Does this bike exist and would I want it?

[Cindyloo]

Hi,

I am in the market for a new bike and my head is going to explode with all of the options. I would like a "jack of all trades bike" knowing that I may sacrifice in some areas. I would like to be able to ride on paved paths, cyclocross, and ride moderate distances (under 100 miles) either in charity rides or sprint triathlons. Some requirements: steel frame, triple ring, preferably under $1200. I really think I would like flat bars with aero bars added, but would that look stoopid? Arrrgghh. I guess what I am describing is a cross bike with flat bars? Currently I have a Trek 1000 wsd and a OLD mountain bike.

My DH thinks I will sacrifice speed with a flat bar, but aren't they just road bikes with a different bar? One bike I have considered is the Bianchi Strada or Jamis Coda Comp. Any suggestions?

[KnottedYet]

How about the Jamis Aurora? Very similar to the Coda geometry, but slightly nicer over all, with more of a cyclocross emphasis.

In all honesty, a flat bar can get pretty uncomfortable on longer rides and you may find a drop-bar with a higher stem will give you a great variety of comfortable hand positions to switch around during longer rides. Last year's Aurora had a great multi-position adjustable Ritchie stem, which was just peachy for fine-tuning fit. You can raise drop-bars until they are just as high as flats and be very comfy with the variety of hand positions. For general riding I think a flat bar sacrifices comfort more than speed.

Why do you want aero bars? For the sprint tri? If drop-bars feel so low to you that you prefer flats, I'm afraid you might find that aeros will tuck you down even further (about 13 inches lower, or about the distance from the heel of your hand to your elbow). Steering is different with aeros, and in many cases their use is discouraged. (can't use them in cyclocross, for example)

I don't recall seeing anyone using aeros in my sprint tri. When you find a bike you like, ask the shop to clip some areos onto the bar so you can see what they feel like on a trainer in the shop.

[Triskeliongirl]

I think what you are describing is a cyclocross bike. I once rode with BeeLady from TE who has a bianchi volpe which is a steel cyclcross bike, and she is very happy with it. But, why do you want flat bars? My old terry classic had flat bars, and I had to convert them to drops, because I didn't have enough hand positions and would get wrist pain. If I were you I would looke at the Volpe.

[mimitabby]

I was going to suggest the Volpe too. IF you have $1200 you will have plenty to add stuff onto it too, like the handlebars you want, etc.

[smilingcat]

Aero bars. They are only good for time trials, full out racing. Its not all that easy to steer, the body position is not the most comfortable and definitly not made for sprint. If you look at the sprinters position when they are on all out sprint, their hands are almost always on the bottom part of the drop handle and pulling really hard on the handle bar. You can't do that on a aero bar.

I would have an aero bar on Quintan Roo Caliente or Lucero (or litespeed Saber)with cow horns but then the bike would strictly be for TT. Just my dream bike #2.

Aero bars may look spiffy but I wouldn't recommend it.

just my 2cents
Shawn

[susan.wells]

Another vote for the Volpe. My husband has this bike and I would certainly call it a "jack of all trades" vehicle. That being said... I have a Jamis Coda Comp in my stable. It was the first "serious" bike I purchased and I wanted the flat handlebar. However, 4 years later, the flat handlebar is a minus instead of a plus. So I am in the process of addressing this. My first attempt is a trekking handlebar. I've switched it out but haven't had the opportunity to ride her yet. Otherwise, I will be putting drop handlebars on her and getting new shifters. Good luck with your search!

Susan

[SalsaMTB]

Definitely stick with the cross bikes. The flat bar road bikes you mentioned may not have enough clearance to put a knobby tire on so you won't be able to ride off road at all with them.

Have you thought about the Surly bikes? The Cross Check is a nice steel frame for not much money. It's also available as a complete bike. You may want to look into building it up though to get it exactly as you want. It also has bosses on the rear triangle to mount a rack (not sure if that's important to you).

ETA: This link has a huge list with links off basically all the cross frames out there. Some of them have pricing, but some are listed for Frame only while others are for complete bike. Thought you might be interested:

http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=258177

[Kalidurga]

I read through this pretty quickly, so this may have already been mentioned.

