Keiths:Other New Bike

From SinclairWIKI

Eventually Keith is going to buy Keiths:New Bike, in the meantime I have been thinking about another bike, for commuting and fun rides. This line of thinking can go in a couple of directions, with varied requirements, not sure what I will do yet, so thought I would write it down.

Requirements

Use

For the purpose of commuting, its about a 10km ride the shortest way I can get to the office, I have to carry a heavy'ish IBM Thinkpad and clothes for work, and there is one pretty decent hill in the way, plus more then a few smaller undulations. The load makes me think of using panniers, and hills really means a single speed for this commute is out. I am thinking that a compact crank or a triple might be handy, especially after a long week of commuting and related work stress (cycling kills stress, and stress kills humans).

While I might ride the shortest way to work, time permitting, I might take a longer route home to get some extra training in, I can ride any number of ways home to stretch the 10km out to 20 or 30.

The other use is for fun, getting out for rides with friends who aren't roadies, and not interested in group riding at 30km/hr+ for 3 hours. This might include riding around the back roads and byways of beautiful Brisbane and South East Queensland or doing some sport touring with my Brother, which would lend itself to a compact or triple, its pretty hilly around here.

Comfort is an high list option, I have a pretty aggressive position on my roadie, and I often do 100km rides, so position is a problem, but I am thinking of 28C or larger tires. I am also NOT including flat bar bikes, I really want road bars, although there are great deals on flat bar bikes.

Preferences

I am looking for something cool, something with a bit "cred", which means something like the Giant Defy while the most practical might be excluded. Something in steel would be cool too.

Budget

I am looking at around $1500, plus some money for a good rack and the excellent Vaude Munster laptop pannier.

Short List

Most tourers are out, not cool enough, Cyclo Cross bikes are in, Sportiv/Audax bikes are definitely in. So the short list looks like:

• Masi Speciale CX
• Masi Speciale Commuter (comverted to include gears)
• Brodie Ronin
• Schwinn CX

Obscure Options

I have been looking at the incredible prices of the Malvern Star Capo Pro, $1100 dollars with Shimano Tiagra, Mavic Aksium wheels, but the frame is a road frame, too aggressive (it won't take panniers easily, or fatter tires). But I have been thinking of getting a fixie, to sort out the 3cm difference in diameter between my right and left leg (left is 3cm smaller). All of this means I have options of buying two bikes to end up with a fixie and a commuter bike.

Update: Current Situation

As of 1 March 2009

I forgot to make an update last year. I found and purchased a Masi Speciale Commuter on EBay for $690 AUD, which was a great deal. The gentleman I purchased it from had upgraded a few bits, stem, seat post and saddle, and it is quite a slick looking ride. The ride is comfortable and smooth and fits me very well. Currently it is in single speed, and I am planning on converting it to geared when the opportunity arises or the need increases.