Road Bike, Cyclocross or Hybrid (with drop bars)????

[KnottedYet]

Trek420 is about your size, and she had a great time on a Surly Long Haul Trucker in a size 42 cm.

The Surly Cross Check comes in a 42 cm also, but it might feel more like a 44 cm because of the higher bottom bracket on cross bikes.

ETA: Cross Check link http://www.surlybikes.com/crosscheck_comp.html

[tpb]

I have a Bianchi Volpe that I just love! I use it for recreational rides, commuting and light touring (over rolling hills). It's been able to handle everything well and is very comfortable.

The Volpe is steel and comes with slightly better components Trek 1.2 (Tiagra vs Sora) and it's steel not aluminum.

Happy shopping!
Teresa

[PscyclePath]

Here is another vote for the Surly Cross-Check... The CC comes in stock at $930, which is just under your price point; but you'll also need to think about adding pedals and a rear rack to that.

I was looking for a bike that would be pretty much like my road bike and let me cheat the incessant wind on my commute, and be usable on club rides and short to medium tours, where I could carry panniers, etc. I have been commuting most of the year on what I call my "Yehuda Moon" bike, but the wind blasting down the river valley here was taking its toll ;-) I looked at a couple of the Jamis models (specifically the Aurora) as well as Surly's Long Haul Trucker. Then the LBS brought in a Cross-Check for another customer, and I fell in lust with that one.

'Cross bikes are basically road bikes with a little higher clearance in the bottom bracket and the ability to run bigger/wider tires for better traction on rough & often sloppy roads, which perfectly describes the average pavement in Arkansas. I test rode a 56 (a little too big) and a 52 frame (a bit too small) and bought a 54 (just right...)

Anyway, here's my commuter/tourer:


One thing I really liked about this bike over, say, the LHT was that it came with 700C wheels, and what's pretty much a compact crank (48/36 with a 9-speed cassette). Didn't think I'd like the bar end shifters, though I've gotten quite fond of them now.

I added a Delta rear rack, Shimano PD-340 SPD/flat pedals, and a Brooks B-17 saddle to the stock bike. I left the 'cross tires that came with it on for now, at least until there's a little more road repair going on around here. The basic Cross-Check in this size is 24 pounds, with my add-ons my bike comes in at 26 pounds and a few ounces, before I strap on the rack trunk and/or panniers. I really like the way this bike rides, over the first four or five days I had it, I put on about 150 miles.

Take a look (and hopefully a ride) on a Surly. You won't regret it.

Tom
Steel be real...

[wildhawk]

Looks like you have received some excellent advice! Just wanted to add my 2 cents worth - I have an older (2001) Giant Innova hybrid - aluminim frame. I am currently training with full panniers and front bag and it is doing great. Maybe not the fastest ride out there, but definately can handle the added weight, plus I have had to run out onto hard pack trail and grass a few times due to road hazards and it handles the terrain beautifully. If you decide to go the hybrid route, you can always change out the tires to slicks and gain speed. I have not topped out the speed on my hybrid, but yesterday I managed 14 mph with fully loaded panniers. Good luck with your search and post when you find your new ride!

[tangerinepuddle]

The Kona Dew Drop (doesn't arrive at my LBS until next month - don't want to wait, but will regret if I don't at least ride it)

Surly Cross Check

Specialized Dolce.

I think any of them will suit my needs just fine.......now it all depends on which feels best, and if I can be patient till the dew is in.

I'll keep you all posted!!!!!!!!!!!! Thanks for the advice - its MUCH appreciated.