Bike type choices

[kfergos]

I recently switched to a mountain bike with slicks on it to a cyclocross bike, (28 mm slicks) and I've never looked back. A cyclocross is versatile, tough but comfortable, and lets you go fast on occasion as well. I've received many admiring comments on my cross bike, so I too recommend considering a cross. Just avoid disc brakes if you do choose one -- they're more hassle than they're worth!

[Beane]

If you have a Jamis dealer in the area and go to check out the Commuter, you should also look at the "Coda" line of bikes. They're perfect for commuting, steel (soo comfy), and well spec'd for the price. This spring I got an '05 Coda Sport on mega clearance and have been quite happy with it (though I've upgraded several things, that's probably because I'm a gearhead and not because the bike needed it). The other nice thing is that there are several different Codas, ranging from about $450 to over $1500.

On another note, I test rode a bike once with a thudbuster and it was awesome! I can't really justify one for the price since my route isn't particularly bumpy, but the thudbuster was not even in the same category as "normal" suspension posts.

[anaphase]

I have the Jamis Commuter and I really like it for errands and trips under 10 miles.

The good:

• Easy to put a rack and pannier/trunk bags on it
• VERY adjustable in the handlebar/stem
• Nice upright riding position
• Wheels and tires feel a bit more substantial than my road bike, so I'm not as scared of potholes and road debris, which are a part of my commute for sure.
• Shifts like a dream
• Fun to ride, and very easy to ride (good control)

The not so good:

• It's heavy. 10 lbs heavier than the road bike, so it's slow.
• The fenders are junk.
• Um... that's all I can think of.

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

The not so good:

• It's heavy. 10 lbs heavier than the road bike, so it's slow.
• The fenders are junk.
• Um... that's all I can think of.

[/QUOTE]

The main weight difference between it and your road bike is probably mostly in the accessories, not in the actual frame (which might likely be 3 to 4 lbs heavier than your road bike frame).
Heavier/wider tires and rims, racks, fenders, saddlebag, non-carbon parts, perhaps a third gear ring, etc....
Many people like very lightweight fenders rather than heavier metal old fashioned fenders. Light fenders can seem junky ...but all they really need to do is keep the rain from splashing up at you. Some folks even like plastic fenders.

[anaphase]

The main weight difference between it and your road bike is probably mostly in the accessories, not in the actual frame (which might likely be 3 to 4 lbs heavier than your road bike frame).
Heavier/wider tires and rims, racks, fenders, saddlebag, non-carbon parts, perhaps a third gear ring, etc....
Many people like very lightweight fenders rather than heavier metal old fashioned fenders. Light fenders can seem junky ...but all they really need to do is keep the rain from splashing up at you. Some folks even like plastic fenders.

Well, I don't know where the actual weight comes from, but stock it is about 10 lbs heavier. It's listed at 28, vs 18 for my road bike, which is a triple, and felt 10lbs heaver *before* I put the rack on it. The fenders are plastic and super flimsy, which is fine for keeping rain off, but I've had to adjust them about 20 times to get them right, which is annoying. So to me, those are the particular cons for that bike.

[VeloVT]

Well, I don't know where the actual weight comes from, but stock it is about 10 lbs heavier. It's listed at 28, vs 18 for my road bike, which is a triple, and felt 10lbs heaver *before* I put the rack on it. The fenders are plastic and super flimsy, which is fine for keeping rain off, but I've had to adjust them about 20 times to get them right, which is annoying. So to me, those are the particular cons for that bike.

I'm sure it's a combination, but I would vote for the frame being a good part of it. I have a road bike that's about 18.5 lbs, and a cx bike that's about 21 lbs with canti brakes, fat tires, slightly beefier rims etc. The components on the cx bikes are likely heavier too, being 105 versus Ultegra on my road bike. And it has a mt bike rear der and cluster, which has got to add weight (it sure looks heavier). Given all this the difference is less than three lbs (and with road tires, the cx bike hardly **feels** heavier to ride than the road bike)... so the extra schtuff doesn't add as much as you might think.

Anyway, this is neither here nor there, but I think Jamis makes really handsome bikes.