[saddlesoar]

don’t even think about labels like “touring” or “cyclocross”, they’re basically meaningless and exist so the manufacturer can find a bin to put the bike in on the web page

Yep, that’s been my experience, and it’s why I’m here There are so many bikes out there, and I seem to find most either too clunky (seems like 25-27lbs is my sweet spot) and most road bikes too flighty and “head down” (I feel like I won’t be able to see well enough to stop if something unexpected happens). Which is why this…

Digging through roadbikereview.com yielded many road bikes in your price and quality range, including several I know or suspect are offered in local bike shops.

…has not been working for me very well so far. :confused:

You might add to your list a Surly. Specifically the Long Haul trucker.

Again, though, this is more in the Volpe/Space Horse price range. It also seems to weigh over 30lbs, so I don’t think it would work. I am interested in whether there are any other bikes in that range that I should compare if I decide to go that route, though.

Have you tried aluminum? Are you set on drop handlebars (as opposed to flat)?

Yes (the steel is just SO comfortable), and yes – I think so.

Or if drop bar and steel are requirements, do you need integrated brake/shift levers?

Yeah. I tried the tube end ones and I am pretty sure I would end up plastered on someone’s windshield.

I guess the bottom line is that I’m too picky, which probably means I need to just fork over for what I really like. But I will try the used stores, and some of the ones mstone mentioned look very interesting – thanks!

[saddlesoar]

Thanks for all of the helpful feedback.

Kel – anything you don’t like about the SH?

dasgeh – those sound like interesting options, and much more legit than Craigslist for something like this. Thanks!

jabberwocky – OMG do you think I could get RAINBOW streamers on the Volpe?! Seriously, though – I’m not going to end up on the street, but it’s a 50% hike from my original budget. And if I don’t ride it as much as I think I will, I’m going to feel silly about that.

[saddlesoar]

Dismal – I believe the Space Horse is about 25lbs, and it was easy for me to lift over curbs, take up a few stairs. The Volpe seemed slightly heavier. I tried a Jamis Aurora, which is listed at 29 lbs – but seemed WAY heavier. I have shoulder issues, so I don’t think I’d want to go heavier than 27lbs or so.

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