touring/commuter?

Hi everyone.... I have been going back and forth and back and forth and ... well, you get the picture... about a commuter/touring bike. So, brief run down on my thought process. I was going to get a surly cross check - good bike, reasonable price and I wouldn't worry about leaving it parked outside. Then, I thought, well, if I tour, I will spend a lot of time on my bike, so maybe I should save up and spring for a custom bike. I live in a University town, and bike thefts are pretty bad this year, and I really think I would lose my mind leaving it parked outside. Then, I though, okay, I'll look at the Surly and the Bianchi Volpe. I rode the Volpe frame this weekend (on the Castro Valley), and loved it! But the 2009 is going to be pretty pricey... I could do it, but do I love the bike that much? Then today on Craig's list, a Kona Jake came up in my size. I briefly looked at the comments on the Jake, and it seems to be a reasonably decent bike. I figure I can wear out the Shimano components and then put Campy on it like I prefer. Any thoughts? Opinions? Is the Kona comparable to the Volpe? Would you save up and get a custom bike that a) fits perfectly, b) has the components you want, but c) is so expensive you are afraid to park it? Thanks!

When I was looking for my latest bike I tried the Volpe and the Jake among other things. I liked the Volpe. I felt too stretched out on the Jake. I was going to buy the Volpe but the higher price tag got me too. Like you, another option came to me in that they had a 2-year old Kona Sutra on sale for 50% off its retail and was $250 less than the Volpe. The Sutra had the better parts and even though it wasn't as cheap as a brand new Jake, I opted for it because it had better components. The Sutra is Kona's touring bike. I personally do not think I would save up for a bike that is too expensive that I wouldn't want to commute on and lock up outside. How much touring do you think you will be doing?

thanks - that's a helpful response. I will go ride this bike today, but I was concerned that the top tube is far longer than the bianchi. It's interesting to hear that you could feel the difference.

How about a Surly LHT or a Trek 520? The 520 in a 19" has a fit that's quite similar to the Surly Cross Check in a 50 cm (just as an anecdote). Both are awesome rides - for loaded touring, you might want to lower the gearing on the Trek.

CA

another good option - thanks! I think Lee's has Surlys - I think I'll call and see if they have a 49cm in LHT and cross check (yeah, right)... worth a try, though. Good option for the Trek - I think Lee's sells Treks too... hmmm... maybe a trip to the bike store this afternoon. I don't think I feel like working :rolleyes: