Which Is Best Between These Hybrid Bikes? Available In Los?

[Ahnsahn]

I'm looking for a bike that's as good on pavement as it is on those back-country trails. I'm leaning towards the Specialize model 'Crosstrail Comp' with the Raleigh model 'Misceo 2.0' and the Giant model '09 Cypress' in contention.

Is anyone familiar with these models and know which has the best components and if these bikes are available anywhere (I travel between CM and BKK) here in LOS?

Any other recommendations or comparisons?

Thanks!

[OriginalPoster]

I haven't seen those bikes but the Specialized Crosstrail Comp does look good on paper. Probably you're not one going to go far wrong with that one if having straight handlebars ad a front shock are things that are important to you. If you come from a road biking background then you might want to consider the Specialized Tricross Sport Triple as well: http://www.specialized.com/us/en/bc/SBCBkM...mp;menuItemId=0 . FWIW, the bike that I've had my eye on for the type of riding you're talking about is the Salsa Fargo: http://salsacycles.com/bikes/fargo/ but that's more expensive and probably would make more sense financially to buy it in the US and carry back on the airplane than to buy locally.

If you find a place in BKK that will sell you with of those Specialized bikes I'd be interested to learn what prices they quote you. I've got a hunch they will be special order items and the price will be the US MSRP plus 30 or 40% with a big deposit required upon placing the order.

All that said, none of those are probably not the cheapest way to get a decent enough all-round bike if your needs are modest. If this is you first bike in a long time and it's more a theoretical thing than a known fact that a hybrid will be a good thing for you then it might not make a lot of sense to blow 40,000+ baht on one. Might then be able to find something in-stock locally for half as much that would meet your needs as well.

Edited May 9, 2010 by OriginalPoster

[Ahnsahn]

I haven't seen those bikes but the Specialized Crosstrail Comp does look good on paper. Probably you're not one going to go far wrong with that one if having straight handlebars ad a front shock are things that are important to you. If you come from a road biking background then you might want to consider the Specialized Tricross Sport Triple as well: http://www.specialized.com/us/en/bc/SBCBkM...mp;menuItemId=0 . FWIW, the bike that I've had my eye on for the type of riding you're talking about is the Salsa Fargo: http://salsacycles.com/bikes/fargo/ but that's more expensive and probably would make more sense financially to buy it in the US and carry back on the airplane than to buy locally.

If you find a place in BKK that will sell you with of those Specialized bikes I'd be interested to learn what prices they quote you. I've got a hunch they will be special order items and the price will be the US MSRP plus 30 or 40% with a big deposit required upon placing the order.

All that said, none of those are probably not the cheapest way to get a decent enough all-round bike if your needs are modest. If this is you first bike in a long time and it's more a theoretical thing than a known fact that a hybrid will be a good thing for you then it might not make a lot of sense to blow 40,000+ baht on one. Might then be able to find something in-stock locally for half as much that would meet your needs as well.

Thanks for the reply.

This will be my first 'serious' bike. I'm looking to use this bike mostly for casual riding on the back sois and dirt roads in small villages outside of the big cities. No plans to do any highway riding, not here in LOS, anyway.

I have a cheapo Mongoose Iboc Mountain Bike that is pretty nice, but I would like to also have a good 29er with some quality components and a few bells and whistles. I was looking to spend around Bt 21,000 but definitely not more than 32,000.

I hope the 'local' option can be the way to go.

[OriginalPoster]

I haven't seen those bikes but the Specialized Crosstrail Comp does look good on paper. Probably you're not one going to go far wrong with that one if having straight handlebars ad a front shock are things that are important to you. If you come from a road biking background then you might want to consider the Specialized Tricross Sport Triple as well: http://www.specialized.com/us/en/bc/SBCBkM...mp;menuItemId=0 . FWIW, the bike that I've had my eye on for the type of riding you're talking about is the Salsa Fargo: http://salsacycles.com/bikes/fargo/ but that's more expensive and probably would make more sense financially to buy it in the US and carry back on the airplane than to buy locally.

If you find a place in BKK that will sell you with of those Specialized bikes I'd be interested to learn what prices they quote you. I've got a hunch they will be special order items and the price will be the US MSRP plus 30 or 40% with a big deposit required upon placing the order.

All that said, none of those are probably not the cheapest way to get a decent enough all-round bike if your needs are modest. If this is you first bike in a long time and it's more a theoretical thing than a known fact that a hybrid will be a good thing for you then it might not make a lot of sense to blow 40,000+ baht on one. Might then be able to find something in-stock locally for half as much that would meet your needs as well.

Thanks for the reply.

This will be my first 'serious' bike. I'm looking to use this bike mostly for casual riding on the back sois and dirt roads in small villages outside of the big cities. No plans to do any highway riding, not here in LOS, anyway.

I have a cheapo Mongoose Iboc Mountain Bike that is pretty nice, but I would like to also have a good 29er with some quality components and a few bells and whistles. I was looking to spend around Bt 21,000 but definitely not more than 32,000.

I hope the 'local' option can be the way to go.

That makes sense. But if you want a If you want a Specialized you might need to come down a model or two in their line to meet your price target. That Specialized bike you mentioned has a US MSRP of US$1050 (33,600 baht) according to their website. And and at least for mid to high end bikes, prices are usually much higher in Thailand than are prices for the same bikes in the US. In the US you might be able to reasonably expect to get discounts from that $1050 but in Thailand the dealer is apt to think that you should pay a premium above that figure.

[Ahnsahn]

".....and at least for mid to high end bikes, prices are usually much higher in Thailand than are prices for the same bikes in the US. In the US you might be able to reasonably expect to get discounts from that $1050 but in Thailand the dealer is apt to think that you should pay a premium above that figure."

That is the clincher for me, then!

I wanted to first determine which bike to buy - and it's looking to be the Specialized - and now, with your added insight about the 'premium' in prices I would be charged to buy it here, I will gladly wait the 3 to 4 months and get it in the US.

I'll look at owning and riding this bike while here as 'a farang (finally) getting his coveted car (from home) into LOS'! Paying a couple of pennies more will be well worth it to me.

I see you're really into cycling. Are you into Road bikes? The Fargo looks to be one true traveling bike! If they are sold here, I can only imagine their cost!

[OriginalPoster]

".....and at least for mid to high end bikes, prices are usually much higher in Thailand than are prices for the same bikes in the US. In the US you might be able to reasonably expect to get discounts from that $1050 but in Thailand the dealer is apt to think that you should pay a premium above that figure."

That is the clincher for me, then!

I wanted to first determine which bike to buy - and it's looking to be the Specialized - and now, with your added insight about the 'premium' in prices I would be charged to buy it here, I will gladly wait the 3 to 4 months and get it in the US.

I'll look at owning and riding this bike while here as 'a farang (finally) getting his coveted car (from home) into LOS'! Paying a couple of pennies more will be well worth it to me.

I see you're really into cycling. Are you into Road bikes? The Fargo looks to be one true traveling bike! If they are sold here, I can only imagine their cost!

You might want to look around in the shops in BKK or CNX anyway. You never know, you might stumble across something good that's fairly priced.

I'm fairly into road biking recently. I haven't ridden anything except a road bike since I was about 13 years old (which was a long time ago) but for several years I did no biking at all and I just started up again at the end of January. Been riding 5 or 6 days a week since then and have lost about 35 pounds (from 220lbs to 185) despite eating normally except for cutting out the beer. Got the biking bug now and am toying with the idea of trying some touring. Also thinking that it might be good to have a bike that could eat up dirt & gravel roads, hence the Salsa Fargo caught my eye.

I too expect that the Salsa Fargo would cost a fortune in Thailand. Mail-order places in the States sell it for about $1400 to $1700 depending upon whether you get the budget components (Shimano SLX) or higher end components (Shimano XT). Haven't actually found a source for the bike in Thailand yet. There's an outfit in Bangkok that sells some Salsa bikes but not that one. I did find a place in Singapore that will special order the bike but based upon the prices that they charge for the various bikes that they do have in stock I'm expecting that they will want about 20 percent over the US list price. I also expect that they will want a deposit upfront that's big enough to cover the wholesale price of the bike. Don't think that I want it that bad, better to wait until I go to the States at Christmastime and buy it there (assuming that I don't change my mind about it). Often in winter time you can get some really good deals on bikes in the US since not many people are out buying bikes when there's snow on the ground.

Edited May 9, 2010 by OriginalPoster

[mr_hippo]

Raleigh? Good British bikes until about 20 years ago when they went to Taiwanese frames - reputation suffered and have never, IMHO, got it back.

Giant - available in BKK, decent bikes but I don't like the shop's attituse or pricing.

Cannondale - available in BKK but pricey.

Trek - from ProBike and nationwide dealers. I am just about to buy my fifth bike from there - they normally give 10-14% discount so prices are very similar to the UK & US

[el jefe]

I didn't google any of the bikes you mentioned to see what they come equipped with.

If you're looking for something that will be "good on pavement as it is on those back-country trails", I'd make sure that if you have a front shock that it has the capability of locking it out. Most of the time you won't need it.

