Wind + slow = bad thing

[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.