Surly Pacer vs. Cross-Check

[Catrin]

So the Gunnar is probably a bit lighter in weight than the Pacer...

It is probably quite a bit lighter. I don't know if a Pacer is significantly lighter than a Long Haul Trucker in a similar size, but my full custom Gunnar (~48cm) is a good 12 pounds lighter than my LHT was (46cm). That higher quality steel makes a difference in the weight! That was one of my reasons to get a Gunnar - to lower the weight while keeping that day-long comfort.

[eofelis]

It is probably quite a bit lighter. I don't know if a Pacer is significantly lighter than a Long Haul Trucker in a similar size, but my full custom Gunnar (~48cm) is a good 12 pounds lighter than my LHT was (46cm). That higher quality steel makes a difference in the weight! That was one of my reasons to get a Gunnar - to lower the weight while keeping that day-long comfort.

Those LHTs are porky bikes! My LHT is the smallest size, has nice XT comps on it, 32 spoke wheels, and lightweight racks and it still weighs in close to 30 lbs. It's a real workhorse. But it does ride really nice, especially downhill with a tailwind.

[Kubla]

Since several people suggested that I try wider tires on my Dolce for a more comfortable ride, I went online this weekend, read some reviews and picked out a pair of 25s-Continental Gatorskins.

I almost sprang for the Continental Grand Prix 4000 S because the store had them for a decent price, but ultimately decided the Gatorskins would be a good place for me to start. (Tires eventually wear out-if they don't prove to be the right choice, I can buy something else next time around. Picking the wrong bike is a more inconvenient mistake.)

If anyone is looking for tires, check out Westernbikeworks.com; not only did I stumble upon a sale, but received an additional discount for being a new customer-AND a coupon for 15% off my next purchase (within 30 days). I got the Gatorskins for $42.49 each-with free shipping.

I think this is going to help make the Dolce more fun to ride. As for the Surly: I still would like a Cross-Check but somehow managed to talk myself out of a trip to the LBS yesterday. It wasn't easy. After riding with a friend through the woods on packed trails Friday, I have been inspired to ride off-road more. There are several State parks near me that would be fun to explore...(Does N+1 ever end??)