New Commuter Bike

**WindingRoad** · 07-10-2011, 05:15 AM

http://civiacycles.com/bikes/bryant/bryant_frame/#build

Here's the frame I'm building up? What do you think?

**Biciclista** · 07-10-2011, 05:16 AM

since weight is not a big issue for you, the extra 4 ounces from adding the triple are not going to bother you. If you like a triple,g et a triple. If you like Shimano, get that too.
I applaud you for building up a bike yourself! I wish I had disc brakes!

**Catrin** · 07-10-2011, 05:20 AM

Congratulations on your decision! It is good to be able to reach that point, it gives you a direction. I was going to suggest SRAM X0 trigger or grip shifters but then remembered that you want to go with road bars...don't think that would work

I have no experience with road bikes and commuting - but considering the size of hills you will deal with, what's wrong with a triple and a mountain rear cassette? It won't add much weight and gives you a full range of options. Personally I prefer the combination of mountain crank with mountain cassette on my Gunnar, my LHT has a road crank with mountain cassette and the range of gears are much wider on the LHT. I love my Mavic rims, strong and light, but of course you aren't going with 26 inch wheels

Have fun as you explore your possibilities and looking forward to learning what you decide upon!

Beautiful frame, congratulations on your decision again! Best way to get what you want

**pll** · 07-10-2011, 05:58 AM

How cool, building a bike. The one argument I see for a SRAM groupset is that they have 11-32 cassettes (PG 1050 and PG 1070), compatible with Apex, Rival and Force. Shimano has up to 11-28 only.

When I was shopping for my bike, I tried SRAM and I really liked it. At the end, it would have entailed a higher price for me, so I stuck with Shimano. The SRAM components are also significantly lighter than the Shimano counterparts. My next bike (when I win the lottery) will have SRAM Red!

**Velocivixen** · 07-10-2011, 09:34 AM

I don't have any tech iCal expertise to add, but wanted to say Congratulations! Enjoy choosing your components, etc. But one tiny piece of unsolicited advice is not to obsess too much. I know from experience! Also, things that look good "on paper" may not be fun to ride or may not feel good. I recently learned that.

laura* · 07-10-2011, 10:19 AM

Originally Posted by pll

The one argument I see for a SRAM groupset is that they have 11-32 cassettes (PG 1050 and PG 1070), compatible with Apex, Rival and Force. Shimano has up to 11-28 only.

With the Shimano road groups, it is possible to use a MTB cassette and a MTB rear derailleur to get lower/wider rear gearing. The only caveat is that the RD must not be a "new" DynaSys 10-speed derailleur - an older 9-speed (or 8, or 7!) is fine.

Of course, the color and finish won't match...

**WindingRoad** · 07-14-2011, 06:28 PM

Unfortunately the Bryant I originally decided to build up is now on back order indefinitely.

I returned to my plan A, which was a Salsa Vaya. By a twist of fate I basically called every Salsa dealer I could reach within the US and eventually called a shop in Kentucky. The owner was very cool and said he had no problem ordering me a new frame! So eventually I will get to see it in person.

Here's a good pic of someone's Vaya, this is the same frame I'm getting
http://forums.mtbr.com/showthread.php?t=710893

Style suggestions welcome

**WindingRoad** · 07-15-2011, 04:04 AM

http://lh4.googleusercontent.com/pub...y3Vaus72kMxkBQ

Here's a link to just the frame, help me girls with some neat looking details. I'm having a hard time visualizing what will look cool.

**buffybike** · 07-17-2011, 12:51 PM

Wow. I looked up that Redline Conquest, and my first thought was, "I could give up my car for that."

**WindingRoad** · 07-17-2011, 07:05 PM

That Redline is a really nice bike only thing is better is being able to custom pick the components which is why I ordered a frame. As of today I am officially the owner of a gorgeous new charcoal colored Salsa Vaya frame. I am super stoked about seeing her all built up!!!! Catrin u r gonna have to come over some time to see it!

**WindingRoad** · 08-30-2011, 12:26 PM

I have wheels!!! It's starting to look like a real bike.... Will post pics soon :-)

**Antaresia** · 08-30-2011, 12:50 PM

very nice! So glad you're able to get the nice charcoal frame rather than the new orange one. So much classier looking, IMO.

**WindingRoad** · 09-02-2011, 05:27 AM

These pics aren't very clear but this is where I'm at so far with the Salsa. It's very close to being done. Have to decide where to cut my fork off but I want to get on it and ride a little before I commit to that. You can see my friends crazy dog in the background. She's a blur because she NEVER sits still, lol.

I'm so excited I can't WAIT to ride it!

**Velocivixen** · 09-02-2011, 07:04 AM

Those photos are nice. It looks like those are flat handlebars. Is that what you decided to go with? What disc brakes did you decide on and what drivetrain? (I'm living vicariously through you!)

**pll** · 09-02-2011, 03:50 PM

Originally Posted by Velocivixen

Those photos are nice. It looks like those are flat handlebars. Is that what you decided to go with? What disc brakes did you decide on and what drivetrain? (I'm living vicariously through you!)

I think they are road bars... the second picture shows it better. So cool to see someone build a bike!

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