Does this bike exist and would I want it?

[Cindyloo]

Hi,

I am in the market for a new bike and my head is going to explode with all of the options. I would like a "jack of all trades bike" knowing that I may sacrifice in some areas. I would like to be able to ride on paved paths, cyclocross, and ride moderate distances (under 100 miles) either in charity rides or sprint triathlons. Some requirements: steel frame, triple ring, preferably under $1200. I really think I would like flat bars with aero bars added, but would that look stoopid? Arrrgghh. I guess what I am describing is a cross bike with flat bars? :confused: Currently I have a Trek 1000 wsd and a OLD mountain bike.

My DH thinks I will sacrifice speed with a flat bar, but aren't they just road bikes with a different bar? One bike I have considered is the Bianchi Strada or Jamis Coda Comp. Any suggestions?

[KnottedYet]

How about the Jamis Aurora? Very similar to the Coda geometry, but slightly nicer over all, with more of a cyclocross emphasis.

In all honesty, a flat bar can get pretty uncomfortable on longer rides and you may find a drop-bar with a higher stem will give you a great variety of comfortable hand positions to switch around during longer rides. Last year's Aurora had a great multi-position adjustable Ritchie stem, which was just peachy for fine-tuning fit. You can raise drop-bars until they are just as high as flats and be very comfy with the variety of hand positions. For general riding I think a flat bar sacrifices comfort more than speed.

Why do you want aero bars? For the sprint tri? If drop-bars feel so low to you that you prefer flats, I'm afraid you might find that aeros will tuck you down even further (about 13 inches lower, or about the distance from the heel of your hand to your elbow). Steering is different with aeros, and in many cases their use is discouraged. (can't use them in cyclocross, for example)

I don't recall seeing anyone using aeros in my sprint tri. When you find a bike you like, ask the shop to clip some areos onto the bar so you can see what they feel like on a trainer in the shop.

[Triskeliongirl]

I think what you are describing is a cyclocross bike. I once rode with BeeLady from TE who has a bianchi volpe which is a steel cyclcross bike, and she is very happy with it. But, why do you want flat bars? My old terry classic had flat bars, and I had to convert them to drops, because I didn't have enough hand positions and would get wrist pain. If I were you I would looke at the Volpe.

[mimitabby]

I was going to suggest the Volpe too. IF you have $1200 you will have plenty to add stuff onto it too, like the handlebars you want, etc.

[smilingcat]

Aero bars. They are only good for time trials, full out racing. Its not all that easy to steer, the body position is not the most comfortable and definitly not made for sprint. If you look at the sprinters position when they are on all out sprint, their hands are almost always on the bottom part of the drop handle and pulling really hard on the handle bar. You can't do that on a aero bar.

I would have an aero bar on Quintan Roo Caliente or Lucero (or litespeed Saber)with cow horns but then the bike would strictly be for TT. Just my dream bike #2.

Aero bars may look spiffy but I wouldn't recommend it.

just my 2cents
Shawn

[susan.wells]

Another vote for the Volpe. My husband has this bike and I would certainly call it a "jack of all trades" vehicle. That being said... I have a Jamis Coda Comp in my stable. It was the first "serious" bike I purchased and I wanted the flat handlebar. However, 4 years later, the flat handlebar is a minus instead of a plus. So I am in the process of addressing this. My first attempt is a trekking handlebar. I've switched it out but haven't had the opportunity to ride her yet. Otherwise, I will be putting drop handlebars on her and getting new shifters. Good luck with your search!

Susan

[SalsaMTB]

Definitely stick with the cross bikes. The flat bar road bikes you mentioned may not have enough clearance to put a knobby tire on so you won't be able to ride off road at all with them.

Have you thought about the Surly bikes? The Cross Check is a nice steel frame for not much money. It's also available as a complete bike. You may want to look into building it up though to get it exactly as you want. It also has bosses on the rear triangle to mount a rack (not sure if that's important to you).

ETA: This link has a huge list with links off basically all the cross frames out there. Some of them have pricing, but some are listed for Frame only while others are for complete bike. Thought you might be interested:

http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=258177

[Kalidurga]

I read through this pretty quickly, so this may have already been mentioned.

Cyclocross bikes are more than just modified road bikes. This is one of the articles I read last year when I was thinking of buying a 'cross: The Case for 'Cross (http://www.bikesportmichigan.com/features/cyclocross.shtml). Wikipedia's entry for Cyclo-cross bicycles (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cyclo-cross_bicycle) also gives a great description.

