What is your "dream" bike?

[Hartmame]

I've actually been thinking in terms of the bike that got away. I wish I had picked up a 1995 Kona CinderCone. I purchased a 14" 1995 Kona Kula, I love this bike I still own and ride it but, I would like to have a steel version too and the Cinder Cone would be great.

I also would love to own a 48cm Bridgestone XO-1, the orange one!!

There are more I am sure but these are the ones that I still wish I had.

[zoom-zoom]

Ack, it looks like I may be getting my über bike in the not-too-distant future! We are part owners of a bike shop…we sell Seven. DH just bought an insanely expensive last year's BMC for a steal…we're talking <1/3 original retail. He knows that I'm frustrated by the lack of options in higher-end cyclocross frames in my size (there are smaller frames, but generally only in entry-level materials and components…I already have that. If Redline made their Conquest Carbon Pro Disc in a 44 I would already have one -- LOVE my little Conquest, but it's relatively heavy with Apex). We're starting to talk Mudhoney SL Ti…Ultegra Di. I would probably still ride my Cannondale Supersix for things like Duathlons…or maybe eventually pick up a TT bike. DS is 13 and pretty much can fit that and my Redline (and my mtn. bike…and he thinks the fat bike is all his).

[Jolt]

My "dream bike" would be something that is a good all-rounder, efficient for road riding but able to handle non-technical off-road riding as well. It would also need to be able to haul things and to take fenders without being limited to skinny tires. I would probably stick with steel, for durability. And I'm short, so 26" wheels would be best to avoid toe overlap (a deal breaker for a bike that will be ridden off road), especially with the fact that I would be adding fenders. If the Surly Cross Check had 26" wheels in the small sizes like the LHT does, I think that with a swap to a triple crankset it would fit the bill nicely (provided, of course, the fit was good). The Salsa Vaya looks like it would be good, though I am not sure about the idea of disc brakes.

[zoom-zoom]

though I am not sure about the idea of disc brakes.

And I won't buy another bike without discs, with the exception of a TT bike, perhaps. I'm sold on that stopping power under wet/icy/muddy conditions.

[Catrin]

And I won't buy another bike without discs, with the exception of a TT bike, perhaps. I'm sold on that stopping power under wet/icy/muddy conditions.

Yes, THIS. They also are better every year as the manufacturers develop more experience with them. Assuming I ever buy another bike, it will have disk brakes for sure!

[mzone]

I may have just bought my dream bike, but it'll be a while before I allow myself to ride it outside. The Michigan roads are more dreadful than usual with all of the snow and freezing, and now flooding is revealing big chunks of missing roadway.

I got a steal of a deal on steel, a Velo Orange Campeur. I've been pouring over Crazy Guy on a Bike journals and reading touring books. I'm ready to take off and ride around the country when I retire, but in the meantime it'll serve as my commuter.

[zoom-zoom]

Where in MI are you? I'm in Grand Haven and most definitely feel your pain!!

[Jolt]

And I won't buy another bike without discs, with the exception of a TT bike, perhaps. I'm sold on that stopping power under wet/icy/muddy conditions.

How complicated are they really in terms of maintenance? That's my main area of concern.

[zoom-zoom]

I've never heard anyone express that they are any more difficult.

[Rebecca19804]

Ack, it looks like I may be getting my über bike in the not-too-distant future! We are part owners of a bike shop…we sell Seven.... We're starting to talk Mudhoney SL Ti…Ultegra Di...

Woohoo!!!!

[Rebecca19804]

+1 with those who have their dream bike.

I finally got mine last year: a custom titanium Enigma Etape.

i totally get what some of you have said about being worried about taking the plunge and then not totally loving the result. I used to wake up sweating about it... in those 3 months between placing the order and collecting the bike. BUT. I knew my fit issues (long legs, short torso, but also short femurs, severe pronation in feet, mis-aligned knee caps with arthritis). I also knew exactly what kind of riding I do, what I want to do more of, what I will almost certainly never do. Basically, I knew what I wanted from my bike.

Funny thing, my framebuilder has been quoted as saying that the perfect customer is the one who knows exactly what they want... and doesn't change his/her mind after placing the order. I guess he gets lots of that.

It did take a few months to get used to the bike, it being so different from all the make-do compromise-fit stock geometry road bikes I'd had before. It's not just the relative position of the contact points, it's your centre of gravity and the way the bike responds to what you and the road demand from it. Even then, in those first few months, I tweaked the position in several small ways (one at a time) before settling on what is now a fantastic -- and I do mean fantastic -- set-up.

What I love (now!) about this bike is how it says nothing to me during a ride - the bike is invisible, I am floating on air. I put the effort in and revel in what my body can do -- and my bike is a total "enabler" without claiming any credit. In fact, when asked what I think of it, I reply "It is remarkable for being totally unremarkable."

[Rebecca19804]

How complicated are they really in terms of maintenance? That's my main area of concern.

Hydraulic brakes have still got some wrinkles to be ironed out, but mechanical discs are great. I'd say maintenance is a lot less/easier than with any form of rim brakes. I have Avid BB7s on my Enigma and am looking to swap out forks on my Surly Cross Checks to have discs on the front at least. With the exception of my vintage mixte, I'd have discs on all my bikes if I could.

[mzone]

I may have just bought my dream bike, but it'll be a while before I allow myself to ride it outside. The Michigan roads are more dreadful than usual with all of the snow and freezing, and now flooding is revealing big chunks of missing roadway.

I got a steal of a deal on steel, a Velo Orange Campeur. I've been pouring over Crazy Guy on a Bike journals and reading touring books. I'm ready to take off and ride around the country when I retire, but in the meantime it'll serve as my commuter.

Ann Arbor. I visited the bike at my LBS yesterday and ordered new bars and tape. It's also getting frame saver treatment. It'll be a week before I bring it home, but I might need to take it a few hundred miles south to ride it when it's ready!

[zoom-zoom]

That's the worst! Both of my road bikes arrived in Nov...so very few outdoor rides before yuck!

[rebeccaC]

What I love (now!) about this bike is how it says nothing to me during a ride - the bike is invisible, I am floating on air. I put the effort in and revel in what my body can do -- and my bike is a total "enabler" without claiming any credit. In fact, when asked what I think of it, I reply "It is remarkable for being totally unremarkable."

that's my feeling about my seven....perhaps knowing what you want/need and a good conversation with the builder makes for a big difference in the satisfaction with the final build


not necessarily a dream but one day i'd like to have this steel, wood and leather sweetpea for my city riding