Jamis Aurora - all steel

[SadieKate]

V, a steel fork can be harsh. Just like frames - it depends on the tubing, the design, the geometry, the rake, etc. The steel fork on my Mercian is probably much like your Riv. Fabulous, comfy ride. The steel fork on my Kelly cross bike is very rigid as it needs to be for cross racing. The Alpha Q carbon road fork on my Kelly road bike is somewhere in the middle.

Matter of fact, Bill replaced his Kelly cross fork with an Alpha Q carbon to get more compliance. The steel cross fork was very harsh on the road.

It just depends. That's one reason why one really can't state categorically that one material is stiffer than another. Knowledgeable builders can do incredible things with each material.

[Veronica]

V, a steel fork can be harsh. Just like frames - it depends on the tubing, the design, the geometry, the rake, etc. ...

It just depends. That's one reason why one really can't state categorically that one material is stiffer than another. Knowledgeable builders can do incredible things with each material.

So true... I just can't resist the opportunity to write about how much I love my bike.

V.

[SadieKate]

Did you read on BJ that I upgraded my Mercian to Campy Ergo from bar ends? I know you Riv nuts love your bar cons, but I do not. I'm so thrilled. Whoopeeeeeee!

That was Andrew's last project before he left for Washington yesterday morning. Made him earn his keep. Told him he could then add experience with Wheels Manufacturing's spacing kit and quality vintage bikes to his resume.

[Veronica]

It doesn't matter what we love. It's your bike, you gotta love it!

That's awesome, when are you going to take it out for a ride? I hear there's a pretty hilly century in Marin this weekend...

V.

[SadieKate]

Now that we've hijacked the thread . . . The gearing is for flatlands. Larger chainrings than the Litespeed and same cassette.

Bill and I decided against the Holstein because we have so much travel right now. We'll be doing a part of the Napa Valley course this weekend. Maybe Saturday to avoid the actual century which is on Sunday, I think.

When are you doing the TT in Davis?

[Veronica]

I was actually talking about the Marin Century/Mt Tam Double this weekend.

TT... probably never. I'm too chicken.

V.

[SadieKate]

I know you were talking about Mt Tam. I just wasn't clear. You are supposed to follow my ping-pong mind.

The TT -- It's not about winning. It's about your own goals . . . and getting faster. It's helped my speed.

And the frozen margs after.

[Veronica]

Towing a trailer has done great things for my speed.

Seriously all you folks who want to go faster... get a BOB trailer, load it up with 60 pounds worth of gear and haul it around for three weeks, doing 20 - 80 miles a day.

You will get stronger.

V.

[Bike Goddess]

SK- Hmmmm- actual Napa Century is Sunday August 20th- same day as the fundraiser up your way, I believe.

Now to get back to topic- I have a Jamis Quest which I bought in 2003. It has a lot of miles on it. Right now it's resting as I also have a Scott CR1 all carbon bike which I dearly love as well.

My Jamis has carbon forks which does make a difference in road feel. Yes, it is a very comfortable road bike.

[SadieKate]

SK- Hmmmm- actual Napa Century is Sunday August 20th- same day as the fundraiser up your way, I believe.

Well, good. We'll definitely miss the crowds, won't we?

[KnottedYet]

Narrowing down the field...

subject to change without notice, of course...

Jamis Aurora, $825 with Tiagra/Deore/Sora http://www.jamisbikes.com/usa/bikes/06_aurora.html

Burley Vagabond, $1600 with 105 and made in Oregon http://www.burley.com/images/PDF/Vagabond-Spec-WEB.pdf

(and then there's the Burley Hudson with Ultegra and custom paint for $2200) www.burley.com/images/PDF/Hudson-Spec-WEB.pdf

It appears that it really is cheaper to buy a full bike than it is to build-up a frame, even with short cuts. I'm leaning toward the Vagabond. I can't get a bike for at least a year, so I have lots of time.