[Heafcliffe]

@vvill 116778 wrote:

If you want something cheap with the aesthetic “appeal” of a FG that you can ride leisurely I’d look for a SSCX. Something like a Kilo WT that’s set up single speed, or similar. They won’t necessarily have more relaxed geometry although with some stem adjustment you can make it more relaxed than a road [racing] bike. State Bicycles make a cheapish SSCX too http://www.statebicycle.com/collections/off-road-division-bikes-cyclo-cross-bikes

(If you don’t mind the more straightforward hybrid look, then yeah just stick with a Trek FX, Kona Dew, etc. that can take wider tires, and the ride will definitely be more cruise-y.)

Most cheaper “urban” FG bikes made to look nice aren’t designed to ride nice, but having clearance for wider tires will make it lower maintenance (less flats, lower PSI requirements), and the ride will be more comfortable.

The other plus of a SSCX bike (as opposed to a regular CX bike) is that it is easier/cheaper to switch to a more upright flat bar position if you prefer, since you won’t have to worry about shifters, and brake levers without integrated shifters are pretty cheap.

If you think you might be more invested in riding a CX (or SSCX), plenty of higher end brands make those too but you’ll hit the $1k+ mark pretty easily. You can go off-the-shelf with a flat bar for a bit cheaper than dropbars with something like the Traitor Cutlass.

As for the Sole: from what I can tell from their website, Sole bicycles’ staff consists mostly of marketing and graphic design people. And the bike is hi-tensile steel (aka cheapest and heaviest steel you’ll find on a mass produced bike). That bike may have been won in a raffle or similar. I wouldn’t bother unless you just *really* like the look and plan to ride it to the bar/coffee shop (but even then I wouldn’t pay even close to $350!)

Thanx for this detailed response! Being “new” to something can mean a “new,” gullible consumer may be born. Not a fan of that option. Lol.

[Heafcliffe]

@hozn 116733 wrote:

Getting another bike because you got a couple flats is pretty silly. Get yourself some Gatorskins or Schwalbe Durano tires and ride away. I typically get one flat every 3,000 miles or so, and that is on GP4000S “race tires”. Not all tires are created equal.

If you want a less road fit, that is another matter, but I wouldn’t think of a FG as a casual ride. That particular bike looks cheap (anything retailing for $400 probably has crappy wheels, drivetrain etc.) There are much better ways to spend $350 IMO — a used cross bike, for example.

I agree. For a few flats is indeed silly. I want a more leisure, slow ride.

A used cross bike? As a newbie, any suggestions for what to look for in a “relaxed” bike? Thanks in advance.

[Heafcliffe]

Hey there everyone….new guy here!

Not new to riding but new to taking it a little more serious. My brother and I going to do a triathlon in August so I picked a Bianchi Giro and I love it! [ATTACH=CONFIG]8708[/ATTACH] Not my bike but a pic of one similar to mine.

The problem is I have gotten 2 flats in a matter of a week. Took a class to learn to fix it myself when it occurs in the future. Also, at times, it can be a little too fast esp for city riding. I want to pick a more leisure bike preferably with more durable tires and looks cool(….yeah, I am one of those guys). This has lead me to wanting to pick up another bike.

I have been scoping craigslist and found http://washingtondc.craigslist.org/nva/bik/5037210466.html. Is it worth it at this price point? Any feedback would be appreciated. Thanks!

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