Steel commuter/ light touring bikes: How to choose?

[buddha_bellies]

So my commuter/ beater bike is on its last legs. I'm thinking of saving up some money and get a decent bike for work and maybe for credit card touring.

I've been looking on here and surfing online to see what's out there. It seems a lot of people here likes the Surly LHT. But is there other bikes I'm over-looking? If I go custom, I thought it would be nice to go Canadian (local) like Marinoni's Turismo or Sportivo. Anyone has these frames?

The problem is I'm 5'1" and to find a bike that's small enough is pretty hard. I thought of the Jamis but they don't make my size. I'm riding a 44cm Ruby right now but I'll need a work horse come fall/ winter with all that rain and snow.

And all these different types of steel: Columbus Sona, Surly's CroMoly, Reynolds 953, etc... what does it all mean? Is one better then the other? Would spending more money on a Marinoni vs on a Surly gives me better steel too?

Thanks!

[Zen]

Have a look at the Adventure cycling site.
Type in "how to choose a touring bike" in their search box.
You'll get lots of results.
Just because your bike is a 44 doesn't mean that's the size you'll need from another manufacturer. I'm 5'2" and the 47cm Jamis fits me great.
It all depends on the geometry.

http://www.adventurecycling.org/foru...e;topic=4985.0


http://www.adventurecycling.org/feat...fortheroad.cfm

http://blog.adventurecycling.org/200...l-trucker.html

[Biciclista]

My experience with Marinoni was that they make a really long top tube. They are awesome bikes though; and it's been a few years so maybe they are now making better bikes for women.
Check out their website, you can spend hours there. Good luck!

[Crankin]

I have a 44 cm Jamis; my road bike is about a 48 cm. So, one has nothing to do with the other...

[buddha_bellies]

Thank you everyone. I had a look of the Jamis over the weekend. The 47cm is definately too high for me. I forgot to mention I have short legs too.

I understand what you mean by 44cm is just a number but I've checked out several bike brands when I was shopping for a road bike last year (ie. Giant, Devinci, Trek, etc). I tried all the smallest frames I can find, usually a 47cm and they're all too big. I guess that's why I'm asking for 44cm or similar frames. Wouldn't a manufacture make frame size relatively similar between a road and a touring bike?

Thanks

[KnottedYet]

Surly Long Haul Trucker comes in 42. http://surlybikes.com/lht_comp.html I know it's one of the bikes you are considering, have you tried riding it?

If you like something more on the spry and perky side, yet still a good utility or touring bike, try the Surly Cross Check, too. It also goes down in size to a 42. http://surlybikes.com/crosscheck_comp.html

(Surly sizes go 42, 46.)

Gunnar makes some very nice steel frames. http://gunnarbikes.com/

I'm sure you already saw this thread about the Surly LHT that Trek420 test rode in a size 42. It might have been a little small for her (usually rides a 46 or 47), but she loved it: http://forums.teamestrogen.com/showthread.php?t=17451

[VeloVT]

I think the Bianchi Volpe comes in some smaller sizes. It's not super light, but I think there are a few people on TE who have/like them.

[Grog]

Marinoni will build a bike for you custom.

For not a lot more money than their regular bikes. And you get to choose the paint. (Mrs. Marinoni paints the bikes.)

If you go to La Bicicleta they can take care of you for that.

At the Grand Tour in Quebec (2,200 cyclists on a week-long supported tour), 1 in 7 bikes is a Marinoni!

[roguedog]

Hey buddha,

If you want to go canadian, i've always drooled over Mariposa cycles' work but I have a thing for lugs and classic styling.

http://www.mariposabicycles.com/touring-bike-26.html

This picture makes we want to plop down some cash...

They also have a randonneur.

Check em out. The owner's daughter in law, Dede, was a time trial silver medalist in Athens.


Oh and then there's always Rivendell's too for a US based company.

[buddha_bellies]

Thanks everyone. I saw the Surly... not too thrill with the paint color. I know, it's really silly but I just can't see myself with it.

DH now thinks maybe I should look into the Trek Soho Yes, it's aluminum. I don't know how that would ride since I've never had an aluminum bike before. But he likes the idea of the carbon drive belt and internal hub brakes...there's no major maintenance involved. And since I ride in all weather, it's less work for him But I wonder how durable these compontents are. It's one thing if I'm biking in town. But what about when I'm doing my credit card touring?

I guess the search continues...

[KnottedYet]

Hmmmm... asphalt gray bike, on gray asphalt, during gray-lit commuting hours.

Oh, Trek, how could you paint a commuter GRAY!?!?!?!

The Soho is a pretty appealing bike, but for 1/3 that price you could get an aluminum Kona Dew commuter or a steel Kona Smoke commuter.

Touring would definitely require a different bike, but if you are interested in aluminum commuters there are many out there which are very good and mighty low-priced. And they have standard parts which would be easy to repair/replace.

ETA: aluminum vs steel is one of those eternal debates. Some folks feel the difference, some don't. I feel it, and after an hour or so it becomes aggravating. YMMV.

[canonsue]

Thanks everyone. I saw the Surly... not too thrill with the paint color. I know, it's really silly but I just can't see myself with it.

Is it the Truckaccino Cream color or the Olive Green color that you do not like?

I have a Truckaccino cream LHT. The color looks great in person and not so good in pictures. I have a black and cream theme going on mine. (black fenders, rack and black Brooks saddle)

But everyone has their own likes and dislikes.

-Sue

[pdxgal]

You may want to look at a Bike Friday. Their design is such that the geometry can easily accommodate shorter riders, even "little people". I went with their NWT model in large part because I got fed up trying to find a commuter/touring bike to fit my proportions: 5'8", with long legs and short torso (in dresses I need to wear Petites). Most bike top tubes were too long. Suppose I could've checked out Terry or other WSD bikes, but the Bike Friday has the added advantage (for me) of folding into a suitcase for travel. We've toured the Oregon Coast and in France, and the NWT performed well and was comfortable. It's also my commuter bike , and I like its nimble handling around town.

[emily_in_nc]

Second the "look at Bike Friday" idea. I'm 5'1.5" and love my Petite Pocket Crusoe! Great for utility rides (I'm at the food co-op in this photo), and DH and I have also done a fully loaded tour on 'em. Great bikes!

[Zen]

The Soho is a pretty appealing bike, but for 1/3 that price you could get an aluminum Kona Dew commuter or a steel Kona Smoke commuter.

appealing or appalling? Ever since I got the Jamis I've fallen hard out of love for anything Trek*

this comment is subject to change upon viewing/riding of the Bellville