In love with the Salsa Casseroll

[VeganBikeChick]

For a long time I've been debating between a Surly Cross Check and a Salsa Casseroll. Today I got the chance to try them both out. And I am in love with the Casseroll :D I like the geometry, the way it feels when I ride it, and it's not bad to look at, either ;D. The Cross Check isn't bad but I didn't care for the bar end shifters and don't want to pay to upgrade. The LBS was so helpful and patient with me - I rode the Casseroll, then the Cross Check, then the Casseroll again.

I wish I had found this forum before I bought my current bike last year, that I've ridden all of maybe 5 times. You all are so helpful, and such enablers (in a good way!!)

I'm hoping I can sell my current bike before I get the Casseroll, but I may not be that patient. Wish me luck!

[Savra]

Welcome!! I haven't any experience with the Salsa bikes but my LBS guy loves them. He wanted me to buy one instead of my Surly LHT. But, alas, I went with the LHT and am ever so happy. But, I figure the Salsa bikes are still wonderful bikes. Enjoy

[tulip]

Wow, Seattle is indeed a Cool Place...you have bike shops that carry both Salsa AND Surly! I'm investigating a CC; there are no Salsa dealers in these parts, alas.

[VeganBikeChick]

Tulip, they carry Salsa, Surly, and Jamis! I didn't try the Jamis, as the LBS worker said it probably wouldn't fit me right, but I didn't need to after trying the Salsa. It's a really nice little LBS.

[indysteel]

I've admittedly never ridden the Casseroll, but the shop where I bought my Santa Cruz has one in stock that I drool over every time I stop by. It's a silvery blue and has such pretty, clean lines. All I can say is that you have good taste. Get it and post pics!

[tulip]

Tulip, they carry Salsa, Surly, and Jamis! I didn't try the Jamis, as the LBS worker said it probably wouldn't fit me right, but I didn't need to after trying the Salsa. It's a really nice little LBS.

Oh! The Surly CC and the Jamis Aurora are tops on my list. I might have to add the Caseroll, too.

[indysteel]

I have the 2010 Aurora, Tulip. It's a nice bike for sure, especially for the money. It might be a bit beefier than the Casseroll for loaded touring purposes, but at least mine isn't as pretty as the Casseroll. If and when I'm in the market for a new road bike, I'd like to try it out.

ETA: I just a lengthy review of the Casseroll. Salsa markets it as a road bike and while it is, the reviewer emphasized its utility as a tourer, so it appears to be sturdier than I thought. It also appears to be pretty versatile beyond sound. I like!

[Melalvai]

I thought this thread was going to have a recipe in it, and you were just not good at spelling. :(

[VeganBikeChick]

Yay! Sold my current bike! Now I can buy the Salsa guilt-free. But I have to wait until next payday in 2 weeks...this week's check is for rent and I'd feel guilty about pulling money out of savings for a bike....or would I? ;)

[Trek420]

Tulip, they carry Salsa, Surly, and Jamis! I didn't try the Jamis, as the LBS worker said it probably wouldn't fit me right, but I didn't need to after trying the Salsa. It's a really nice little LBS.

I'm guessing is that FreeRange cycles? Great shop! They also carry Riv and some others. :) Counterbalance has a great independent selection too. I'm surprised each time I've been in "Never heard of this one, oooooh, shiny!"

[Eden]

I'm guessing is that FreeRange cycles? Great shop! They also carry Riv and some others. :)

I met the owner on the bus a little while back - it was just after I'd had kind of a bad night.... I left work a little late, had a flat tire and while *walking* across the street to a bike shop to get a tube my bike (not me, just the bike) was run over by an impatient right hand turn motorist.... (really!) then as I was limping home on a bent rim, *all* of my lights, and I usually have at least 4... 2 front and 2 tail, decided to run out of juice at the same time... at that point I was DONE and hopped a bus, still a bit frazzled to say the least....

Apparently the owner of Free Range lives near me. We got off at the same stop. She mentioned her shop when I was talking about my newly bent and needing to be replaced wheel. She seems like a very nice person. If she was a bit closer I'd probably have visited her about the replacement, but 20/20 is just a few blocks away.

[VeganBikeChick]

You both are right, it is FreeRange Cycles. It's super close to my place, and the first shop that came up when I was looking for Salsa bikes. Is Kathleen the owner? She was the only female I saw in the shop, and she was the one who was so patient with me when I couldn't decide. I feel great supporting a LBS that's so nice!! I really can't wait to get my bike.

[indysteel]

Awesome! Post pics of it/her/him when you get it!

[Blueberry]

Oh! The Surly CC and the Jamis Aurora are tops on my list. I might have to add the Caseroll, too.

You can probably fit my Cross Check - if you want to do a test ride when you're in my area:)

Back Alley in Chapel Hill has some Surly Bikes in stock too - if you happen to need a different size.

