More test rides, and a steel option.

[IBrakeforPastry]

I've narrowed down my choices in the new bike search. Then today I remembered a little shop that opened very close to me. It's close to the university and they sell new and used bikes. Lots of beaters and 1970's and 80's steel 10-speeds. I tried a Bianchi and a Kona. Both frames were too big, so the idea was to just try the different components. Surprisingly, I liked the lower end Sora - I liked the separate thumb lever. And even though both bikes were big, I think the Kona had a better fit. The reach on the Bianchi was too long.

Then the salesman mentioned steel frames. I must have appeared a little hesitant and he tried to reassure me that it's different from the steel of yesteryear. I told him I think I'm spoiled by my carbon fork. He showed me a Bianchi that he thought would be perfect for what I need (didn't have my size). Carbon fork, SRAM, more than I wanted to spend, and one of my least favorite colors in the entire rainbow. Then he showed me a Surly Pacer frame. We talked about building a bike. Considering the components I think I like, he was confident we could do it in my price range.

So, steel. What kind of riding do steel lovers generally do? I'm not racing. I want to increase my speed a little so I can go a further distance without being on the bike all day. Comfort is important, and the roads around here can be more than a little rough. Thanks again - the knowledge I'm gaining from here is making me sound smart in the bike shop!

[emily_in_nc]

Steel is great for long rides, touring...because of weight it won't be as fast as carbon, but with a carbon fork can be a super-comfy ride and is repairable should something happen to the frame. Steel is real!

[Biciclista]

steel is great for riding on roads. short rides or long. STeel isn't for racing, it's for comfort and dependability

[tulip]

All my bikes are steel. I used to have a couple of aluminum ones. My next one will be steel and the one after that will be titanium.

[jyyanks]

I have 2 steel bikes (a hybrid and a folder) and both are super comfortable. The hybrid feels like I'm riding in a cadillac

My road bike is carbon and although I love it, it doesn't feel as "plush" as my steel bikes. As others mentioned, there are great benefits to having a steel bike (in fact I prefer steel to aluminum), especially if you use it for recreation, commuting and touring rather than racing.

[DebSP]

Another vote for steel. I have an aluminum road bike with Tiagra components. I just bought a Surly Cross Check in steel. I love the feel of the steel bike. For me personally it would be a dream bike to have a steel bike with Tiagra components. (Mind you I have never tried 105 or higher! And my road bike has a triple but I rarely use the granny ring anymore I have improved my climbing strength in the three years I have had my bike.) I see you can put a little wider tire on the Pacer so if your roads are rough, a wider tire will also help to absorb bumps. I bought my Surly to go on dirt/gravel roads and the bike handles these roads well!

[Crankin]

You won't go wrong with a ti road bike. I love mine. And I love my carbon bike.