Bike for medium touring/commuting

[KnottedYet]

I have a Surly Cross Check for exactly these reasons. Mostly commuting, gravel/trail rides, and eventually touring. I love it more than I can explain.

Me, too.

I replaced my Kona Dew for the same reasons BHB is considering, and got a Surly Cross Check (like so many others have).

Changed my bars, etc, and now I have a bike I just love in so many ways!

[blackhillsbiker]

I've been looking a bit at Masi cross bikes. I'm not sure yet exactly what I want — although I know I want steel. I also want to avoid toe overlap as much as possible. It is really pronounced on my Dew. The LBS put on a double crank for me today. I'm already liking it much better. Shifts much easier and more gears in the range I prefer.

Deb

[pootler]

Hi Deb

I have recently upgraded from my Kona Dew Plus and now have a Salsa
Casseroll triple. It was a toss up between the Masi cross/randonneur, a Surly crosscheck and the Salsa. I tried them all. I liked them all. The Salsa ended up winning because I ended up buying it for 1800 AUD instead of its original listed price as 2500 AUD. I have whacked a tubus logo rack on it, changed the stem to a slight riser, saddle to a brooks and have lots of blinky flashy things for riding at night (I'm a shift worker). I LOVE IT. I had intended to still use the Kona for shopping runs but the Salsa has taken over those duties aswell. Now the weather is getting better here I'm planning a few weekend trips with it.

Oh by the way, as much as I love the Salsa I do think the Masi looks hot!

Kazz