I didn't buy my 'cross bike with the intention to race. Like you, I wanted the fun of mulitple options from one bike and the beauty of a 'cross bike is definitely in the options. Salsa's suggestion of beginning with the frame is a good one. And for a bar, you might consider something I've seen on a lot of messenger bikes lately: an over-sized TT bar (http://www.nashbar.com/profile.cfm?category=92&subcategory=1050&brand=&sku=14760&storetype=&estoreid=&pagename=Shop%20by%20Subcat%3A%20Road%20Handlebars). The ends of the bar face forward instead of back and down, so you've got the option of riding on the flats, or stretching forward with a wider arm position than you'd have with a typical TT bar. I'm seriously thinking of trying a pair of these on my bike.

[SouthernBelle]

Mustache bar??

[Kalidurga]

Don't mustache bars sweep down and out to the side, with the ends pointing towards the back of the bike? The cow-horn bars I've seen look like someone flipped a drop bar upside down and then cut off the drops. They're less swoopy than the mustache bars I've seen, and the ends point towards the front wheel. It sounds as if they'd give more of the effect that Cindyloo seems to be looking for.

[Cindyloo]

Thank you all so, so much for your suggestions. You have thought of things I never would have. I suppose I was focused on flat bars for their (in my perception) easier bike handling. Perhaps I should just learn to increase my bike handling skills with the drop bars, particularly off road! Changing hand position is very important and I didn't think about the lack of opportunities with the flat bars.

I guess I was mistaken about the comfort of the aero bars too! Floyd looks so comfy in his "praying mantis" position! :rolleyes: The TT bars sound interesting and I'll definitely have to check those out as well as all of the bikes you ladies suggested.

I think a cyclocross bike might be in my future! :D It is such an adventure to find the right one!

[Blueberry]

Have you thought about the Surly bikes? The Cross Check is a nice steel frame for not much money. It's also available as a complete bike. You may want to look into building it up though to get it exactly as you want. It also has bosses on the rear triangle to mount a rack (not sure if that's important to you).


I just bought a cross check a couple of weeks ago off ebay (photos will be forthcoming) and I LOVE it. Didn't need another bike, but this one came equipped exactly as I wanted it (would have cost me a lot more to build up). It even has pink wheels:D :D

[7rider]

I've been eyeing a Lemond Poprad and a Redline, which look pretty cool. I think from what you are looking for, a cross bike is a good way to go.

I have a flatbar road bike for commuting, as I wanted it for low-speed control in a city. Bar-ends were the first accessory I put on it, however, so I could have a variety of hand positions, since, yeah...a flat bar can be hard on longer rides. With the bar ends, I routinely do 40-50 miles rides without a problem. A friend of mind did a century (100 miles) on a flat bar road bike with bar ends and she had no hand problems, either. So....if you don't find a 'cross bike you like, and opt for a flatbar bike - I think bar ends are a definite "gotta have".

[SouthernBelle]

Let's see:

Mustache (http://www.rivbike.com/webalog/handlebars_stems_tape/16027.html)

Cow-horn (http://harriscyclery.net/itemdetails.cfm?ID=1833)

[Triskeliongirl]

I have a flatbar road bike for commuting, as I wanted it for low-speed control in a city. Bar-ends were the first accessory I put on it, however, so I could have a variety of hand positions, since, yeah...a flat bar can be hard on longer rides. With the bar ends, I routinely do 40-50 miles rides without a problem. A friend of mind did a century (100 miles) on a flat bar road bike with bar ends and she had no hand problems, either. So....if you don't find a 'cross bike you like, and opt for a flatbar bike - I think bar ends are a definite "gotta have".

FYI, my flat bar terry classic also had bar ends. I think the problem was also the angle of my wrists, just couldn't get as many positions that didn't cause wrist strain even with the bar ends. In terms of control, just don't go too narrow on your drop bars, get them either shoulder width, or slightly wider to improve control. I really like the bianchi volpe. Its designed for BOTH touring and real cyclcross, so I think it gives you the max versatlity. I was very impressed with the one I saw, and its definitely in your price range (even below your max).

[bcipam]

Listen flat bars are OK for mountain biking but are very uncomfortable for road and it will sit you up too much, not leaned over, aerodynamic. And if you are doing a century, you'll want to be able to move your hands and body around more than a flat bar will offer. Stay away from a Mustache bar. Hard to handle and very uncomfortable on longer rides.

I guess you are looking for a cross bike but get one (and they usually come this way) with regular road bars. Bianci does make a nice cross bike as does Lemond.

My take, you really can't get a bike that does all. Pick a sport. Buy the bike that fits that sport. You can always take a road bike on dirt trails if you use a wider, computer like tire. If you buy a cross, computer, comfort, sport, mountain bike, they aren't really suited for road riding. If you see yourself doing more trail, off-raod riding then get a mountain bike - hardtail - and an extra set of wheels that you can use for roading.

[SadieKate]

Cross bikes work great on the pavement.

A cross bike will take narrow tires but a road bike may not take wide ones and rarely has space for mud and debris. Yes, the bottom bracket is higher but that just takes a little getting used to and most people won't even notice.

