Commuting Bike

robalert

By the way. i picked up my CRX1 for $1,000

How much was the Sirrus? Last I checked it was better built but a fair bit more exxy.

__________________
Rob

www.bikenorth.org.au

'07 Giant OCR Composite 3 - R550s with Michi Prorace2

'06 Giant CRX1

'96 Apollo Himalaya commuter - Rigid Fork, slicks, fully racked

DMR Switchback Reynolds 520- Velocity Cliffhangers, SRAM X-9, Easton bar/stem


DMR Trailstar 2 4130- Mavic117, Dice Whiplash, SCUD DH bars, LX 9spd, DMR Crisis Cranks.

'04 Giant VT3 frame - SOLD

Wrightstuff

The Sirrus cost me $2,600 after changing the saddle and putting some carbon bar end on, and without pedals. Tis a good bike, but had some issues with the FSA BB on the compact crankset which seemed to need replacing every 5-6 k km. I changed to a Shimano compact crankset & BB recently as the chainrings were getting worn, and hopefully will get better endurance from the BB.

The CRX range is similar to the Specialized Sirrus range and possibly better value (haven't checked for a while- my SO would kill me if I even was considering looking at a new bike- even if it was for her!). When I got the bike, the maintanance service at a very local LBS was also part of my decision consideration.

BTW, I have roughly worked out it costs me about $.10/km ie ten cents per km to maintain the bike (tyres, chain, cassette, brake pads, etc). Is this similar to others experience ?

robalert

Sounds like ur Sirrus is higher specced

I've added a few things on my CRX1 since getting it, a Specialised Body Geometry seat, carbon fibre drink holders, Sigma BC1600 speedo

__________________
Rob

www.bikenorth.org.au

'07 Giant OCR Composite 3 - R550s with Michi Prorace2

'06 Giant CRX1

'96 Apollo Himalaya commuter - Rigid Fork, slicks, fully racked

DMR Switchback Reynolds 520- Velocity Cliffhangers, SRAM X-9, Easton bar/stem


DMR Trailstar 2 4130- Mavic117, Dice Whiplash, SCUD DH bars, LX 9spd, DMR Crisis Cranks.

'04 Giant VT3 frame - SOLD

peterlip

Interesting stat. Never thought about it that way. So, I've done some maths. In the last 12 months, two bikes have cost me $0.077/km. I'm assuming you're not including bike purchase cost. I didn't include the purchase of the GPS, that's hopefully a one off cost. One of the bikes is under 12 months old, so the maintenance for that one has been almost nothing.
Mean while, the car is costing $0.196/km.

__________________
Road: Felt F70
Commute: Raceline Comp LX

thomas_cho

In my search for a touring bike I have tested both the cross check and randonneur. The randonneur is no longer in production is now being sold in the form of Viventi world tourer (steel frame).

There are slight differences between the cross check and randonneur. For one the randonneur has a longer chainstay which gives better heel clearance. Frame material is different as well, Surly is 4130 steel, randonneur is alum. They are both made for different purpose, the Cross check designed for Cyclo-cross, and randonneur a tourer.

I went with the randonneur, and build it up myself, I got 28C tyres on it, and it has a very relaxed geometry, and is my most comfortable bike. It makes a very good commuter bike, fast and stable under load.

Some shops may be clearing the randonneur , I have seen one for sale $800 with Sora shifters.

thepeddler

Can you buy these bikes in Perth?

thomas_cho

Well I am pretty sure any good bike will be able to order them in for you. I have seen the Viventi World Tourer, and I think it comes in at $1500, with front and rear racks. It really is a touring specific bike.

The Surly Cross check can be purchased as a frame fork. However, I am not sure if they come complete as a built up bike. Of course the shop should be able to build it up anyway to your specifications if needed.

As to the comments about how these bikes will beat any Giant, I think if you get the right bike for the right job, you will find that the bike will be the best bike you ever rode, irrespective of brand.

