Jamis Coda Elite

[Catrin]

I like, very much, that the Gunnar is American made. I am even close enough to drive up there for a fitting if I wanted to do so. I think my heart is pretty much set on one, I like their prices and have found nothing but positive comments regarding their quality.

Crankin - thanks for your input on the weight of the Jamis Coda. I love my LHT for all-day, or multiple-day, trips when speed doesn't really matter. I strongly dislike aluminum and will not go that way again, I love the ride of steel. The Gunnar, or some other custom high-grade/light-weight steel bike will give me a much lighter bike for those times when speed does matter - such as club rides and randonneuring without losing the cushier ride of steel.

I can have a Gunnar frame for $800 and build it up from there. The frame would only be more if we determine that none of their stock sizes will fit me properly, then it is an additional $300 for the frame, still less than the other custom frames I am familiar with - but without compromising on quality.

I have considered changing parts on the LHT to make her lighter, but I like her just as she is. Her wheel-set is pretty much bomb-proof and she is very good at what she does.

I did think about the Pacer being offered here for a few minutes, but she is too small for me. I also just moved which means no new expense for a bit

Thanks for all of your thoughts and questions - they really do help me to think this through. I won't be doing anything until my savings have built up a bit, but at least this time I know a lot more about what I want - and why I want it

[HillSlugger]

My Coda Elite is a 19 inch and weighs about 27 pounds with a rack and fenders. I get it up to 20mph all the time. With a loaded panniers I generally average about 14mph on my commute.

[Crankin]

I guess I'm a wimp....
Maybe it's the geometry of the bike, as I always feel like I'm not in the right position when i try to push it on my Coda. But, most likely, I'm just weak! I've certainly been up to 20 mph, but I pretty much stopped looking at my average when I ride the Coda. I mostly use it to do errands or ride on a bike path, go out to eat, etc. Maybe I should ride it more, to get stonger .

[indysteel]

Catherine,

You might take a look at Curtlo too. Similar to Gunnar in that they offer quality steel frames for less.

Crankin and company have touched on what I was trying to get at in my previous posts--although not very artfully. You're right that the Coda is lighter than your LHT, but it's still heavy by road bike standards. Heck, the 2011 Coda is just a pound lighter than my 2010 Jamis Aurora. I'm afraid that if you go the Coda route, you'll eventually kick yourself for not going with a lighter bike.

That said, it's helpful to remember that the frame is just one element of weight. Even if you go with a Gunnar frame, it's not going to be particularly light if you build it up with heavy parts. So, keep that in mind as you decide what to do. I would also note that you may not need mountain gearing if you end up getting a lighter bike. You could potentially get away with generous road gearing. That'll help with weight and give you much more closely spaced gears--which I personally like on central Indiana's mostly flat roads. It's much easier to find that perfect gear.

Having road bike shopping!