Help me build a new bike

[mstone]

@KelOnWheels 37982 wrote:

Redline Metro Classic looks nice but of course no one carries them here.

That’s on my short list if I find myself in need of a new general purpose commuter/tourer/bike about town.

[jrenaut]

I was up at Proteus this afternoon. I rode a Jamis Aurora, which did not fit me that well. That’s okay, because I don’t think I could do bar-end shifters since so much of my riding is in downtown traffic. Then I rode a Bianchi Volpe and last year’s Imola. I really liked the Volpe. Steel cross bike, ready for front and rear racks, takes 23mm tires but comes with something bigger and knobby and will take up to a 32 or something. I’m still thinking (and it’s out of the price range I said I wanted, of course), but I’m pretty tempted.

[TwoWheelsDC]

@jrenaut 38240 wrote:

I was up at Proteus this afternoon. I rode a Jamis Aurora, which did not fit me that well. That’s okay, because I don’t think I could do bar-end shifters since so much of my riding is in downtown traffic. Then I rode a Bianchi Volpe and last year’s Imola. I really liked the Volpe. Steel cross bike, ready for front and rear racks, takes 23mm tires but comes with something bigger and knobby and will take up to a 32 or something. I’m still thinking (and it’s out of the price range I said I wanted, of course), but I’m pretty tempted.

I have a Brooks B17 on it now, but here’s my 2012 Volpe. I absolutely love it, but I am thinking of putting a disc brake up front, so I’ll have to get a new fork. The 32mm tires that came on it were nice in gravel, but the rear nearly wore out after only about 2k miles. I’ve got 28mm Michelin Citys on there now and it rides a lot smoother and slightly faster. Mine’s a 53.

[jrenaut]

It seems like a pretty fantastic bike. Cross tires so I can go up that gravel path that everyone says is so awesome (the C&O), but it’ll take the bomb-proof slick 23s with only a few hundred miles that are on my dead Giant. Front and rear rack mounts mean that I can strap my old tent on and ride out into BFE Virginia and camp somewhere. Steel frame means that I don’t have to cringe every time I see uneven pavement.

My wife isn’t thrilled with the price tag, but you really can’t put a price on happiness, can you? What’s a few hundred dollars on a bike that should last me a decade or two?

[dcv]

@jrenaut 38244 wrote:

It seems like a pretty fantastic bike. Cross tires so I can go up that gravel path that everyone says is so awesome (the C&O), but it’ll take the bomb-proof slick 23s with only a few hundred miles that are on my dead Giant. Front and rear rack mounts mean that I can strap my old tent on and ride out into BFE Virginia and camp somewhere. Steel frame means that I don’t have to cringe every time I see uneven pavement.

My wife isn’t thrilled with the price tag, but you really can’t put a price on happiness, can you? What’s a few hundred dollars on a bike that should last me a decade or two?

Do you love it? Will it make you want to ride more? When you’re at home will you sit there and gaze upon it? Will you take many pics and post? Have you already thought about what you’re going to change / add? If yes this is the bike for you.

[jrenaut]

@dcv 38247 wrote:

Do you love it? Will it make you want to ride more? When you’re at home will you sit there and gaze upon it? Will you take many pics and post? Have you already thought about what you’re going to change / add? If yes this is the bike for you.

Yes to all of the above.

[jwfisher3]

I rode the Raleigh Furley a couple of days ago, and noted that while it is configured as a SSCX, with an eccentric bottom bracket, it also comes with a derailleur hanger, and vertical dropouts. To convert to gears, I’d guess you’d just change out the BB, hang a derailleur, etc. and go. The gearing on the bike as sold is pretty easy – it’s a 39×17, you could pull a trailer (on the flats) if you’re strong. I’ll admit you can spin out going downhill, but it’s a pretty nice steel ride, and comes with decent parts. The 2013 model still has Tektro (yuk) disc brakes, but a much improved caliper over the 2012 junk. Good luck on your search. Maybe just go with a Bianchi or Jamis CX bike with gears – those are pretty sweet.

[KLizotte]

@jrenaut 38248 wrote:

Yes to all of the above.

Aren’t you going to be getting a check from the insurance company? That should help defer some fo the cost. Best to go with what you love and feel is right. Life is short.

[jrenaut]

I expect to get a check from the insurance company, but the forms I’m supposed to fill out haven’t arrived. If I were a betting man . . . oh, wait, I AM a betting man. Anyone want to bet me that I don’t buy it? Let’s say $1,299.99. That seems like a good amount.

[DaveK]

I saw a matching pair of 2013 Volpes at Eastern Market today. Very sharp looking bikes. Can’t go wrong with it!

[Author]

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