[Veronica]

My Legolas is a cross bike and I LOVE it on the road. I have 23s on it and I do take it off road, carefully, but it does go off road. :p I just didn't suggest it earlier, because it's more money than she wants to spend.

And I did my first organized century on a mountain bike - America's Most Beautiful Ride - and it was fine. I also did a self supported road tour down the Pacific Coast on a mountain bike.

We're all different. There are people who love mustache bars and don't find them difficult or uncomfortable. I've never used them, so can't comment.

V.

[SadieKate]

I had mustache bars on a town bike and they were great. It was the bike that was too small. If I had only one bike and wanted to ride centuries, would I want them? Probably not.

Anyone want to buy a very loved 1976 Bob Jackson mixte spec'd by Bob himself? In a too small for SK size? :rolleyes:

[Kalidurga]

Let's see:

Mustache (http://www.rivbike.com/webalog/handlebars_stems_tape/16027.html)

Cow-horn (http://harriscyclery.net/itemdetails.cfm?ID=1833)

Exactly. The important differentiation is that the ends of the cow-horns face forward and the mustache sweeps backwards. To me, it seems like the cow-horns would feel similar to either a flat bar with bar ends, or riding on the hoods of a drop bar.

I put bar ends on the flat bar of my old hybrid and found that the more I rode, the more I kept angling them forward. I finally realized that it was because my body wanted to be more stretched out on the bike. When I switched to the 'cross bike with drop bars, I used the flats a lot at first. Partly because I wasn't used to the hand position of the hoods and drops, partly out of habit. By the end of the summer, though, I found that I felt much more control of the bike from the hoods than from the flats (I'm still getting used to the drops, though). Obviously it'll be different for everyone, but if you're leery of giving up your flat bars, Cindyloo, you might be surprised at how easily you adapt to drop bars. But, if you were to try drops and decide you're not comfortable with them, it's cool to know that there are more bar options these days than just flat and drop.


My take, you really can't get a bike that does all. Pick a sport. Buy the bike that fits that sport.

But why? What if your "sport" is just getting out there and enjoying the ride, and getting a kick out of being able to go wherever you want on your bike? A 'cross bike certainly doesn't do it all, but it does a lot more than bikes that are geared to specific surfaces or styles of riding. If someone wants that versatility and can't afford more than one bike, they're probably gonna get a lot of value and pleasure from a 'cross bike.

(Yeah, I'm a devotee :p I'll get off the soapbox now...)

[VeloVT]

The Lemond Poprad is a nice bike. I was **this close** to getting one but decided on the Bianchi Axis instead. The Lemond is the lightest **steel** cross bike I tested -- just a hair over 20lbs -- and handles well. In my experience it was lighter, snappier and quicker-handling than the Bianchi Volpe (about 25 lbs?). I also tried a Redline -- not sure which -- Conquest tour perhaps? -- and found it, um, placid. Heavy and pokey, but a good solid bike for the money (like half as much as the Poprad).

I LOVE my Axis. I concur with others that it sounds like a cx bike would suit your needs well. The wide tires and fenders have been great this winter, the more upright geometry is great for riding in traffic and is **super comfortable**, and it's still quick and fun (and could be even quicker with different tires).

Edit: Poprad is about $1200, as is Axis. Volpe is around $800... and the Redline I tried was on sale for about $650. (Not sure what MSRP was).

[Cindyloo]

Ooooh ooooh, I likey all of the suggestions! The Volpe is gorgeous and the Lemond Poprad. I guess the Volpe would leave me $$$ for accessories! :D

I looked up the 2007 Lemond Poprad and it only showed the disc brake version on their website. By the way, how do you pronounce Poprad (so I won't sound like a dufus when I call the bike shop)! Is it Poe-prad or Pop-rad?

Kalidurga, I'm glad you mentioned which way those mustache and cow horn bars were supposed to point! I think I just need to get more comfortable with the drops on a traditional handlebar first.

There is a Bianchi dealer about 2 miles from my office and a Lemond dealer about a mile away. I think I may have to take a looooong lunch hour tomorrow! I guess there are advantages to working downtown ATL!

[KnottedYet]

My road bike is a cyclocross bike. (Waterford X-12) Cross geometry suits me well (my other bike is a Kona Dew: a cyclocross geometry commuter). I have 28 mm randonneur tires and can really kick on the road. It handles dirt fine, and if I want to kick in the dirt all I have to do is put on some knobbies.

If you find a bike you love, don't worry about what it's called (cross, road, sport, touring, racing) if it suits you and feels like "yours" and can be outfitted for the activities you want, go for it! Everyone is different, every body is physically different and reacts differently. Go with what you love! (and when you feel that bike love you will *know*!)