Testing my Surly Love

[Catrin]

Salsa has a new bike... the Vaya...

http://salsacycles.com/bikes/vaya/vaya_complete/

So far I haven't found a price AND I cannot seem to make sense out of their "Fitting Chart" for the numbers do not seem to coincide with the specs on their geometry page. I've also learned that Salsa measures frame size quite differently from other bike makers.

I will keep looking at this to see if I can make heads or tails out of it :)

---------NOTE: Never mind, I finally found a price and it is outside my range -- given my experience with the Fargo, there would have likely been another fitting problem anyway.

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Does anyone know of a cyclocross bike with full mountain gearing that comes in a small size? I can't handle the cost of a custom bike...

I am still in love with the LHT, though the Vaya would be testing that if it came small enough and I could afford it. A friend thinks I rejected the idea of a cyclocross bike out of hand - so I said I would at least look into it. From my understanding of cyclocross I suspect that they would not have full mountain gearing - but what do I know? They ARE versatile and can do light touring.

I will keep looking on my own of course, but welcome suggestions. I DO have two weeks left in my enforced waiting period - though I still would love to be able to actually test ride something... (darn short height...)

[moderncyclista]

50 cm is the smallest "Vaya" there is - with a 698.1 millimeter standover puts it at a 27.48 inch. 52 cm is 715.3 or 28.16 inches. Also, discs brakes and STI shifters. I'm not a fan. Also, it is a "compact double" no bail-out low gears (granny gears) if you hit steep hills. 50/34 T rings are bigger than the LHT stock rings - meaning harder to pedal for beginners - good for speed not for touring. LHT has 26 inch tires. Nice wide good for multi-surface. If you like the look - brown paint/brown saddle/browntape - the Trek 520 is a stellar bike that costs alot less (than a Salsa) and comes in a rich brown with golden flecks in the paint. It's not a Surly but it is a nice bike - that has been manufactured for over 20 years.

[Catrin]

50 cm is the smallest "Vaya" there is - with a 698.1 millimeter standover puts it at a 27.48 inch. 52 cm is 715.3 or 28.16 inches. Also, discs brakes and STI shifters. I'm not a fan. ........... If you like the look - brown paint/brown saddle/browntape - the Trek 520 is a stellar bike that costs alot less (than a Salsa) and comes in a rich brown with golden flecks in the paint. It's not a Surly but it is a nice bike - that has been manufactured for over 20 years.

Thanks for your take on the Vaya - I kept looking at the specs on this after my post last night and realized that it wouldn't fit any better than the Fargo. The LHT is a better choice - and more affordable :) I always come back to the LHT.

ADDED: I DID find a couple of Kona cyclocross bikes with the gearing I want, but they don't come small enough. I have seen the Trek 520, and while there certainly isn't anything wrong with it, it isn't the LHT. There IS the Jamis Aurora Elite...but it doesn't seem to come small enough. I don't see my LHT choice being changed at this point :D

[Jaclyn]

Have you looked at Rodriguez (http://www.rodcycle.com/)? Their cyclocross bike (and all bikes) come in 18 sizes and start at $1895.

[Catrin]

Have you looked at Rodriguez (http://www.rodcycle.com/)? Their cyclocross bike (and all bikes) come in 18 sizes and start at $1895.

Pretty bikes, but outside of my budget I am afraid. Thanks for the link!

[moderncyclista]

Surlys are nice true. I have a 520 that I love and adore - but now that I think of it - it doesn't come smaller than 48cm with a 28.5 inch standover. (I'm lucky I fit) The 520 was the benchmark for touring bikes for over 20 years. Most people who own them have had them forever. Trying to buy a used one off ebay? They still go for beaucoup bucks - even 20 years old. Again, Surlys are nice. I've thought about getting one - but my 520 is my baby. It's my "keep no matter what" bike. Also, as far as touring bikes go - 520s roll fast. Much faster than my Jamis. Surlys are nice too though. (I've heard that Salsa is owned by the same place that owns Surly - anyone know if this is correct?)

[KnottedYet]

Surly is owned by Quality Bicycle Parts.
Salsa is, too.

And a few other things, here and there.... http://www.qbp.com/brands.html

They distribute far more brands than they own. According to the Surly folks, QBP gives them quite a lot of latitude to get outrageous with ideas. I think it has certainly paid off.

I think it's amusing that some of my favorite bikes are owned by QBP. I am their niche market! :D

[Catrin]

Surly is owned by Quality Bicycle Parts.
Salsa is, too.

And a few other things, here and there.... http://www.qbp.com/brands.html

They distribute far more brands than they own. According to the Surly folks, QBP gives them quite a lot of latitude to get outrageous with ideas. I think it has certainly paid off.

I think it's amusing that some of my favorite bikes are owned by QBP. I am their niche market! :D

This is very interesting, it looks like most of my bike-related things are from companies owned by QBP - it looks like a lot of us are their niche market!

Moderncyclista - the 520 and Jamis Aurora have been the only two real contestants for me with the Surly LHT - as much as the Vaya got my attention for a second. I don't know which one I would have chosen if both fit me - it would have been like having to choose between 3 fantastic bikes :p