[Ahnsahn]

I too expect that the Salsa Fargo would cost a fortune in Thailand. Mail-order places in the States sell it for about $1400 to $1700 depending upon whether you get the budget components (Shimano SLX) or higher end components (Shimano XT). Haven't actually found a source for the bike in Thailand yet. There's an outfit in Bangkok that sells some Salsa bikes but not that one. I did find a place in Singapore that will special order the bike but based upon the prices that they charge for the various bikes that they do have in stock I'm expecting that they will want about 20 percent over the US list price. I also expect that they will want a deposit upfront that's big enough to cover the wholesale price of the bike. Don't think that I want it that bad, better to wait until I go to the States at Christmas time and buy it there (assuming that I don't change my mind about it). Often in winter time you can get some really good deals on bikes in the US since not many people are out buying bikes when there's snow on the ground.

.....that's a good thought!! Bikes are really discounted at Xmas time and the beginning of fall.

Raleigh? Good British bikes until about 20 years ago when they went to Taiwanese frames - reputation suffered and have never, IMHO, got it back.

Giant - available in BKK, decent bikes but I don't like the shop's attitude or pricing.

Cannondale - available in BKK but pricey.

Trek - from ProBike and nationwide dealers. I am just about to buy my fifth bike from there - they normally give 10-14% discount so prices are very similar to the UK & US

.....Trek has a hybrid, the 7200 but the Cannondale looks to be the one on par (or more?) component-wise with the Specialized Crosstrail Comp.....seen any Bad Boy Ultras here in LOS?

I didn't google any of the bikes you mentioned to see what they come equipped with.

If you're looking for something that will be "good on pavement as it is on those back-country trails", I'd make sure that if you have a front shock that it has the capability of locking it out. Most of the time you won't need it.

...Thanks! I re-checked the specs and the Specialized does have lock-outs.

Generally speaking:

While going over the components (of the Specialized), I see there is a Deore SLX component and a Deore component or two but other components aren't as highly rated? As with a car, and though I plan to only do serious 'casual' on/off road riding, are there certain basic component upgrades I could do right off and notice/have better performance or is that too far advanced?

I would really prefer to have the XT components for example. Are there better performing 'chainsets' I could choose from? Could I notice improvement with a better set of 700c X (45?) tires?

[Ahnsahn]

I haven't seen those bikes but the Specialized Crosstrail Comp does look good on paper. Probably you're not one going to go far wrong with that one if having straight handlebars ad a front shock are things that are important to you. If you come from a road biking background then you might want to consider the Specialized Tricross Sport Triple as well: http://www.specialized.com/us/en/bc/SBCBkM...mp;menuItemId=0 . FWIW, the bike that I've had my eye on for the type of riding you're talking about is the Salsa Fargo: http://salsacycles.com/bikes/fargo/ but that's more expensive and probably would make more sense financially to buy it in the US and carry back on the airplane than to buy locally.

All that said, none of those are probably not the cheapest way to get a decent enough all-round bike if your needs are modest. If this is you first bike in a long time and it's more a theoretical thing than a known fact that a hybrid will be a good thing for you then it might not make a lot of sense to blow 40,000+ baht on one. Might then be able to find something in-stock locally for half as much that would meet your needs as well.

While doing one last double-check before calling it a night, I just noticed the specs of the Fargo XT has all of the Shimano XT components that I'm looking for in the type of 'Road/Trail-Hybrid' bike that I'm looking for!

I guess it's probably the 'beginner' in me, but in addition to the Shimano XT components, I am looking for a 29er 'Road/Trail-Hybrid' type bike that also has a lockable front shock, disc brakes and I prefer a somewhat (though not total) upright ride.

The Specialized Crosstrails Comp has practically all the features that I'm looking for except the Shimano XT components!

The Fargo has the coveted Shimano XT components I want but not the shock-fork or the type of handle bars I am looking for.

I'll take my price limit off the table in hopes I can find just the bike I'm looking for!

[Ahnsahn]

.... I just noticed the specs of the Fargo XT has all of the Shimano XT components that I'm looking for in the type of 'Road/Trail-Hybrid' bike that I'm looking for!

I guess it's probably the 'beginner' in me, but in addition to the Shimano XT components, I am looking for a 29er 'Road/Trail-Hybrid' type bike that also has a lockable front shock, disc brakes and I prefer a somewhat (though not total) upright ride.

The Specialized Crosstrail Comp has practically all the features that I'm looking for except the Shimano XT components!

The Fargo has the coveted Shimano XT components I want but not the shock-fork or the type of handle bars I am looking for.

I'll take my price limit off the table in hopes I can find just the bike I'm looking for!

Talked with two Stateside bike dealers:

I'm going with the Specialized Crosstrail Comp.

