Steel commuter/ light touring bikes: How to choose?

[buddha_bellies]

So my commuter/ beater bike is on its last legs. I'm thinking of saving up some money and get a decent bike for work and maybe for credit card touring.

I've been looking on here and surfing online to see what's out there. It seems a lot of people here likes the Surly LHT. But is there other bikes I'm over-looking? If I go custom, I thought it would be nice to go Canadian (local) like Marinoni's Turismo or Sportivo. Anyone has these frames?

The problem is I'm 5'1" and to find a bike that's small enough is pretty hard. I thought of the Jamis but they don't make my size. I'm riding a 44cm Ruby right now but I'll need a work horse come fall/ winter with all that rain and snow.

And all these different types of steel: Columbus Sona, Surly's CroMoly, Reynolds 953, etc... what does it all mean? Is one better then the other? Would spending more money on a Marinoni vs on a Surly gives me better steel too?

Thanks!

[Zen]

Have a look at the Adventure cycling (http://www.adventurecycling.org/) site.
Type in "how to choose a touring bike" in their search box.
You'll get lots of results.
Just because your bike is a 44 doesn't mean that's the size you'll need from another manufacturer. I'm 5'2" and the 47cm Jamis fits me great.
It all depends on the geometry.

http://www.adventurecycling.org/forums/index.php?action=printpage;topic=4985.0


http://www.adventurecycling.org/features/bikefortheroad.cfm

http://blog.adventurecycling.org/2009/07/surly-long-haul-trucker.html

[Biciclista]

My experience with Marinoni was that they make a really long top tube. They are awesome bikes though; and it's been a few years so maybe they are now making better bikes for women.
Check out their website, you can spend hours there. Good luck!

[Crankin]

I have a 44 cm Jamis; my road bike is about a 48 cm. So, one has nothing to do with the other...

[buddha_bellies]

Thank you everyone. I had a look of the Jamis over the weekend. The 47cm is definately too high for me. I forgot to mention I have short legs too.

I understand what you mean by 44cm is just a number but I've checked out several bike brands when I was shopping for a road bike last year (ie. Giant, Devinci, Trek, etc). I tried all the smallest frames I can find, usually a 47cm and they're all too big. I guess that's why I'm asking for 44cm or similar frames. Wouldn't a manufacture make frame size relatively similar between a road and a touring bike? :confused:

Thanks

[KnottedYet]

Surly Long Haul Trucker comes in 42. http://surlybikes.com/lht_comp.html I know it's one of the bikes you are considering, have you tried riding it?

If you like something more on the spry and perky side, yet still a good utility or touring bike, try the Surly Cross Check, too. It also goes down in size to a 42. http://surlybikes.com/crosscheck_comp.html

(Surly sizes go 42, 46.)

Gunnar makes some very nice steel frames. http://gunnarbikes.com/

I'm sure you already saw this thread about the Surly LHT that Trek420 test rode in a size 42. It might have been a little small for her (usually rides a 46 or 47), but she loved it: http://forums.teamestrogen.com/showthread.php?t=17451

[VeloVT]

I think the Bianchi Volpe comes in some smaller sizes. It's not super light, but I think there are a few people on TE who have/like them.

[Grog]

Marinoni will build a bike for you custom.

For not a lot more money than their regular bikes. And you get to choose the paint. (Mrs. Marinoni paints the bikes.)

If you go to La Bicicleta they can take care of you for that.

At the Grand Tour in Quebec (2,200 cyclists on a week-long supported tour), 1 in 7 bikes is a Marinoni!

[roguedog]

Hey buddha,

If you want to go canadian, i've always drooled over Mariposa cycles' work but I have a thing for lugs and classic styling.

http://www.mariposabicycles.com/touring-bike-26.html

This picture makes we want to plop down some cash...

They also have a randonneur.

Check em out. The owner's daughter in law, Dede, was a time trial silver medalist in Athens.


Oh and then there's always Rivendell's too for a US based company.