Cyclocross bikes are more than just modified road bikes. This is one of the articles I read last year when I was thinking of buying a 'cross: The Case for 'Cross. Wikipedia's entry for Cyclo-cross bicycles also gives a great description.

I didn't buy my 'cross bike with the intention to race. Like you, I wanted the fun of mulitple options from one bike and the beauty of a 'cross bike is definitely in the options. Salsa's suggestion of beginning with the frame is a good one. And for a bar, you might consider something I've seen on a lot of messenger bikes lately: an over-sized TT bar. The ends of the bar face forward instead of back and down, so you've got the option of riding on the flats, or stretching forward with a wider arm position than you'd have with a typical TT bar. I'm seriously thinking of trying a pair of these on my bike.

[SouthernBelle]

Mustache bar??

[Kalidurga]

Don't mustache bars sweep down and out to the side, with the ends pointing towards the back of the bike? The cow-horn bars I've seen look like someone flipped a drop bar upside down and then cut off the drops. They're less swoopy than the mustache bars I've seen, and the ends point towards the front wheel. It sounds as if they'd give more of the effect that Cindyloo seems to be looking for.

[Cindyloo]

Thank you all so, so much for your suggestions. You have thought of things I never would have. I suppose I was focused on flat bars for their (in my perception) easier bike handling. Perhaps I should just learn to increase my bike handling skills with the drop bars, particularly off road! Changing hand position is very important and I didn't think about the lack of opportunities with the flat bars.

I guess I was mistaken about the comfort of the aero bars too! Floyd looks so comfy in his "praying mantis" position! The TT bars sound interesting and I'll definitely have to check those out as well as all of the bikes you ladies suggested.

I think a cyclocross bike might be in my future! It is such an adventure to find the right one!

[Blueberry]

Have you thought about the Surly bikes? The Cross Check is a nice steel frame for not much money. It's also available as a complete bike. You may want to look into building it up though to get it exactly as you want. It also has bosses on the rear triangle to mount a rack (not sure if that's important to you).

I just bought a cross check a couple of weeks ago off ebay (photos will be forthcoming) and I LOVE it. Didn't need another bike, but this one came equipped exactly as I wanted it (would have cost me a lot more to build up). It even has pink wheels

[7rider]

I've been eyeing a Lemond Poprad and a Redline, which look pretty cool. I think from what you are looking for, a cross bike is a good way to go.

I have a flatbar road bike for commuting, as I wanted it for low-speed control in a city. Bar-ends were the first accessory I put on it, however, so I could have a variety of hand positions, since, yeah...a flat bar can be hard on longer rides. With the bar ends, I routinely do 40-50 miles rides without a problem. A friend of mind did a century (100 miles) on a flat bar road bike with bar ends and she had no hand problems, either. So....if you don't find a 'cross bike you like, and opt for a flatbar bike - I think bar ends are a definite "gotta have".

[SouthernBelle]

Let's see:

Mustache

Cow-horn

[Triskeliongirl]

I have a flatbar road bike for commuting, as I wanted it for low-speed control in a city. Bar-ends were the first accessory I put on it, however, so I could have a variety of hand positions, since, yeah...a flat bar can be hard on longer rides. With the bar ends, I routinely do 40-50 miles rides without a problem. A friend of mind did a century (100 miles) on a flat bar road bike with bar ends and she had no hand problems, either. So....if you don't find a 'cross bike you like, and opt for a flatbar bike - I think bar ends are a definite "gotta have".

FYI, my flat bar terry classic also had bar ends. I think the problem was also the angle of my wrists, just couldn't get as many positions that didn't cause wrist strain even with the bar ends. In terms of control, just don't go too narrow on your drop bars, get them either shoulder width, or slightly wider to improve control. I really like the bianchi volpe. Its designed for BOTH touring and real cyclcross, so I think it gives you the max versatlity. I was very impressed with the one I saw, and its definitely in your price range (even below your max).