Bike type choices

[KnottedYet]

Cyclocross bikes are very nice for all-round use. I have two: a Waterford X-12 which is my zoom bike (no eyelets for fenders or racks) and has 28mm tires, and a Surly Cross Check which is my commuter/utility bike and has a rack and fenders and 32 mm tires.

I have clipless on the Waterford, and flat pedals on the Surly. My drop-bars are set even with the saddle or slightly higher.

Cyclocross geometry suits my body mechanics and riding style well, so of course I recommend you try the cyclocross bikes, too!

(if you like the Jamis commuter, ask if you can try a Jamis Aurora)

Oh, on the fashion front: it rains here in Seattle, and if you have fenders on your bike folks think you are a serious rider! And since there's so much utility riding around here, same thing for the rack.

[RoseC]

I was just kind of in the same boat, and I'll second the cross bike recommendation, based on my still limited knowledge.

I wanted something I could use for paved trails, mostly, up to about thirty miles. I didn't think I'd use it for commuting or riding the roads, but I liked the idea of having rack options in case I decided to do longer trails someday (didn't consider road trips at the time), and the Bianchi Volpe has the ability to take racks and fenders and all. It's almost a cross between a cross and a touring rig.

Anyway, I sit a bit more upright than on a standard road bike, it's a cushy ride, and I can use wider, more commuter friendly tires on it. And now, with my 350 mile mark coming up tonight, I've fallen in love with biking and want to do *longer* rides. I think I'd be mad at myself if I'd gotten a hybrid as I'd originally planned. You *can* do long rides on one, but this is much better, IMO!

I wuv my bike...