They assured me that the Crosstrail Comp and it's components are as good as it gets for the type of bike that I am looking for.....right now it is selling for $950!

[el jefe]

Could I notice improvement with a better set of 700c X (45?) tires?

For what you're planning on doing, narrower tires and the lightest wheels possible would be an improvement.

You also mentioned that you wanted disc brakes. if you're not doing serious off-road riding, why? they're more expensive, heavier, and more difficult to repair if something goes wrong.

[OriginalPoster]

I haven't seen those bikes but the Specialized Crosstrail Comp does look good on paper. Probably you're not one going to go far wrong with that one if having straight handlebars ad a front shock are things that are important to you. If you come from a road biking background then you might want to consider the Specialized Tricross Sport Triple as well: http://www.specialized.com/us/en/bc/SBCBkM...mp;menuItemId=0 . FWIW, the bike that I've had my eye on for the type of riding you're talking about is the Salsa Fargo: http://salsacycles.com/bikes/fargo/ but that's more expensive and probably would make more sense financially to buy it in the US and carry back on the airplane than to buy locally.

All that said, none of those are probably not the cheapest way to get a decent enough all-round bike if your needs are modest. If this is you first bike in a long time and it's more a theoretical thing than a known fact that a hybrid will be a good thing for you then it might not make a lot of sense to blow 40,000+ baht on one. Might then be able to find something in-stock locally for half as much that would meet your needs as well.

While doing one last double-check before calling it a night, I just noticed the specs of the Fargo XT has all of the Shimano XT components that I'm looking for in the type of 'Road/Trail-Hybrid' bike that I'm looking for!

I guess it's probably the 'beginner' in me, but in addition to the Shimano XT components, I am looking for a 29er 'Road/Trail-Hybrid' type bike that also has a lockable front shock, disc brakes and I prefer a somewhat (though not total) upright ride.

The Specialized Crosstrails Comp has practically all the features that I'm looking for except the Shimano XT components!

The Fargo has the coveted Shimano XT components I want but not the shock-fork or the type of handle bars I am looking for.

I'll take my price limit off the table in hopes I can find just the bike I'm looking for!

I don't have the experience with mountain bikes and front shocks to speak credibly on the topic but from what I've read 29'er with 2" wide tires tend to ride more smoothly than 26'ers with 2" tires and hence have less need for shocks. And from the little bit that I've riden bikes with front shocks I think that I'd only want one if I was planning to ride on roads much rougher than the average cowpath, as I found it disturbing that not all of the energy that I was putting into the pedals seemed was propelling the bike forwards - some of it was causing the front end of the bike to bob upwards. I know the the purpose the the lock-out on the shocks is to prevent that but to me it seems less than 100% effective and it's probably not going to be be 100% of the time tat you have the shocks locked-out (if you did have them locked 100% of the time then it seems like you might as well buy a rigid fork). But then again, I'm a grumpy old man who doesn't know a single track from a stromboli.

BTW, I wouldn't get too hung up on the XT components. A lot of the time the more expensive components are just lighter rather than being better functioning. Lighter matters a lot more to racers than to recreational riders. I'd look more that the range of gears and making sure that the capacity of the derailleurs was sufficient for the range. And I'd pick the range of gearing depending upon how flat or hilly the area was where I was intending to ride the most. I wouldn't be worried about using the Deore LX or SLX groupset for instance instead of the XT, nor would I be worried about having Tiagra components in a road bike configuration.

[OriginalPoster]

.... I just noticed the specs of the Fargo XT has all of the Shimano XT components that I'm looking for in the type of 'Road/Trail-Hybrid' bike that I'm looking for!

I guess it's probably the 'beginner' in me, but in addition to the Shimano XT components, I am looking for a 29er 'Road/Trail-Hybrid' type bike that also has a lockable front shock, disc brakes and I prefer a somewhat (though not total) upright ride.

The Specialized Crosstrail Comp has practically all the features that I'm looking for except the Shimano XT components!

The Fargo has the coveted Shimano XT components I want but not the shock-fork or the type of handle bars I am looking for.

I'll take my price limit off the table in hopes I can find just the bike I'm looking for!

Talked with two Stateside bike dealers:

I'm going with the Specialized Crosstrail Comp.

They assured me that the Crosstrail Comp and it's components are as good as it gets for the type of bike that I am looking for.....right now it is selling for $950!

I'm going to guess that you'll you'll like that bike. Are you having it shipped over?

Edited May 11, 2010 by OriginalPoster

[Ahnsahn]

Could I notice improvement with a better set of 700c X (45?) tires?

For what you're planning on doing, narrower tires and the lightest wheels possible would be an improvement.

You also mentioned that you wanted disc brakes. if you're not doing serious off-road riding, why? they're more expensive, heavier, and more difficult to repair if something goes wrong.

