I'd add the Soma Double Cross or even the Smoothie if you can get away with 28cc tires. I have a Jamis Aurora for touring and could recommend that as well, but I'm not sure the frame is as nice as the other suggestions you've received.
I'd add the Soma Double Cross or even the Smoothie if you can get away with 28cc tires. I have a Jamis Aurora for touring and could recommend that as well, but I'm not sure the frame is as nice as the other suggestions you've received.
Live with intention. Walk to the edge. Listen hard. Practice wellness. Play with abandon. Laugh. Choose with no regret. Continue to learn. Appreciate your friends. Do what you love. Live as if this is all there is.
--Mary Anne Radmacher
Thanks for the recommendations!
How does a person know what size of bike to get? I don't seem to recall there being an option when I bought my Kona, but the Surly's list different sizes.
What size is your Kona? Does it fit (ie, you don't feel too stretched out or cramped)? There might be a sticker on the seat tube somewhere that will tell you the size. If not, grab a tape measure and measure from the center of the bottom bracket to the top of the seat tube. You can use this as a starting point, even if it doesn't fit. If it's too big/long look at smaller bikes.
Also, what's your height and inseam? I'm about 5'7" (little shorter, but not much), but my inseam is like 31.mumblety inches--short torso. So I need a bike that's a size smaller than my inseam alone would dictate so I get the right top tube length. Surly has oddly long top tubes--I'd need a 46cm to get the short reach I need. (For comparison, I ride a 50cm-equivalent Giant, I need a 51cm Cannondale and a 54cm Specialized, all women-specific.)
Go test some out. A bike shop can give you a rough estimate, and if it's a good shop/employee, get you on the right size bike.
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2009 Giant Avail 3 |Specialized Jett 143
2013 Charge Filter Apex| Specialized Jett 143
1996(?) Giant Iguana 630|Specialized Riva
Saving for the next one...