Help me pick my second bike!

[badgercat]

Thank you! I'm never writing another paper about anything, ever

My LBS was sort of against steel when I suggested the Surly, they seemed to think/say it was somewhat antiquated. Is it heavier than aluminum? I'm going to have to lug this thing up and down stairs, in and out of my car, etc. Also I wasn't sure if cross bikes were really well-suited for long hauls/trips?

Your LBS deals Surly but is anti-steel? I wouldn't say steel is antiquated at all--it's timeless. I've never ridden a Surly, but from what other people say about them (which is almost exclusively good) it sounds like they'd definitely be worth checking out for your situation.

My new-to-me 2009 Jamis Satellite road bike is Reynolds 520 steel and it floats over rough roads, at least relative to my aluminum hybrid. According to the Jamis website, it weighs 21.4 pounds, which is plenty light for me. (I've never weighed it myself, so take that particular number with a grain of salt--they probably weigh the smallest frame and I have one-size-bigger, etc.)

What matters to me is I can easily carry it up and down stairs, and lift it over my head (for putting it on my car's roof rack). Of course, your mileage may vary. Steel bikes definitely come lighter (both from lighter alloys used to build the frame and lighter components on the bike), but that just wasn't a priority for me and the Satellite fit best in my budget.

[I still have 2 more years left in my graduate program--my new bike was just celebrating a measly (ok, prestigious) summer internship. Congrats to you!]

[Bike Chick]

I've become very fond of steel. I've had aluminum and carbon and now steel and love the look and ride of steel. FWIW, my new Luna weighs less than my carbon Trek Pilot. I've also just bought a carbon tri bike and for comparison, DH and I weighed the carbon bike and my Luna and my Luna weighs over 2 pounds LESS than the carbon bike. I realize they are two different types of bike but that throws the "steel is too heavy" argument out the window. I also think steel is a better choice for touring--especially if you are adding racks.

You have so many choices in bikes shops where you live and can go ride about anything you would like. Go ride different bikes and then decide. You might also want to check out North Central Cyclery in Dekalb. They carry 4-5 differents brands of steel frame bikes and only had 3 or 4 carbon bikes in the whole store.

Congratulations on your Masters! I can't think of a better way to reward yourself for your hard work!