In love with the Salsa Casseroll

[VeganBikeChick]

For a long time I've been debating between a Surly Cross Check and a Salsa Casseroll. Today I got the chance to try them both out. And I am in love with the Casseroll I like the geometry, the way it feels when I ride it, and it's not bad to look at, either ;D. The Cross Check isn't bad but I didn't care for the bar end shifters and don't want to pay to upgrade. The LBS was so helpful and patient with me - I rode the Casseroll, then the Cross Check, then the Casseroll again.

I wish I had found this forum before I bought my current bike last year, that I've ridden all of maybe 5 times. You all are so helpful, and such enablers (in a good way!!)

I'm hoping I can sell my current bike before I get the Casseroll, but I may not be that patient. Wish me luck!

[Savra]

Welcome!! I haven't any experience with the Salsa bikes but my LBS guy loves them. He wanted me to buy one instead of my Surly LHT. But, alas, I went with the LHT and am ever so happy. But, I figure the Salsa bikes are still wonderful bikes. Enjoy

[tulip]

Wow, Seattle is indeed a Cool Place...you have bike shops that carry both Salsa AND Surly! I'm investigating a CC; there are no Salsa dealers in these parts, alas.

[VeganBikeChick]

Tulip, they carry Salsa, Surly, and Jamis! I didn't try the Jamis, as the LBS worker said it probably wouldn't fit me right, but I didn't need to after trying the Salsa. It's a really nice little LBS.

[indysteel]

I've admittedly never ridden the Casseroll, but the shop where I bought my Santa Cruz has one in stock that I drool over every time I stop by. It's a silvery blue and has such pretty, clean lines. All I can say is that you have good taste. Get it and post pics!

[tulip]

Tulip, they carry Salsa, Surly, and Jamis! I didn't try the Jamis, as the LBS worker said it probably wouldn't fit me right, but I didn't need to after trying the Salsa. It's a really nice little LBS.

Oh! The Surly CC and the Jamis Aurora are tops on my list. I might have to add the Caseroll, too.

[indysteel]

I have the 2010 Aurora, Tulip. It's a nice bike for sure, especially for the money. It might be a bit beefier than the Casseroll for loaded touring purposes, but at least mine isn't as pretty as the Casseroll. If and when I'm in the market for a new road bike, I'd like to try it out.

ETA: I just a lengthy review of the Casseroll. Salsa markets it as a road bike and while it is, the reviewer emphasized its utility as a tourer, so it appears to be sturdier than I thought. It also appears to be pretty versatile beyond sound. I like!

[Blueberry]

Oh! The Surly CC and the Jamis Aurora are tops on my list. I might have to add the Caseroll, too.

You can probably fit my Cross Check - if you want to do a test ride when you're in my area

Back Alley in Chapel Hill has some Surly Bikes in stock too - if you happen to need a different size.

[Trek420]

Tulip, they carry Salsa, Surly, and Jamis! I didn't try the Jamis, as the LBS worker said it probably wouldn't fit me right, but I didn't need to after trying the Salsa. It's a really nice little LBS.

I'm guessing is that FreeRange cycles? Great shop! They also carry Riv and some others. Counterbalance has a great independent selection too. I'm surprised each time I've been in "Never heard of this one, oooooh, shiny!"

[Eden]

I'm guessing is that FreeRange cycles? Great shop! They also carry Riv and some others.

I met the owner on the bus a little while back - it was just after I'd had kind of a bad night.... I left work a little late, had a flat tire and while *walking* across the street to a bike shop to get a tube my bike (not me, just the bike) was run over by an impatient right hand turn motorist.... (really!) then as I was limping home on a bent rim, *all* of my lights, and I usually have at least 4... 2 front and 2 tail, decided to run out of juice at the same time... at that point I was DONE and hopped a bus, still a bit frazzled to say the least....

Apparently the owner of Free Range lives near me. We got off at the same stop. She mentioned her shop when I was talking about my newly bent and needing to be replaced wheel. She seems like a very nice person. If she was a bit closer I'd probably have visited her about the replacement, but 20/20 is just a few blocks away.