......I know, I know and I hear you!

Some of all this wouldn't be logical from a true bikers perspective but being the novice that I am, it's the novelty that is coming into play here, ie. the disc brakes, tuned fork, etc. These features are standard on the Specialized Crosstrails Comp bike. This bike's makeup seems to mirror my cycling niche perfectly (55%-60% trails/45%-40% pavement) only I would prefer 'the next higher class' of Shimano components....the XT.

Being this is my first real bike coupled with the fact that I have to personally bring it into the country, is the (personal) license that is driving me down this path (pun intended).

I am looking at this bike purchase (at least in my mind) as that of a performance machine, ie. BMW X5, etc. - one which I just get on and cruise and enjoy the fine mechanical technology working as one.

I will look into improving the tires. Are there any brands and sizes that are good performers (like a good pair of Michelin's for a car)?

Are there any particular accessories you could recommend, ie.: Speedometer, Tool kit, etc.?

Edited May 11, 2010 by Ahnsahn

[OriginalPoster]

Could I notice improvement with a better set of 700c X (45?) tires?

For what you're planning on doing, narrower tires and the lightest wheels possible would be an improvement.

You also mentioned that you wanted disc brakes. if you're not doing serious off-road riding, why? they're more expensive, heavier, and more difficult to repair if something goes wrong.

......I know, I know and I hear you!

Some of all this wouldn't be logical from a true bikers perspective but being the novice that I am, it's the novelty that is coming into play here, ie. the disc brakes, tuned fork, etc. These features are standard on the Specialized Crosstrails Comp bike. This bike's makeup seems to mirror my cycling niche perfectly (55%-60% trails/45%-40% pavement) only I would prefer 'the next higher class' of Shimano components....the XT.

Being this is my first real bike coupled with the fact that I have to personally bring it into the country, is the (personal) license that is driving me down this path (pun intended).

I am looking at this bike purchase (at least in my mind) as that of a performance machine, ie. BMW X5, etc. - one which I just get on and cruise and enjoy the fine mechanical technology working as one.

I will look into improving the tires. Are there any brands and sizes that are good performers (like a good pair of Michelin's for a car)?

Are there any particular accessories you could recommend, ie.: Speedometer, Tool kit, etc.?

For tires, look at the Schwables.

For cars, forget about the BMW X5, it drives like a Hummer.

For disc brakes vs cantilevers - don't worry about it, people have been arguing about the merits of each for years.

[Ahnsahn]

For tires, look at the Schwables.

For cars, forget about the BMW X5, it drives like a Hummer.

For disc brakes vs cantilevers - don't worry about it, people have been arguing about the merits of each for years.

Thanks for the tire tip! The Schwables may be just what the Dr. ordered because the stock tires have a 'smooth' center with 'knobby' edges...some engineer trying to apply a theoretical tire principle to justify the 'Road/Trail Hybrid' moniker for this bike? Wouldn't the smooth tire center make it more prone to flats when riding on trails with the minimal of obstacles: rocks, debris, etc?

I plan to upgrade the stock Avid BB5 brakes to Avid BB7s....they have easy-to-access adjusting knobs.

If I could only modify this bike to ride nearly as elegantly as a X5 with a x-pipe and CAI........

[OriginalPoster]

Thanks for the tire tip! The Schwables may be just what the Dr. ordered because the stock tires have a 'smooth' center with 'knobby' edges...some engineer trying to apply a theoretical tire principle to justify the 'Road/Trail Hybrid' moniker for this bike? Wouldn't the smooth tire center make it more prone to flats when riding on trails with the minimal of obstacles: rocks, debris, etc?

I plan to upgrade the stock Avid BB5 brakes to Avid BB7s....they have easy-to-access adjusting knobs.

If I could only modify this bike to ride nearly as elegantly as a X5 with a x-pipe and CAI........

Sometimes dealers are willing to swap out tires to ones of your choosing at the time of the bike purchase. Might be worth asking.

[Ahnsahn]

Sometimes dealers are willing to swap out tires to ones of your choosing at the time of the bike purchase. Might be worth asking.

I sure hope that that is the case when I get my bike. I am looking to go with Schwalbe Marathon Plus Cross/Hybrid tires.....Thanks for another cool tip!

But then again, I'm a grumpy old man who doesn't know a single track from a stromboli......BTW, I wouldn't get too hung up on the XT components. A lot of the time the more expensive components are just lighter rather than being better functioning. Lighter matters a lot more to racers than to recreational riders. I'd look more that the range of gears and making sure that the capacity of the derailleurs was sufficient for the range. And I'd pick the range of gearing depending upon how flat or hilly the area was where I was intending to ride the most. I wouldn't be worried about using the Deore LX or SLX groupset for instance instead of the XT, nor would I be worried about having Tiagra components in a road bike configuration.

