Wind + slow = bad thing

[Desert Tortoise]

Crummy winds! Well, after you find the right bike and you have some good miles in, you will look back on that day and laugh even harder.

Keep up the sense of humor and good luck with your search!

[Catrin]

Steel is real, as some say, I love it myself. There are lighter weight steel bikes but they are costly and are generally custom.

One advantage to a heavy steel bike in the wind is when you are in a cross wind - I find the additional weight of the bike really does help me in a strong cross wind. My touring bike weighs 35 pounds and I have taken it on very long rides - there are advantages to steel bikes.

Good luck on your continued search!

[indysteel]

Jamis offers some steel bikes that are neither terribly expensive nor terribly heavy.

[indysteel]

Scroll down to 'Steel Performance' and 'Touring/Commuting:

http://www.jamisbikes.com/usa/thebikes/road/index.html

The Quest and Satellite are options, too.

[628BJ]

Thanks, ladies!!!

I'm liking those Jamis bikes and I appreciate the info on steel as well as the comments on crosswinds. Unfortunately, here 50 mph gusts are not that uncommon and I will be riding across the wind for the most part. I still like the idea of keeping the 'empty weight' of the bike under 30#s though due to the bus issue. The Jamis look like they qualify. Now to see if there is a dealer, and how much they cost...

The advice is much appreciated!

[indysteel]

Cool! I think you'll find Jamis to be reasonably price. I have the 2010 Aurora and my husband has the 2011. The 2011 is a really pretty color. The only things we didn't love right off the bat were the fender and brake pads. Those aren't too expensive to swap out, however. There are a number of other models that could work for you, too.