[buddha_bellies]

Thanks everyone. I saw the Surly... not too thrill with the paint color. I know, it's really silly but I just can't see myself with it. :o

DH now thinks maybe I should look into the Trek Soho (http://www.trekbikes.com/ca/en/bikes/urban/soho/soho/#ReviewHeader) Yes, it's aluminum. I don't know how that would ride since I've never had an aluminum bike before. But he likes the idea of the carbon drive belt and internal hub brakes...there's no major maintenance involved. And since I ride in all weather, it's less work for him :D But I wonder how durable these compontents are. It's one thing if I'm biking in town. But what about when I'm doing my credit card touring?

I guess the search continues...

[KnottedYet]

Hmmmm... asphalt gray bike, on gray asphalt, during gray-lit commuting hours.

Oh, Trek, how could you paint a commuter GRAY!?!?!?!

The Soho is a pretty appealing bike, but for 1/3 that price you could get an aluminum Kona Dew commuter or a steel Kona Smoke commuter.

Touring would definitely require a different bike, but if you are interested in aluminum commuters there are many out there which are very good and mighty low-priced. And they have standard parts which would be easy to repair/replace.

ETA: aluminum vs steel is one of those eternal debates. Some folks feel the difference, some don't. I feel it, and after an hour or so it becomes aggravating. YMMV.

[canonsue]

Thanks everyone. I saw the Surly... not too thrill with the paint color. I know, it's really silly but I just can't see myself with it. :o

Is it the Truckaccino Cream color or the Olive Green color that you do not like?

I have a Truckaccino cream LHT. The color looks great in person and not so good in pictures. I have a black and cream theme going on mine. (black fenders, rack and black Brooks saddle)

But everyone has their own likes and dislikes.

-Sue

[pdxgal]

You may want to look at a Bike Friday. Their design is such that the geometry can easily accommodate shorter riders, even "little people". I went with their NWT model in large part because I got fed up trying to find a commuter/touring bike to fit my proportions: 5'8", with long legs and short torso (in dresses I need to wear Petites). Most bike top tubes were too long. Suppose I could've checked out Terry or other WSD bikes, but the Bike Friday has the added advantage (for me) of folding into a suitcase for travel. We've toured the Oregon Coast and in France, and the NWT performed well and was comfortable. It's also my commuter bike , and I like its nimble handling around town.

[emily_in_nc]

Second the "look at Bike Friday" idea. I'm 5'1.5" and love my Petite Pocket Crusoe! Great for utility rides (I'm at the food co-op in this photo), and DH and I have also done a fully loaded tour on 'em. Great bikes!

http://s2.largeimagehost.com/HL/XQQUcUs/emily_weaver_street_apr09.jpg

[Zen]

The Soho is a pretty appealing bike, but for 1/3 that price you could get an aluminum Kona Dew commuter or a steel Kona Smoke commuter.


appealing or appalling? Ever since I got the Jamis I've fallen hard out of love for anything Trek*

this comment is subject to change upon viewing/riding of the Bellville

[buddha_bellies]

appealing or appalling? Ever since I got the Jamis I've fallen hard out of love for anything Trek*

this comment is subject to change upon viewing/riding of the Bellville


Oh Dear. Have you had problems with Trek? Or you just LOVE your Jamis? I wish I could even get on a Jamis. I saw some of their bikes, I love their paint colors.

As to the Surly, I saw the green. DH thought it was the ugliest color for a bike. I have to agree. I guess the beige color is not bad if you get the right color accessories. But I'm still not too crazy with the finishing.

I saw a build-up Marinoni Turismo last week. OMG! I love this bike! The finishing is awesome. I can see why people would pay more for a custom bike. I think it's set then... I'm gonna get myself a Marinoni... once I save up more money. Custom paint is always a bonus! :D

Thanks everyone!!!

[eofelis]

I have a 44cm Specialized Ruby and I like the fit. I also have a 42cm Surly Pacer and a 42cm Surly LHT. So I feel that the fit is similar on these bikes (depending on components).

I have my Pacer set up as a sport-tourer with a light pannier rack and sometimes use it for commuting. It's a sturdy, inexpensive, easily replaceable frame that I don't worry too much about. My LHT is a pretty bombproof little bike. I've done two week+ tours with it in southwest Colorado.

I looked into a Crosscheck, but the standover of the 42cm model is 2cm taller than the 42cm Pacer and 42cm LHT. This is probably due to the increased tire clearance of the frame.

