Another bike recommendation thread.

[argonaut]

Looking into getting more into biking and wanted to get some recommendations. My primary use will be commuting, second some "rails to trails" and third would be very moderate single track. Basically looking for a good all around bike.

Wish list in order of preference:
29er, 700c
1x9
disc brakes, or at least the option
rear rack, front rack support would be great too.

These are the bikes I have been considering (no order)
Surly Cross Check, maybe LHT
Spot Longboard
Salsa Vaya or Fargo
Redline D440

Price: Would love to stay under $1000

Let me know your thoughts. Thanks!

 

[Christophe Noel]

I love the Surly Karate Monkey, and can't stand the Cross Check. Bleh. Couldn't wait to sell my Cross check. Most 1x9s will have to be converted or built.

 

[DaveInDenver]

The Redline probably would fit your requirements, but I thought it was 1x8 out of the box. I ride a 11 year old Redline Cyclocross as my commuter/utility/bike path/CX race rig. It has drop bars and 2x8 Ultegra/XT drive train. Really, all the bikes you listed are honest bikes and probably are fine choices and so it's a matter of riding them to see which fits best.

 

[Christophe Noel]

The challenge with some of the bikes on your list is price. The Spot is likely to be well over $1500 as is the Fargo. The Redline is a nice bike for the money and a Cross Check will be fine for only very mild singletrack.

You might need to refine you search criteria to reflect where you really want this bike to perform best. No bike does everything well. Any bike can be a commuter, not every bike can handle singletrack.

 

[DaveInDenver]

No bike does everything well. Any bike can be a commuter, not every bike can handle singletrack.

Good point. I would add that the type of commuting can also make a difference. To me a bike commute is a 14 mile length that could be all nice bike lanes on roads, maybe paved or graded dirt bike path or even mild urban singletrack. It depends on weather, my mood, available time, but the distance with all possibilities make a MTB less preferable to a 700c and a CX with skinny knobbies is ideal. If by commute he means a mile ride to a bus or something, then whichever bike does not have a flat would be fine.

 

[chris_the_wrench]

Looking into getting more into biking and wanted to get some recommendations. My primary use will be commuting, second some "rails to trails" and third would be very moderate single track. Basically looking for a good all around bike.

Wish list in order of preference:
29er, 700c
1x9
disc brakes, or at least the option
rear rack, front rack support would be great too.

These are the bikes I have been considering (no order)
Surly Cross Check, maybe LHT
Spot Longboard
Salsa Vaya or Fargo
Redline D440

Price: Would love to stay under $1000

Let me know your thoughts. Thanks!

Well neither Surly listed above is really capable of running disc brakes. In the surly line I would look at the Karate Monkey. That could be setup with discs, 1x9 and 29er wheels. Disc brakes and racks sometimes require a little creativity when mounting the two, but now there are several racks on the market that are designed to work with discs.

Have fun
-Chris

 

[tacollie]

I would look at the surly or redline. Both are good values. The spots are going to be expensive. I think all their bikes are now US made. You may want to look for something used.

 

[Cackalak Han]

I am currently building up a Redline Monocog Flight and will set it up as a singlespeed. I think Redlines are great value for the money. I love steel and the frames are lifetime warranty.

Anybody have experience with Vassago Fisticuff? Looks pretty cool.

 

[Christophe Noel]

Our little town has seen an invasion of Jaberwokies....Vassago Jaberwokies that is. Nice frames for the money.

 

[argonaut]

Thanks guys for all the replies. Lots of things to think about which is what I was looking for.