In love with the Salsa Casseroll

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!

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

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.

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'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!

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Originally Posted by 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.

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

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!

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

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? ;)

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Originally Posted by 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.

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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!"

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Originally Posted by Trek420

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

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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.

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.

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

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Originally Posted by tulip

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

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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.

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Originally Posted by Eden

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

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OMG :eek: Did the driver even stop?

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Originally Posted by Trek420

OMG :eek: Did the driver even stop?

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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!

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

:D

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Originally Posted by Eden

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

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..... 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

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Originally Posted by Blueberry

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.

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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!

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Originally Posted by tulip

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!

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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).

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.

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Originally Posted by 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.

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Sounds lovely and congratulations! Will you post a picture?

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

Love it!

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Originally Posted by twin

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

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*whistles* Very nice! Classy bike!

ohhh very nice!

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!!

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

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.

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.

:)

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:

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

That is a pretty bike. Looks comfortable, too.

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Originally Posted by 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!!

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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.

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!