[Trek420]

... at that point I was DONE and hopped a bus, still a bit frazzled to say the least ....

OMG :eek: Did the driver even stop?

[Eden]

OMG :eek: Did the driver even stop?

Oh indeed.... he had to with my bike trapped under his car.... pulled it right out of my hands. Thank goodness I wasn't pushing a stroller or walking a dog!

[yellow]

I love my Casseroll. You won't be sorry.

:D

[Trek420]

.... pulled it right out of my hands. Thank goodness I wasn't pushing a stroller or walking a dog!

..... or holding on real tight. Insured? No of course not. :mad: :rolleyes:

But all in all Seattle drivers seem quite nice at least compared to where I'm from.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5XdohA-4tQ0

[tulip]

You can probably fit my Cross Check - if you want to do a test ride when you're in my area:)

Back Alley in Chapel Hill has some Surly Bikes in stock too - if you happen to need a different size.

Thanks! I think I need a 50cm based on the size of my Luna. I'll be there next week for a few days for work...perhaps I can come test it out if it's not too inconvenient with your house situation and all. I hadn't heard of Back Alley. I'll look into them. Thanks for the tips!

[Blueberry]

Thanks! I think I need a 50cm based on the size of my Luna. I'll be there next week for a few days for work...perhaps I can come test it out if it's not too inconvenient with your house situation and all. I hadn't heard of Back Alley. I'll look into them. Thanks for the tips!

It should be fine:) We had a little party at 7:45 this morning (home inspector, structural engineer, realtor, us), but *should* be calmer the rest of the week. I would call or email Back Alley first. He has some in stock - but I have no idea what sizes (he mostly does repairs).

I think mine is a 50cm. Surly measures a bit odd - but as best I can tell that's what it is (I bought it 2nd hand).

[twin]

I just purchased a Salsa Casseroll single 2010 and the color is ginger beer. I'm putting my Brooks Finnesse saddle on it and Drillium pedals. It will have brown wrap tomorrow and a White Industries freewheel soon. I've had it only 3 days and have ridden mostly in town. Soon school will be out and longer rides begin. I really like how they clear coat over the decals and other nice finishes. So far really nice ride. Her name is Ginger.

[Catrin]

I just purchased a Salsa Casseroll single 2010 and the color is ginger beer. I'm putting my Brooks Finnesse saddle on it and Drillium pedals. It will have brown wrap tomorrow and a White Industries freewheel soon. I've had it only 3 days and have ridden mostly in town. Soon school will be out and longer rides begin. I really like how they clear coat over the decals and other nice finishes. So far really nice ride. Her name is Ginger.

Sounds lovely and congratulations! Will you post a picture?

[twin]

Still waiting for WI freewheel and JB tires. Later I will add the bamboo fenders.

[murielalex]

Love it!

[Owlie]

Still waiting for WI freewheel and JB tires. Later I will add the bamboo fenders.

*whistles* Very nice! Classy bike!

[Slowspoke]

ohhh very nice!

[VeganBikeChick]

So I went to buy my bike today, and they're in the process of building one up. They said it takes about a day to build, and they're closed tomorrow. I work Tue-Fri, so no bike for me til Saturday. Very anxious and impatient!!

[twin]

How exciting!! Post pictures as soon as you can.

[leah]

I am drooling over the Salsa Casseroll. It will be a perfect everyday adjunct to my racy bike, for everyday errands and touring! I like how you can run 700c x 38mm road tires for long trail rides :)

Turns out a bike shop within an hour of me has one in my size. I am going to have to test ride it soon!! I can barely wait.

[whateveronfire]

The thread and I found each other today. I'm going to ride a Salsa Casseroll tomorrow. Hope I like it as much as you all seem to.

:)

[whateveronfire]

No trying to hijack, but I bought a Casseroll today. So smooth and nice. Now I have to decide which of my old two bikes to get rid of, because I'm not going with n + 1. :eek:

[twin]

Love the new color!!! Many happy miles on your new Casseroll. Keep us posted as you log the miles.

[nuliajuk]

That is a pretty bike. Looks comfortable, too.

[indysteel]

So I went to buy my bike today, and they're in the process of building one up. They said it takes about a day to build, and they're closed tomorrow. I work Tue-Fri, so no bike for me til Saturday. Very anxious and impatient!!

I've been dying for a report (and pictures) on your new bike. How do you like it? I think it's one of the prettiest steel bikes on the market right now. DH and I both want one. Of course, neither of us need one, so I'll have to just live vicariously through you.

[VeganBikeChick]

Hey Indy,

I'll try to get up pics tomorrow or sometime this weekend. I got nice silver longboard fenders to complement it and a steel basket that I still need to put on. Loving the bike so far!