......'grumpy old man' notwithstanding, I value the knowledge you shared in this thread!

Latest case in point: My being brought to reality about the choice of components for my bike.

This is the model with the features that I am looking for and would like to get...but its color scheme is horrible, IMHO:

http://www.specialized.com/us/en/bc/SBCBkM...enuItemId=12188

(So-oooo), I am going to buy this, (basically the same), Crosstrail model, for it's better color scheme:

http://www.specialized.com/ca/en/bc/SBCBkM...menuItemId=9478

I'm not too happy with the lower quality stock hydraulic brakes that come with this bike, which I admittedly don't need in the first place - novelty or not!. So I will install a Avid BB7 (or a Avid Juicy 7 if I come to like hydraulics) when(ever) the stock Arugra hydraulic brakes go out.

About that on-going 'Disc brakes vs Cantilevers' debate, I am coming down on the side that sees disc brakes as eventually being the OEM stock on all bikes, a main-stay component of the very near future. I believe we are currently in the transition period.

I'm going to guess that you like that bike. Are you having it shipped over?

......I called and spoke with the mgr. of the only(?) bike dealer in LOS that sells Specialized bicycles and he said he was only allowed to order the entry level Crosstrail hybrid bike model , that corporate policy controlled which markets could sell which models!

So, I will look into bringing it over as baggage on my next flight or, more probably, arranging to have it shipped with the personal effects of a friend when they come.

[Ahnsahn]

Double Posting

Edited May 13, 2010 by Ahnsahn

[OriginalPoster]

I sure hope that that is the case when I get my bike. I am looking to go with Schwalbe Marathon Plus Cross/Hybrid tires.....Thanks for another cool tip!

You might want to look up the weight of Schwalbe Marathon Plus tires. I seem to recall that those were really heavy tires that are very puncture resistant but that some people complained that they had too much rolling resistance on account of their weight. In the Schwable line, The Marathon XR are sort of a cult favorite among long distance tourers (that same cult also goes for Brooks leather saddles too). The XR's are being discontinued though and being replaced by a tire called the Duremo. There's a discussion forum on crazyguyonabike.com where people discuss that sort of thing at length.

[OriginalPoster]

I sure hope that that is the case when I get my bike. I am looking to go with Schwalbe Marathon Plus Cross/Hybrid tires.....Thanks for another cool tip!

You might want to look up the weight of Schwalbe Marathon Plus tires. I seem to recall that those were really heavy tires that are very puncture resistant but that some people complained that they had too much rolling resistance on account of their weight. In the Schwable line, The Marathon XR are sort of a cult favorite among long distance tourers (that same cult also goes for Brooks leather saddles). The XR's are being discontinued though and being replaced by a tire called the Duremo. There's a discussion forum on crazyguyonabike.com where people discuss that sort of thing at length.

[Ahnsahn]

This is the model with the features that I am looking for and would like to get...but its color scheme is horrible, IMHO:

http://www.specialized.com/us/en/bc/SBCBkM...enuItemId=12188

(So-oooo), I am going to buy this, (basically the same), Crosstrail model, for it's better color scheme:

http://www.specialized.com/ca/en/bc/SBCBkM...menuItemId=9478

....just got a chance to get an even better(?) new bike for > $100 less:

http://www.specialized.com/us/en/bc/SBCBkM...id=08Crosstrail

except for the hydraulic brakes, it has almost top-of-line componentry throughout! The only negative about this is that this new 2008 bike is a 55(cm) return item. I am 5' 9", so the bike's stand-over-height would be literally 'up close and personal' with the fanily's jewels!

After getting the last deal (above), and for the same price, I was made aware of yet another line of bikes that may have the options that I am looking for....the model "XFR One"(for example?):

http://norco.com/bikes/urban/

This is my first time hearing of this innovation on a bicycle, The Judan:

http://norco.com/bikes/mountain/29er/

This site is the coolest and most interactive that I have ever seen....it's setup just right!

....I was able to talk to a Schwable tire dealer who gave me the run down on the tires. I will get a 29er bike with a size 700x45c tire. That site is here:

http://www.everybicycletire.com/Shopping/c....aspx?pagenum=3

[OriginalPoster]

This is the model with the features that I am looking for and would like to get...but its color scheme is horrible, IMHO:

http://www.specialized.com/us/en/bc/SBCBkM...enuItemId=12188

(So-oooo), I am going to buy this, (basically the same), Crosstrail model, for it's better color scheme:

http://www.specialized.com/ca/en/bc/SBCBkM...menuItemId=9478

....just got a chance to get an even better(?) new bike for > $100 less:

http://www.specialized.com/us/en/bc/SBCBkM...id=08Crosstrail

except for the hydraulic brakes, it has almost top-of-line componentry throughout! The only negative about this is that this new 2008 bike is a 55(cm) return item. I am 5' 9", so the bike's stand-over-height would be literally 'up close and personal' with the fanily's jewels!

