Finally buying the new bike -- but where?

[ZoneFive]

I'm curious what bikes you tested, and why you decided on the Ogre. Was it just the way it felt? Or did you like being able to carry 5 bottles of water? (I would love to be able to carry more!).

I tried (in no particular order): Surly Ogre, Troll, Long Haul Trucker, CrossCheck and Straggler; Salsa Vaya 3; Giant/Liv Rove 2, AnyRoad and AnyRoad CoMax; Specialized Ariel . . . that's all I can remember, so let's say I tried ten bikes. The Ogre was about the 6th or 7th that I rode, and it just felt right. The Ariel, CrossCheck and Vaya felt almost spindly in comparison -- which isn't a slam on those bikes, just that the Ogre felt sturdy and still flexible. They only had a size Medium in the Ogre, and it was just enough too tall that I had to mount from a stairstep in the parking lot of the shop, but once I was on I honestly felt like I could ride for hours. (I tried the CrossCheck in a Small, and that frame fit me much better.) I found that I prefer the 29-inch wheels, the shifters are comfortable (bar-end shifters are right out), I love the Jones loop handlebar, and the whole no-nonsense vibe. In fact the only thing I don't like is the color choice -- Blacktacular and Tarnish Grey. Distinctly meh. But if that bothers me after a year or so I can get the frame blasted and repainted for not a lot of money. And even though really long rides -- centuries and multi-day events -- are far in the future, the ability to add carriers is a definite plus.

I did my best to make a rational choice, but the bottom line is that I felt like I could ride forever on the Ogre, and that made the decision.

[Crankin]

You have to use a step stool to get on the bike?

[Crankin]

Maybe I read it wrong.... that was the medium, and she had said that was the only Ogre available.

[ZoneFive]

She hasn't actually bought the bike, yet, because it needs to be ordered, and is trying to decide where to buy it.

I can see why the OP chose the Ogre even after testing a too-large model. The one I tested was very smooth and comfortable. Easy to pedal. Not overly heavy since the 29er wheels are standard and not mid-fat I just don't need a touring bike-packing rig. My interest is more simple dirt trails. The Ogre will do whatever she needs. Smoother tires could turn it into a great city bike. It's a utility tractor. The Ogre I tested was a medium, which is probably a good test model as it works for testing a variety of average height people. The reach, especially with Jones bars, works even if the bike is too big. Works for taller people in test situations, too. Seems like the surly mountain bikes like the Ogre, ECR, Troll, Krampus, and Karate Monkey are sized quite differently than more modern style mountain bikes.

Thanks, Sheila -- that's it. I realize I wasn't particularly clear about it, but I'll be ordering an Ogre in Small from Grand Rapids Bicycles, and have it serviced at my LBS. I don't plan on changing anything from the basic setup that it comes with, and will stick with platform pedals at least for a while. I'll be riding on mixed gravel and paved trails, I'm far more interested in distance than speed, and I think the Ogre's gonna be my jam.

[Nandy]

I find it strange that your regular shop is unable to get Surlys- they're distributed from QBP, one of the largest general bike product distributors in the country, every shop I've ever seen used them and it's very easy to get. Personally, I'd buy it from the shop that helped you out the most since most sales workers live on commission, whereas mechanics generally just get a wage and tips. Surlys are great, though!

[ZoneFive]

I find it strange that your regular shop is unable to get Surlys- they're distributed from QBP, one of the largest general bike product distributors in the country, every shop I've ever seen used them and it's very easy to get. Personally, I'd buy it from the shop that helped you out the most since most sales workers live on commission, whereas mechanics generally just get a wage and tips. Surlys are great, though!

I was surprised too that my LBS couldn't order the Ogre, but the woman I spoke to checked with the manager, and the answer was that they couldn't. They're good at service, though, and I'll take it there. On the other hand, Grand Rapids Bicycles was very helpful, and I wish they were closer. Actually I wish I lived closer to them, because Grand Rapids has a rather impressive bike culture, from what I've heard. My cycling friends and I will be looking into cycling events around the state this year, and I'll look for some in the area.

[ZoneFive]

I've been reading the Ogre build thread and I'm absolutely glazed over. All the variables of gearing and braking and handlebars and fenders and chainstays and carriers and cages and and and . . . . It really brings home how much there is to learn of the hardware. I'd love to know where that tan Ogre frame came from!