Celebrating a new commuter bike

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Originally Posted by ZenBiker

Devold, it's a 50 so it has the 26" wheels. The 52 would probably fit me better, at least according to the Salsa website, and my only lingering doubt/regret is that I didn't hold out for a chance to ride a 52 and compare. But the closest bike shop that even carries Surly and Salsa is a 3-hour drive for me, and I was only in town for the day, and the 50 felt pretty good...and anyway, as you said, the 52 has 26" wheels too.

So far I don't feel like I gave up much by having smaller wheels. There is less toe overlap than with my 700c road bike and while the Salsa isn't a speed machine, i can maintain a respectable pace very easily once I get going.

Edited to add: the guy at the shop showed me an article by Rivendell that gave a bunch of reasons they will only use 26" wheels on smaller frames - had to do with seat tube angles and other things they considered unacceptable geometry compromises when putting bigger wheels on such frames. I don't have the knowledge or experience to critically evaluate the things they said, but it sounded pretty convincing.

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Thanks, it sounds promising :) I also read some stuff about why they chose smaller wheels. The 50 and 52 are SMALL frames and I hate to much toe overlap!

I hope you'll enjoy your new bike :-)

Is that a women's frame? It looks really relaxed. I am thinking of a bike like yours, and liked how the Specialized Tricross fit.

It's not a WSD, Salsa doesn't offer those as far as I know. It is a very relaxed position and with the larger tires it's a comfort ride for sure, but is still pretty nimble and easy to pedal. It has some cross features and some touring features, according to the web site and the bike shop guy. I've ridden it on a dirt/gravel canal path and on streets so far and it handled well. Haven't tackled any big hills yet but it sure seems like there's a gear for everything (I got the triple version).

Very nice and glad to hear you love it. I bought a Vita not as much for a commuter but a do anything bike and I feel the same way, just love it. I think it is the simplicity of the bike, come home from work, put on stretch pants and sneakers and out I go. I wanted to keep it as a basic bike, platform pedals and a kickstand :)