After getting the last deal (above), and for the same price, I was made aware of yet another line of bikes that may have the options that I am looking for....the model "XFR One"(for example?):

http://norco.com/bikes/urban/

This is my first time hearing of this innovation on a bicycle, The Judan:

http://norco.com/bikes/mountain/29er/

This site is the coolest and most interactive that I have ever seen....it's setup just right!

....I was able to talk to a Schwable tire dealer who gave me the run down on the tires. I will get a 29er bike with a size 700x45c tire. That site is here:

http://www.everybicycletire.com/Shopping/c....aspx?pagenum=3

That all sounds great, but make sure that you order some spare tubes and tires. In some places in Thailand is might be hard to be hard to get 700x45c tires and tubes.

[Ahnsahn]

That all sounds great, but make sure that you order some spare tubes and tires. In some places in Thailand is might be hard to be hard to get 700x45c tires and tubes.

Thanx for that....I will!! Just located a Renn Kompressor floor pump - will get a couple rebuild kits for it, too!

I saw a Fargo Salsa for as low as $1350 in the States.

http://www.universalcycles.com/shopping/pr...ls.php?id=27016

I really like the looks and specs of this bike - though not particularly the color! Every component is to (my) top-of-the-line specification! It can even take my favorite 700x45c tires and comes with the best (IMHO and most coveted - though I know I don't need them-) hydraulic brakes! (But), it doesn't have the front suspension fork w/ lockout.....

I know: I can order that new 2008 Specialized Crosstrail Pro and get a $400 discount and you can get the Fargo Salsa and sell it to me when you are ready to get another bike!

[OriginalPoster]

That all sounds great, but make sure that you order some spare tubes and tires. In some places in Thailand is might be hard to be hard to get 700x45c tires and tubes.

Thanx for that....I will!! Just located a Renn Kompressor floor pump - will get a couple rebuild kits for it, too!

I saw a Fargo Salsa for as low as $1350 in the States.

http://www.universalcycles.com/shopping/pr...ls.php?id=27016

I really like the looks and specs of this bike - though not particularly the color! Every component is to (my) top-of-the-line specification! It can even take my favorite 700x45c tires and comes with the best (IMHO and most coveted - though I know I don't need them-) hydraulic brakes! (But), it doesn't have the front suspension fork w/ lockout.....

I know: I can order that new 2008 Specialized Crosstrail Pro and get a $400 discount and you can get the Fargo Salsa and sell it to me when you are ready to get another bike!

I think that the reason the Fargo doesn't have hydraulic brakes is because they are catering to the long-distance touring market and long-distance tourers tend to shy away from hydraulic brakes on the grounds that the hydraulics are just one more thing that might go wrong with the bike when they are in the middle of nowhere. In that market people tend to be conservative in their choices of component (at least in the sense that they'll tend to favor what they perceive to either be highly reliability or else easily repairable anywhere).

I saw that listing from Universal bikes too. Unfortunately $1350 price is for the two largest sizes of the XT equipped version of that bike and I'd need the next size down from that. I'm guessing they overestimated how many NBA players would buy the bike and they wound up having excess inventory of tall men's sizes. They are charging $1675 for smaller sizes of the bike with XT components and somewhere around that $1350 figure for bikes with SLX components. If you're perhaps 6' 2" taller though those XT equipped bikes do look like a sweet deal. At one time those bikes were selling around $2000.

BTW, the bike that I would like to get if I had unlimited funds is this one: http://www.co-motion.com/single_bikes/amerohloff.html

[Ahnsahn]

I think that the reason the Fargo doesn't have hydraulic brakes is because they are catering to the long-distance touring market and long-distance tourers tend to shy away from hydraulic brakes on the grounds that the hydraulics are just one more thing that might go wrong with the bike when they are in the middle of nowhere. In that market people tend to be conservative in their choices of component (at least in the sense that they'll tend to favor what they perceive to either be highly reliability or else easily repairable anywhere).

I saw that listing from Universal bikes too. Unfortunately $1350 price is for the two largest sizes of the XT equipped version of that bike and I'd need the next size down from that. I'm guessing they overestimated how many NBA players would buy the bike and they wound up having excess inventory of tall men's sizes. They are charging $1675 for smaller sizes of the bike with XT components and somewhere around that $1350 figure for bikes with SLX components. If you're perhaps 6' 2" taller though those XT equipped bikes do look like a sweet deal. At one time those bikes were selling around $2000.

