Bicycles
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For what it's worth a buddy of mine has a Surly Straggler and loves it. If weight isn't a concern then this is a great option. It's got plenty of tire clearance for running a larger tire and with the stem run at the very top of your steerer tube you can get into a very relaxed position if that's the goal. There are plenty of fancier steel bikes out there but there is really no need to bother. If you end up falling in love with cycling then that's when upgrading becomes something to consider.
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Also, fwiw I have used a cycle ops mag trainer as a glorified exercise bike for years. I swap out the rear wheel for a single speed one with a trainer tire on it. Not sure you need to invest in the kickr for this purpose, either.
I rocked one of those myself! Yup – had a trainer wheel and tire on hand, too.
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I think @sabergirl is wise about not making a huge investment up front, @JDelage but I also think you're gonna love riding.
I think one move to consider is to get a "fitness bike" like this Specialized at a trusted LBS. You can add fenders and saddlebag racks if you want, get a clip-on U-lock (but don't leave it out overnight), and use it as a commuter bike that is a bit more playful and quicker than more of a cruiserly style commuter, and not a lower-back-killing forward-leaning street racing design. It's enough bike to get around town and work out on, and if you ever need more you can either sell it or upgrade the components. And if you have dirtbags stealing bikes where you live, it's not the end of the world if it gets stolen (though you'd definitely want to register the serial number in all the right places and lock it up).
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Well, in the last few days I spent a lot of time researching various options. Once I had narrowed my options it proved nearly impossible to find exactly what I wanted. I was thinking about getting a naked frame and building the bike (but the frame sets and components are also hard to find). Finally I was able to find my top choice in a shop in Bend, OR (I'm in Seattle). It's a shop-built Surly Disc Trucker, and they agreed to ship it to me. It should arrive to me early next week. I'm super excited.
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WTB tires are rad and the handlebars look great! Good call, @JDelage
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Gorgeous bike and good pickup @JDelage !
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Looks like a sweet setup, especially for Seattle! I used to ride between Capitol Hill and Magnolia everyday, and that big chainring would have been useful. That'll also be a sound bike for throwing on a trainer and playing around on Zwift, which is more fun than I thought it would be. Nice choice on the bike, enjoy!
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Plus, you can hit some fire roads/trails with that, too, and not only have more fun, but also avoid cars.
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You did will @JDelage!! Enjoy the shit outta that baby!!
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Nice bike and agree about the WTB tyres. I have the Riddlers on my CAADx and had my first puncture in 3yrs last week, I do a lot of off road with the bike.
What wheel size are on the bike, look like 650b?
Are the shop cutting down the steerer for you, you don't want to be smacking that?
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Think I'm going to pick up a bike this week. Been wanting to get one for the last year or so, but used ones in my local market have been getting snatched up as fast as I can save the listings.
Mostly going to do commuting and touring around town, but I'm in Nashville so have a lot of hills and trails I would like to take advantage of as well.
Found a Ritchey "Crazy Pete" from 1995 locally that I may get.
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Pics please, @chrisjohnnick!!! I'm a huge Ritchey fan and ride this fucker:
2011/2012/2013 Swiss Cross canti with 700x38 knobbies. Such a lovely frame and all about the magic of steel Ritchey.
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I have a Cinelli Bootleg Mystic Rats single speed that i picket up quite a few years ago, which i really have enjoyed riding, but I'm losing patience with not having any gears. Would you guys recommend trying to get gears added to this, or starting afresh? Also, any idea of cost to add the gears approximately (I appreciate there is a large range of products, I wouldn't need anything too high tech)
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Could be tricky. You’ve got horizontal dropouts and chain alignment is complex. I’d suggest looking into an internal transmission hub by sturmey archer or shimano alfine.
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…or use that aforementioned difficulty in conversion as a reason to get a new bike
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Comfortable + cool + great for around town while being able to hop off paved routes:
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…or use that aforementioned difficulty in conversion as a reason to get a new bike
I had feared this may be the case
