2010 Salsa Vaya Road Bike

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Originally Posted by Biciclista

Oh, I love that bike! I can see not liking it because it doesn't fit you, but riding on 26" wheels is like being in a luxury car. not to mention so much less concern about flat tires.

beautiful, good luck selling it.

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Thanks. There is a story behind this bike. I had been shopping for a commuter, errand bike and found the Vaya on the internet while doing my research. Perfect bike just hard to find. No one had them. So I settled on a Crosscheck as my second choice and found a dealer 6 hours from me who had one in stock in my size that I could ride. On the way there, the dealer called very apologetic saying that when they went to put the bike together for me to ride, they discovered that they only had the box--no bike! They had a Pacer in my size I could try so I went to check out the shop and sitting in the window was the Vaya! Only it was a size too large. They shortened the stem for me but the cockpit is just too long. I didn't think it would matter for short, 10 mile or less, trips but I constantly slide forward, push myself back, only to slide forward again. I fight it the whole time and it's not enjoyable.

I bought Cataboo's used Pacer and am using that as my commuter, errand bike now. I hate to let this beauty go but it's not enjoyable riding it. She needs to find a good home.

I hope the pacer is a better fit!

I am very glad to read that you found a great replacement that you are enjoying - that is what matters.

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Originally Posted by Cataboo

I hope the pacer is a better fit!

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It is so far. I'll have to send you a pic of it. I've been tinkering away!

Oooh, that Vaya is exactly my size.

I don't need another bike right now, or I'd be jumping for it! :D

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Originally Posted by Bike Chick

It is so far. I'll have to send you a pic of it. I've been tinkering away!

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Ooooh. Show us what you've done.

I was in the bike shop yesterday getting them to cut a fork down and was looking through the clearance bins...

This nice pair of leather grips was begging for me to buy them and then buy a bike to put them on.

Luckily they were fast about cutting my fork and I got out of there with most of my money.

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Originally Posted by Bike Chick

I didn't like the 26" wheels because it felt like riding a mountain bike on the road, that's all. I would pedal and pedal and just didn't get anywhere.

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That's interesting -- I don't find that at all on my Bike Friday with 20" wheels. I just run a higher gear than I would on a bike with a larger wheel.

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Originally Posted by emily_in_nc

That's interesting -- I don't find that at all on my Bike Friday with 20" wheels. I just run a higher gear than I would on a bike with a larger wheel.

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I found the same thing. I am going to sell my Bike Friday because of that. I did so much research and everything said that the gearing was "geared" towards those smaller wheels. I just felt like I spun myself to death and didn't get anywhere.

It is interesting, this perceived difference between 700c and 26 inch wheels when it comes to distance/effort. I've ready several interesting bits of research that appear to indicate that most of this is simply perception but not real - unless one is racing. When I have a chance I will see if I can find the articles again and post it in another thread.

Personally I love my 26inch wheels on my LHT - but to be fair - this bike fits me where the Trek 7.6 FX did not. My new bike will also have 26 inch wheels - I love 26 inch wheels because they are so versatile in the range of tire sizes available and the ride. That being said, I have not ridden a bike with 700c tires that actually FITS me.

Research aside, I suspect this is one of those topics that it is possible to debate without end as it really comes down to individual preferences.

I would be interested to read those articles, Catrin. It may just be perception but I know how it feels and there is a huge difference to me.

Responding for several reasons. A: wanted to give this a 'bump' in hopes you'll sell it to a wonderful person who'll love the hell out of it. It's much to big for me

(cursed with little legs. I'm not tall, but torso wise I could ride a 50 if I didn't have such tiny fricking legs. But alas, I ride a 48 (Trek) and a 46 (Surly).)

B: I wanted to comment about the 26 inch wheels.

Okay, I've got 26 inchers on my Surly and I'm mixed about them. I feel like they are slower and I have to spin in a higher gear to go as fast as on my 520. However, they are cushier. More vibration dampening, and all around a wee bit tougher. I use my Surly as my winter commuter *gasp* (Yes, I know. I wipe it down meticulously after every ride. I really should get a cheapy bike for this. But moving on.) Anyways, during the winter I don't want to go as fast anyways, I just want to spin fast enough to warm up and then I enjoy the ride a lot more in 23 degree weather - but the wind isn't ripping my face off at that speed - so I can. :D

As far as 700 C wheels go, I think smaller bikes look funny with em'. But they make us little folks feel like we've gone farther and we can keep up with our lanky friends on Critical Mass. (I have a friend who's 6'8'' and I'm 5'3''. :( )

Good luck with selling the Salsa, she's beautiful!! *(or he.)

Thank you for your comments and the bump. I understand completely what you mean about the 26" wheels being comfy--so much so I almost feel like I bounce down the road if that makes any sense. Put the comfy wheels with the steel ride and it's sweet. If I had a 2-3 mile commute, it wouldn't be a big deal but I have a 10 mile commute (one way) and the too long cockpit with the 26" wheels is just a drag. I think I'm spoiled with my Luna and expect everything to ride like that one does;) This is such a great bike. I had looked so long for a commuter and when I found this one, I snatched it even though it was too big. I knew better but thought it would work for short rides and it just doesn't.

It's a good looking bike. Please mention how tall you are, and your inseam. I was looking to buy a 52" Vaya, but no one has it in stock. What is the width of your 26" wheels? 26x2? Or less? I am 5' 6", but have a longer torso and shorter legs (go figure). Do you know how much your bike weighs?

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Originally Posted by sunny228

It's a good looking bike. Please mention how tall you are, and your inseam. I was looking to buy a 52" Vaya, but no one has it in stock. What is the width of your 26" wheels? 26x2? Or less? I am 5' 6", but have a longer torso and shorter legs (go figure). Do you know how much your bike weighs?

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Yes, Sunny, it's a good looking bike and they are hard to find. I am 5'3" with a 31" inseam (to the floor). I'm long legged and short torsoed. It has 26 X 1.75 tires on it and I have no idea how much it weighs. It's not a light bike.

Anything else?

The Salsa has been sold:)