Rivendell

[KnottedYet]

<whispers> Surly... Soma... Gunnar... Rivendell... Waterford... Bianchi... Jamis... Kona... Moots... Comotion... Rodrigues... Davidson... Vanilla...

<whispers again> and MORE!

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

I think it's good to get a solid feel for what price range you want to stay within. The list Knot gives, for example, has a huge price range- the Vanilla bikes cost several thousand and have a several year wait list I believe. Rivendells cost a couple thou to start, as do Waterford, Davidsons (I think)....
Jamis, for one example I know of, are much cheaper- more of an "entry level" steel bike. I am sure a few others that Knot mentions are less expensive as well.

And then there are the really cheap (in comparison) garage sale/Ebay older steel road bikes that can be updated with many or a few new parts and customized just to you. Some are lugged steel and others are TIG welded steel. The big thing with them all is that you really would be best off if you could test ride them first to see if the frame fits you right before you actually buy them.
And you'll want to know just how much work and new parts they'll need to be safely ridable for you to begin with, -aside from parts swapping just for the coolness/customizing factor.

[elk]

I read the "official" company websites for fun.

I will keep my eyes open on craig's list, should proably start hitting garage salea as they come up, etc...I also imagine that the citybikes collective may have some refurbished old bikes...

I tend to go out and just keep my heart open and see what sparks. I think a well tended heart and alert mind always recognizes what it wants...and in this case, add an aging but eager body... to that list....

Then I get to come here and tell you what I've found and see what you say!!

can't really go wrong....!! (Danger? the place where i bought my Globe sells Waterfords)

[elk]

GLORIOUS ride yesterday... 15 miles with DH on his Trek hybrid, Friend on his refurb Bridgsetone and Friend #2 on her drop dead gorgeous DeNucci (Sacha White before Vanilla) and me on my Specialized hybrid....(I did OK..we had some nice long breaks and once when I thought I can't go further (and then have to go back) I got all renewed and had the best part of the trip.)

Friend A a long time bike freak and bike builder--says I probably wouldn't want to do even 25 miles on my hybrid ...I think it was partly because of the Albatross bars-- and partly because of the weight. I'm thinking OK...I'm going to get serious about a touring/road bike....

I think I oogled every single bike I saw yesterday..;-) Saw a Heron..that was Pretty!! I am SUCH a flirt!!!

I stopped at CityBikes Workers COllective (closed) just to window peep at some refurbs...and I saw a whole row of new Jamis Auroras...
And I bought some clips at RiverCity and saw a Salsa Casseroll (although its' more of a road road bike than a touring bike...right?) AND a Waterford frame hanging off the ceiling....

And then I got home and the Riv on ebay didn't have ONE BID....and it would fit me...and I think I would LOVE it but damn it...$$$$$ !!!!!!!!!

Been watching ebay and craigslist .... should I have a fitting before I even think about another bike?

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Those Jamis Auroras are supposed to be fine touring bikes- lots of people would love to get one but can't find any.

Hey, if your hybrid fits you well there is no reason you can't do long rides on it.
Plenty of women do centuries on their nicely fixed up hybrids. My DH loved to do 30-40 mile rides on his trek hybrid with albatross bars before he got his Rivendell. If your hybrid is a bit heavier than a speedy road racer, it will just make you a stronger rider.

[elk]

Lisa. glad to hear another opinion!! I figure when I get stronger and all dialed in properly, I can do it. I was proud of myself yesterday...Pretty much spent the whole day on the bike...

A guy at my LBS also told me that they were one of the only shops to carry my bike...most of them are in Europe!? When I did a search before I bought it...the only reviews I could find were from the UK...odd!

;-) I'm just so seduced by the beauty of the machines! I need to calm down and be patient and ride lots and keep an eye open...

I wonder if the Jamis is an 07 and on special.....

[KnottedYet]

Those Jamis Auroras seem to sell like hotcakes.

The Surly Crosscheck and Surly Long Haul Trucker are also steel and kind of in the same price range. If you can't find an Aurora to test ride, maybe see if you can find a Surly?

[elk]

hey Knot...I saw a line of Auroras through the citybikes window....and I think rivercity carries Surly...

how would you compare the Surly to the Salsa Casseroll?

[KnottedYet]

I haven't ridden a Casaroll, but I've looked at them and fondled them...

Workmanship-wise they look very similar quality. The geometry of the Casaroll looks like the sort that works well for me. (cyclo-crossy toury relaxedish)

I've only seen them as frames that the shop has bought and then built up to their own specs or to a customer's specs.

The ones I've seen for sale at my LBS have been a few hundred $$ more than the Surly Crosschecks. My shop carries many brands and makes of steel bike, so i have to be careful when I walk in there...

[KnottedYet]

OOh! I just read about the Surly Traveller's Check! (a Cross Check built with S+S couplers) http://www.flickr.com/photos/surlybi...7602385067626/

Way beyond my budget (or needs) but I'm thrilled! The frame alone costs more than my complete Cross Check, but is still a lot cheaper than just about every other S+S 'ed frame I've run across.

Supposed to be out in a couple months.

[elk]

gulp....its back...for less...I may have to go in for this....given my discussions yesterday about road bikes and $$$ at the shops....

ummmm what can I sell.. ?????

It has become my dream bike.