One bike for everything?

[snyderd25]

Is it possible? I'm considering a Salsa Casserole or a Surly Crosscheck as a do it all bike... Commuting, centuries, etc. does this make sense? Also... Fewer dealers in those brands and the LBS didnt seem to have a fit expert. Suggestions?

[indysteel]

Those are good choices for do it all bikes, although be forewarned that Salsa is discontinuing the Casseroll for 2013. You might have trouble finding one in your size. The Salsa Vaya might be a good alternative.

If this isn't your first bike, try to compare the geometry of your current bike (assuming it fits) to the geometry charts for Salsa and Surly. See if there's anything close. How tall are you? What's your inseam? Are you long armed and how's your flexibility? Maybe we can help narrow it down for you. Once you have the bike, feel free to schedule an appointment with a fitter at another shop. You'll have to pay for a comprehensive fitting, but it will be well worth the money.

[OakLeaf]

..... One Bike to rule them all, and in the darkness bind them ...


Sorry. I really tried to resist. I really did.

[Catrin]

Thanks Murienn, I hadn't heard that yet

[snyderd25]

Thanks for the info! Unfortunately my current bike does not fit well. I think it's too small. I put way too much weight on upper body and now have nasty tendinitis in my elbows. It's a 51 cm specialized dolce from 2007. I am 5'6".... And I guess I better figure out those other measurements!

Thanks for he help!

[indysteel]

Have you ever had a fitting? Sometimes you can remedy having too much weight in your upper body by moving the saddle back. I know it may seem counterintuitive but it's worth a shot.

[snyderd25]

Have you ever had a fitting? Sometimes you can remedy having too much weight in your upper body by moving the saddle back. I know it may seem counterintuitive but it's worth a shot.

Lots of fittings. Three this past spring. Couldn't get it right. Maybe it's not fixable?

[indysteel]

Lots of fittings. Three this past spring. Couldn't get it right. Maybe it's not fixable?

Oh, that's a shame. If after three fittings, it still isn't comfortable, then I'd say either the bike just isn't for you or that you have a physical issue that is causing your pain. I'd be hesitant to buy a new bike without the input of a fitter. Is is that your hands hurt?

[zoom-zoom]

What about a Salsa Warbird? It's a gravel road racer. The Crosscheck is really nice, but pretty heavy.

[murielalex]

I have a Gunnar Sport, which I bought for the same reason as you. I don't have fenders or a rack on it, but plan on doing so if/when that makes sense. I've used it for commuting, for regular 30-50-mile weekend rides, and have 100-mile-plus charity rides planned over the next three months. So far, I've been more than happy.

[zoom-zoom]

I have a Gunnar Sport, which I bought for the same reason as you. I don't have fenders or a rack on it, but plan on doing so if/when that makes sense. I've used it for commuting, for regular 30-50-mile weekend rides, and have 100-mile-plus charity rides planned over the next three months. So far, I've been more than happy.

I have several friends who have the Gunnar CX bike and use it for both paved and gravel road riding. Really nice bike, but they don't make it small enough for shorter folks. I think the shortest person I know on one is about 5'7".

I love my Redline Conquest. I've ridden it with knobbies or slicks and I'm pretty sure it can take fenders and panniers.

[Owlie]

I have several friends who have the Gunnar CX bike and use it for both paved and gravel road riding. Really nice bike, but they don't make it small enough for shorter folks. I think the shortest person I know on one is about 5'7".

I love my Redline Conquest. I've ridden it with knobbies or slicks and I'm pretty sure it can take fenders and panniers.

A CX bike with rack mounts is probably a good do-anything bike.

Shame about the Gunnar. I just looked up their geometry chart. I'm about 5'7", but I'd probably have to be on the smallest size they make!

[Sky King]

on a vain note, the 2012 Surly Cross Checks as so pretty I love the current color. As a proponent of Surly, I would vote for it. My DH uses a cross check as his everything bike, in fact he just did a 3 day tour on his, pulling a bob trailer and it only has two gears. Like Veronica, I am totally spoiled with my Rivendell. She is a fabulous do everything bike for me.

[nuliajuk]

A CX bike with rack mounts is probably a good do-anything bike.
...

There are lots of 'cross bikes on the market. Check out the Kona Jake, Rocky Mountain CRX, Ridley Crossbow... no doubt there are many others. Generally, the lowest priced model in the lineup will be the versatile one with the rack and fender eyelets.
My husband rode his Rocky Mountain for two years, then sold it to a young woman who wanted to do triathlons on it. She figured on using it with the fat tires for most of the training (the roads are really bad here) and then putting skinny road tires on for racing day. (DH still has a 'cross bike, now a Ridley Crossbow).

[indysteel]

What about a Salsa Warbird? It's a gravel road racer. The Crosscheck is really nice, but pretty heavy.

Yeah but that weight savings comes at a price. Even the AL version of the Warbird is a far bit more expensive than the Crosscheck, Vaya or Casseroll. Plus, it's AL. I wonder how it rides in comparison.