BTW, the bike that I would like to get if I had unlimited funds is this one: http://www.co-motion.com/single_bikes/amerohloff.html

....I have a 32" inseam and had been riding a 21" discount-store racer. It's stand-over height was 'just about there', but to get one of the 2 remaining 22" Salsas for the $1,364 price (and equipped with all the gear as pictured?), I would definitely buy it for myself!

BTW, this 'XT' model does seem to include the top-of-the-line Avid Juicy 7 hydraulic brakes. It's practically all I am looking for in a bike.......I am surely tempted to get this one and the 2008 Specialized. I'll see how things work out for me and should be able to make a decision within the next 5 - 6 weeks!

[OriginalPoster]

I think that the reason the Fargo doesn't have hydraulic brakes is because they are catering to the long-distance touring market and long-distance tourers tend to shy away from hydraulic brakes on the grounds that the hydraulics are just one more thing that might go wrong with the bike when they are in the middle of nowhere. In that market people tend to be conservative in their choices of component (at least in the sense that they'll tend to favor what they perceive to either be highly reliability or else easily repairable anywhere).

I saw that listing from Universal bikes too. Unfortunately $1350 price is for the two largest sizes of the XT equipped version of that bike and I'd need the next size down from that. I'm guessing they overestimated how many NBA players would buy the bike and they wound up having excess inventory of tall men's sizes. They are charging $1675 for smaller sizes of the bike with XT components and somewhere around that $1350 figure for bikes with SLX components. If you're perhaps 6' 2" taller though those XT equipped bikes do look like a sweet deal. At one time those bikes were selling around $2000.

BTW, the bike that I would like to get if I had unlimited funds is this one: http://www.co-motion.com/single_bikes/amerohloff.html

....I have a 32" inseam and had been riding a 21" discount-store racer. It's stand-over height was 'just about there', but to get one of the 2 remaining 22" Salsas for the $1,364 price (and equipped with all the gear as pictured?), I would definitely buy it for myself!

BTW, this 'XT' model does seem to include the top-of-the-line Avid Juicy 7 hydraulic brakes. It's practically all I am looking for in a bike.......I am surely tempted to get this one and the 2008 Specialized. I'll see how things work out for me and should be able to make a decision within the next 5 - 6 weeks!

In stock XT configuration it has Avid BB7's, which are mechanical disk brakes: http://www.sram.com/en/avid/mechanicaldiscbrakes/bb7.php

[Ahnsahn]

"....in stock XT configurationhas Avid BB7's, which are mechanical disc brakes...."

My (newbie) mistake! I was in such a hurry and didn't take time to think about the difference between mechanical and hydraulic brake codes.....and on clearer reflection, I think I would go with the 18" or maybe 20" size if I do and can get one at the $1,364 price....

[OriginalPoster]

"....in stock XT configurationhas Avid BB7's, which are mechanical disc brakes...."

My (newbie) mistake! I was in such a hurry and didn't take time to think about the difference between mechanical and hydraulic brake codes.....and on clearer reflection, I think I would go with the 18" or maybe 20" size if I do and can get one at the $1,364 price....

I know that it's tall order to find someone who can help you with this depending upon where you live, but I found it to be money well spent to pay a professional to do a "bike fitting". It takes some of the guesswork out of figuring out what size of a bike you need and how it ought to be setup. Basically a bike fitter is a bike tailor who will take some measurements off you, interview you about your injury history, talk to you about your cycling goals, watch you pedal on a bicycle stand, and tweak things on the bike setup such as seat height, handle bar height, pedal cleat for/aft & angle, ad top tube length (if you don't already own the bike). Usually it's a one or two hour process. Ideally it would be done before you buy the bike so as to avoid making expensive mistakes when picking the frame size & style but it can be after you have the bike too. I paid some French bicycling guru in Singapore a couple of hundred dollars to do that for me and it made more difference to my pedaling efficiency than spending $2000 on a new bike probably would have. A really good bike shop will include a professional bike fitting as part of the purchase price but it's getting more & more rare these days to find a shop that takes that sort of thing seriously. Most shops, it seems, will just have you stand over the bike and see if the top tube hits your crouch and then tell you to take the bike out for a 5 minute test ride in the parking lot. That shortcutted method is the way the shop where I bought my Cannondale did it, but the fortunately the size of the bike turned out to be close enough to correct to be tweakable into range. But I did end up riding for a long time with the bike very poorly setup.

Edited May 25, 2010 by OriginalPoster