Update on my new commuter quest:

Test rode a Kona Jake (53 cm) and another Bianchi Volpe (49 cm) (top contender at the moment).

Jake was okay and was the correct size. I like the idea of disc brakes, but once again the Volpe just feels right (even though
it was a little small). I suspect I’ll find a place with a 53 Volpe, the heavens will part, a chorus of angels will sing and praise my choice.

The Volpe looks like an awesome bike! Plus it comes stock with cross-top levers which is nice. If I hadn’t fallen for the Space Horse I’d definitely be looking at the Volpe.

[ebubar]

@KelOnWheels 51757 wrote:

The Volpe looks like an awesome bike! Plus it comes stock with cross-top levers which is nice. If I hadn’t fallen for the Space Horse I’d definitely be looking at the Volpe.

I love the Space Horse glamour shots. Fantastic advertising!
If they were in my price range, i’d definitely be thinking of an All-City.

[KelOnWheels]

@ebubar 51758 wrote:

I love the Space Horse glamour shots. Fantastic advertising!
If they were in my price range, i’d definitely be thinking of an All-City.

The Volpe is definitely better value for money

[KelOnWheels]

@TwoWheelsDC 50526 wrote:

Regarding gearing, I like having a triple on my commuter (50/39/30 x 11-28). I rarely use the granny, even with a fully-loaded pannier, but it’s nice to have that extra bottom end, since I prefer to remain seated for climbs because standing and pedaling is awkward when the panniers are on. With a compact and a 12-30 though, you can get almost the same gear inches as a triple with a 25 or 28 in back, so double/triple probably wouldn’t be a major consideration if I was choosing a commuter.

So I won’t hate myself for going from a 48/38/28 x 13-30 to 50/34 x 12-30?
It’s not like I ever remember to shift to my granny gear in time to use it on hills anyway, so I might be better off with a double!

[hozn]

@KelOnWheels 51773 wrote:

So I won’t hate myself for going from a 48/38/28 x 13-30 to 50/34 x 12-30?
It’s not like I ever remember to shift to my granny gear in time to use it on hills anyway, so I might be better off with a double!

If you don’t anticipate needing the taller gears, you might also consider a 34/46 or similar. (Maybe for when you need to replace the front rings, since it’ll probably come with 34/50.) I got a cheap Shimano cx50 crankset in this configuration. I love that gearing for the commute — having closer ring sizes is nice. Jumping from 34 to 50 is a big leap (and tends to push the limits of clean shifts).

OTOH I am replacing my front rings on my road bike with a semi-compact setup — 36/52. That should be perfect on that bike where I really rarely need the 34:28.

[Author]

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