Steel is real

[sandra]

but it is definitely heavier. Although I am a lot more comfortable, I can tell the difference in my Jamis and my Trek. I have a harder time keeping up with hubby now, but that's ok. I need the exercise.

I love my bike ....carry on.

[madscot13]

the guy at the bike shop tried to get me to ditch my steel trek 520 and, of course, buy a new aluminum bike. Too bad I like my bike too much and will be replacing it with another steel bike- many years from now.

[KnottedYet]

Yay, Madscot! Keep that beautiful Trek 520 forever!

[salsabike]

My old aluminum Specialized Sirrus and my current steel Bianchi weighed exactly the same amount.

[madscot13]

don't make me start yearning for a Bianchi (again!)

[salsabike]

Mine is an '06. Since then they seem to have switched to mostly aluminum and/or carbon--not sure why.

[Susan126]

I can't wait to get a new bike. Only one more year! I do love my trek, it's aluminum, but when it's time to buy the new bike Joe and I are going steel. I will of course keep my old bike, just adding more steeds to my stable of bikes! Can't have too many don't you know!

[sbctwin]

I want a new commuter bike. I am commuting on my alumninum trek mtn bike. I am having problems with it this year and it is not comfortable. The only thing I really know is, I want a steel commuter. I test rode a Bianchi Volpe today. It is a tad to big. The guy at the bike store is willing to bring in a Surley Long Haul because he knows I am somewhat committed to a new bike. I like the Volpe, but it has 700c wheels and at 4'10" it is a little big. The bike store guy then told me of the new Soma Mixte. Has anyone heard anything about this bike. I tried to find out info on the internet, but didn't find much. I guess it is new. I want a steel bike

[boy in a kilt]

The Soma mixte is a project they've been working on for a while. According to the soma blog dated 4/8/08 it should be in production in a couple of years.

Mixte frames and frames that are part mixte (check SGTiger's avatar) are brilliant for those who stand a bit closer to the ground.

I'd suggest you think about 26 inch or 650c wheels.

[sgtiger]

Just make sure the reach is right for you on a mixte, especially if you're putting drop bars on it and setting it up for more road type riding. If it's meant more for commuting/cruising with a more upright set-up and moustache or other similar type bars than the reach is issue is usually more forgiving.