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Written by Zach Magoon
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Wednesday, 03 October 2007 |
I'm looking to get a new commuter bike for this winter. Yeah I have some great road, mountain and cyclocross bikes, but I don't want to gunk them up with all the nastiness Maine winters bring. It'll probably drive my wife off the deep end, but what can I do really. A new drive train on any of those bikes would go for 600-700 bucks so why not just a get a dedicated nasty weather commuter? I have three very strong contenders for my new ride. The first is the Salsa Casseroll Single.
I love all my Salsa bikes and this one would complete my quiver. It's on the higher-priced end which is one reason I haven't decided to snatch it up--well that and it's not available until January. I love the understated paint job and flip flop hub. To be honest, I'm gonna beat the hell out of this thing, so I would rather not witness the rapid demise of such a nice ride. Sand, salt snow and water is a deadly combination for metal parts, so I think I just talked myself out of the Salsa--sniff, single tear.
The second one that I think would make a great all weather beast is the Surly Steamroller. This thing is really set up to be a fixed gear. Yes it has a front brake and a flip flop hub, but that thing ain't gonna stop you when the weather gets nasty. I'm not sure how well a fixed gear would work in snow and ice. Many times, I've had to put my foot down to avoid a spill on black ice or slick spots. I'm not sure that a fixie is conducive to that. Damn, that is one simple, utilitarian machine. It's in the middle price range so it's still in the running, but there is another more bike that might meet all of my criteria.
Check out the Redline 925. Single speed, fenders, funky bars, flip flop hub all in Team Bikeman colors? I'm diggin it. One thing I'm not sure of is whether there is enough clearance for studded tires. I guess I could take the fenders off, if I needed to, but damn, it would be sweet to just go as is. The price seems right on this one in the $550 range. I'm really leaning towards this one--I love the name too- nine-two-five what would be more appropriate for a commuter bike?
Ok so there are just two more that I would like to consider. The Gary Fisher Triton, and the Van Dessel Country Road Bob. The Fisher is very slick looking. Looks a little more sophisticated than the Redline and yet it's pretty much the same setup, right down to the funky bars. I wish I could try one of these things out before I buy, but with these specialty type bikes, it's hard. Even an all-around shop like Bath Cycle doesn't have these beasts in stock. The Country Roads is one I've had my eyes on for a long time. I know that studs would fit on that one. It has mucho clearance and cantilever brakes. Hell, if I were more of a man, I could race cross with it. This one tops out at $900, which seems a little steep for a down and dirty commuter.
So those are my selections. I'll let you all know what I end up with. I still have to have some cashola for some winter riding shoes this year! Suck it, ripped booties. I'm through with you. Let's not skip to winter quite yet, though! Get out and ride now 'cause the weather is as good as it gets here in Maine. Hopefully, it's just as nice in your area.
Zm |
