Celebrating a new commuter bike

[ZenBiker]

Just wanted to post a pic of my new bike, a 2012 Salsa Vaya. I've been using a Diamondback Transporter for years, and decided to splurge on this upgrade. I've had it about a week, and am loving it! It's a go-anywhere kind of bike - dirt canal path, paved street, gravel road. Very comfortable with and without loaded panniers, and just plain fun to ride.

I took my old commuter bike to the local version of GoodWill. The employee who took the donation was excited to see it and planned to ask his boss if he could trade the bike he was riding to work straight across for mine. Made me feel good to know it will still be in service and appreciated.

[Giulianna23]

Nice !!!

[Devold]

Waaaauw, it's fab

[emily_in_nc]

Love it!

[eofelis]

Last month I was riding the local riverfront MUPs and I saw a couple people on Vayas. Super nice looking bikes! Yours looks great!

[thekarens]

What a nice bike!

[DebSP]

Very nice! New bikes are very exciting!

[Melalvai]

Aw, how fun. Love the disc brakes, tires, rack-- do you have plans for lights?

[ZenBiker]

Thanks for the nice comments! Makes it even more fun to share the pic with people who understand.
Melalvai, yes, I have light system of sorts - blinkie on the back, Spokelites (sp?) on both wheels, a super bright helmet-mounted headlight, and a reflective vest. I ride to work between 0630-0700 when it's full dark and so far this is working. Though I think an additional rear light might be in order because the blinkie is pretty small and bracketed by my panniers.

[Tri Girl]

Woot woot! It's a beauty!!! Looks like a Cadillac all spiffed out! Glad you're loving it (and who wouldn't?).

[Rubylvr]

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.

[ZenBiker]

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).

[Jo-n-NY]

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