I looked into Somas, but the smallest ones are still too big for me.

Gunnars are nice, my bf has two Gunnar road bikes and a Rockhound mtn bike. But the smaller frame sizes have 650c wheels.

[buddha_bellies]

I have a 44cm Specialized Ruby and I like the fit. I also have a 42cm Surly Pacer and a 42cm Surly LHT. So I feel that the fit is similar on these bikes (depending on components).

I have my Pacer set up as a sport-tourer with a light pannier rack and sometimes use it for commuting. It's a sturdy, inexpensive, easily replaceable frame that I don't worry too much about. My LHT is a pretty bombproof little bike. I've done two week+ tours with it in southwest Colorado.

I looked into a Crosscheck, but the standover of the 42cm model is 2cm taller than the 42cm Pacer and 42cm LHT. This is probably due to the increased tire clearance of the frame.

I looked into Somas, but the smallest ones are still too big for me.

Gunnars are nice, my bf has two Gunnar road bikes and a Rockhound mtn bike. But the smaller frame sizes have 650c wheels.

Wow! That's awesome! I have a 44cm ruby also. It's good to know that Surly is less then a Marinoni and is bombproof. What color is your LHT? I just wish their finishing is a bit cleaner. The one I saw the welding wasn't very clean. I don't know if that was a defect or what but I was kinda disappointed. It's really affordable and I guess I can always get it custom color at a body shop, since I would buy the frame and build it with different components.

[eofelis]

Wow! That's awesome! I have a 44cm ruby also. It's good to know that Surly is less then a Marinoni and is bombproof. What color is your LHT? I just wish their finishing is a bit cleaner. The one I saw the welding wasn't very clean. I don't know if that was a defect or what but I was kinda disappointed. It's really affordable and I guess I can always get it custom color at a body shop, since I would buy the frame and build it with different components.

My LHT is the original Sage Green color. The welds on the 3 Surly bikes that we have in the house are all quite nice. The powdercoating they put on them is quite durable also. I think they are a great deal on a frame.

[buddha_bellies]

Finally! I've settle on a bike! It's neither any one of the ones I had mentioned before because it's brand new for 2010.

I ended up getting a Brodie Drifter demo from my LBS. It's a lot cheaper then any of the other bikes I've mentioned! Woohoo! My LBS had a look at all the bikes I had mentioned. Other then the Marinoni, which is custom, none of the ones would've fit me because my inseam is so short.

Anyway, here's my new baby. I had the handlebar changed to a trekking one so it should do me well on any credit touring :)

10489

10490

[eofelis]

Kewl!!:D
That bike looks like it can take you anywhere!

[shootingstar]

So is this meant to be your new commuter bike?
Any trips that you are dreamin' of ? A trip out to the islands or Van. Island should be plenty of choice there in better seasons. :p

[Tri Girl]

What a gorgeous ride!!! It looks bomb-proof. Love it!!!! :)
Congrats on your new ride. What brand is your rear rack? Is it an old man mountain?

[buddha_bellies]

Yes, it is old man mountain. I heard it's bomb proof. Supposed to be able to carry 40lbs of stuff... that's more then what I plan to carry but you never know :-)

As to trips, yes, Whistler is one of them. And next May/ June some people in the club I belong to is thinking of doing the Sunshine Coast circle tour. I've never been up there before so that should be fun. And if I have enough money, France would be awesome! But that's another story.

[Grog]

Fantastic! Dan told me about it when I saw him last week, it's great to see the thing with my own eyes.

Wait, what club? Have you joined the VBC? Gosh I gotta get back on my bike!

Congrats!

[buddha_bellies]

Thanks Grog.

No, I'm not with the VBC. There's another club that's free, MeetUp. Some people are from the VBC there though. The first ride I went with them were organized with the VBC too.

I might join VBC later on. But we'll see. We're not sure what kinda ride we plan to do still. Daniel just want to ride w/o gear but I want to go touring. Another friend of mine LOVES touring so I might end up just tagging along with him.

[Atlas]

Wow, I really like that. I'm kind of surprised how much I like it, its not what I usually go for. Have fun, it looks like a blast to ride.