Does this bike exist and would I want it?

[SouthernBelle]

Let's see:

Mustache

Cow-horn

[Kalidurga]

Let's see:

Mustache

Cow-horn

Exactly. The important differentiation is that the ends of the cow-horns face forward and the mustache sweeps backwards. To me, it seems like the cow-horns would feel similar to either a flat bar with bar ends, or riding on the hoods of a drop bar.

I put bar ends on the flat bar of my old hybrid and found that the more I rode, the more I kept angling them forward. I finally realized that it was because my body wanted to be more stretched out on the bike. When I switched to the 'cross bike with drop bars, I used the flats a lot at first. Partly because I wasn't used to the hand position of the hoods and drops, partly out of habit. By the end of the summer, though, I found that I felt much more control of the bike from the hoods than from the flats (I'm still getting used to the drops, though). Obviously it'll be different for everyone, but if you're leery of giving up your flat bars, Cindyloo, you might be surprised at how easily you adapt to drop bars. But, if you were to try drops and decide you're not comfortable with them, it's cool to know that there are more bar options these days than just flat and drop.

My take, you really can't get a bike that does all. Pick a sport. Buy the bike that fits that sport.

But why? What if your "sport" is just getting out there and enjoying the ride, and getting a kick out of being able to go wherever you want on your bike? A 'cross bike certainly doesn't do it all, but it does a lot more than bikes that are geared to specific surfaces or styles of riding. If someone wants that versatility and can't afford more than one bike, they're probably gonna get a lot of value and pleasure from a 'cross bike.

(Yeah, I'm a devotee I'll get off the soapbox now...)

[VeloVT]

The Lemond Poprad is a nice bike. I was **this close** to getting one but decided on the Bianchi Axis instead. The Lemond is the lightest **steel** cross bike I tested -- just a hair over 20lbs -- and handles well. In my experience it was lighter, snappier and quicker-handling than the Bianchi Volpe (about 25 lbs?). I also tried a Redline -- not sure which -- Conquest tour perhaps? -- and found it, um, placid. Heavy and pokey, but a good solid bike for the money (like half as much as the Poprad).

I LOVE my Axis. I concur with others that it sounds like a cx bike would suit your needs well. The wide tires and fenders have been great this winter, the more upright geometry is great for riding in traffic and is **super comfortable**, and it's still quick and fun (and could be even quicker with different tires).

Edit: Poprad is about $1200, as is Axis. Volpe is around $800... and the Redline I tried was on sale for about $650. (Not sure what MSRP was).

[Cindyloo]

Ooooh ooooh, I likey all of the suggestions! The Volpe is gorgeous and the Lemond Poprad. I guess the Volpe would leave me $$$ for accessories!

I looked up the 2007 Lemond Poprad and it only showed the disc brake version on their website. By the way, how do you pronounce Poprad (so I won't sound like a dufus when I call the bike shop)! Is it Poe-prad or Pop-rad?

Kalidurga, I'm glad you mentioned which way those mustache and cow horn bars were supposed to point! I think I just need to get more comfortable with the drops on a traditional handlebar first.

There is a Bianchi dealer about 2 miles from my office and a Lemond dealer about a mile away. I think I may have to take a looooong lunch hour tomorrow! I guess there are advantages to working downtown ATL!

[KnottedYet]

My road bike is a cyclocross bike. (Waterford X-12) Cross geometry suits me well (my other bike is a Kona Dew: a cyclocross geometry commuter). I have 28 mm randonneur tires and can really kick on the road. It handles dirt fine, and if I want to kick in the dirt all I have to do is put on some knobbies.

If you find a bike you love, don't worry about what it's called (cross, road, sport, touring, racing) if it suits you and feels like "yours" and can be outfitted for the activities you want, go for it! Everyone is different, every body is physically different and reacts differently. Go with what you love! (and when you feel that bike love you will *know*!)