I feel that I should also mention the Surly Long Haul Trucker. This is Surly's dedicated touring frame/fork. I had my mind set on it, until I tested it for size, and the size that fit me came as 650C wheelsize frame.

I was re-reading your original post, since you are going to be riding on sealed roads, you really dont need any suspension forks. Just running wider tyres at 80psi or so will give you a comfortable ride.

Bottomline, once you have clearly defined your riding needs, dont waver and get confused by your riding wants!

Easier said than done, as I have somehow accumulated 4 bikes.

Feel free to email me at thomas.cho@tpg_dot_com_dot_au

cheers

Wrightstuff

It's mainly Ultegra specced, with carbon fork, bar, seat post and seat stays, with the rest ally frame. I never really found the BG saddle comfortable on long rides even though my MTB has one on it. I am using a SI Max Flite saddle. Adds to the bike since new are some Cateye lights, a Wireless Sigma BC1606, which is good even though the wireless cadence has not been working, and for this time of year a bloody good light at night for commuting. plus pumps.
I was using Crank Bros Egg beater pedals for a while, but found that the bearings karked it after 5000 or so km, so have swapped back to Shimano SPD's on the road and the MTB.

The BV ride magazine a couple of issues did a comparison of a couple of high specced FB road bikes, a Giant and an EPX (Look at their website). If I remember, the bikes characteristics were different, but both rated highly.

Dancier

Its called the Viventi World Randonneur.

I'll being buying one of these bikes, it's got some good stuff on it for the price.


http://www.viventebikes.com//produc...ent/0/t/product

thomas_cho

Thanks for the correction, it is a very nice bike! In my case, I purchased a mongoose randonneur frame, and then 3 days later found out that the World Randonneur was replacing it! Anyway I am quite happy with the aluminum framed Randonneur I got, does exactly what I want it to do.

cluster blaster

Hey, I've had a randonneur too! Very nice commuter bike I recon. Mine was the "LE" model; the one with bar-end shifters. I like those shifters a lot. The frame is aluminum, but the fork is steel, which is a very good reliable combination. I didn't know they don't make them any longer... that's not a good news for me. I really liked the bike.... (mine got crushed under a Ford Territory one day - SMIDSY). Seems I'll have to go for the CrossCheck.

Btw, I think that CrossCheck is not really made as a cyclo-cross specific bike. I recon the name that was used is rather a clever marketing; it is more a do-it-all road bike; strong, sporty, not too-expensive and so it can be used to race some cross if that's desired...

cluster blaster

CrossCheck comes as a complete bike too. Last time I saw it the price was $1495, complete bike. Also the LongHaulTrucker (Surly) comes as a complete bike now and the same price applies. Dirtworks is the distributor here in AU.

I recon that for 1495 the CrossCheck is a very good choice (for myself). I'd just need to swap the saddle and that's it.


The smaller LongHaulTrucker frames are actually designed to take 26" wheels. Larger sizes take 700C wheels. It is just that some people found that those smaller frames will take 650C wheels too. That's how much tyre-clearance is available!! Nothing wrong with either of the option..?

Dancier

There must of been a classic design for steel road and touring bikes that were used throughout the world many years ago.

I've ridden with guys that have Cecil Walker steel framed bikes and another guy that had a steel bike from Italy and the design is similar to the Cross Check.

http://www.surlybikes.com/crosscheck_comp.html


I've got an old Apollo road bike thats 28 years old and the frame is very similar in design to the fuji touring bike. So i wonder how old the fuji design is.

http://www.fujibikes.com.au/bikes.asp?id=290&subcat=2

mphew1

These stats are good to see. I've worked out that by riding rather than catching the train / bus I'm saving $0.168/km. So far though I've spent $1.16/km for the bike (including purchase and all other stuff). If I keep commuting at my current rate though my savings on train tickets will pay for my bike in less than three years.