Author Topic: bike choice  (Read 10445 times)

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Offline tullfan

bike choice
« on: February 24, 2006, 07:48:36 pm »
I am looking at either a Cannondale Road Warrior 1000 or a Treh 520 for commuting & touring.My commuting will be over very hilly terrain 45k round trip.The 'Dale is about 4 kilos lighter,is that important on the daily grind,I am a 53 year old male


Offline RussellSeaton

bike choice
« Reply #1 on: February 25, 2006, 04:46:01 pm »
Do you ride a bicycle now?  If so, the choice between these two bikes can easily be made by the handlebar.  Whichever handlebar you use and presumably like now, is the one to pick.

Commuting and touring?  The Cannondale would most likely make a fine fast fun commuting bike.  It looks like it can take a rear rack.  No fender eyelets but you can use P-clips to easily attach fenders.  Not positive the brake calipers could handle fenders under them though.  Have to check that.  The Ksyrium wheels will most likely last well enough.  Its only a 28 mile round trip commute so you are always close to home and a car.  If you can stand flat straight bars, then the Cannondale would definitely win the commuting title.

But for touring, you would have to travel very light since the Cannondale seems to have a carbon fork that will not accept a front rack.  Touring light is probably great.  I can never manage it so I need all the racks and bags I can get to haul my necessary stuff.  I personally would not want Ksyrium type wheels on a tour but they may be just fine.  Harder to find parts for them than standard laced wheels.  The Cannondale low gear is 36x27.  You can eaisly put a 34 ring on instead of the 36.  $10.  But a 34x27 low gear is not nearly low enough for touring.  More than low enough for a 14 mile commute where you can stand up over short hills.  Now if your 14 mile commute is all up to the top of a mountain, then you have other issues.

I would get a bike that excels in the activity I am going to do the most of.  If you commute 150 days a year, you will ride 4,200 commuting miles.  Assume 2 hours total riding time per day, 300 hours total.  Lot of time on a bike.  Best to have a fun bike.  You would notice 9 pounds on a bike so lighter is better.

When you decide to take a long loaded tour, buy the Trek 520.  No law against having two or more bikes.

I owned a Trek 520.  A fine do everything truck of a bike.  Toured loaded many thousands of miles.  But it was not a fun bike to ride.  The experience of riding was fun, the things I did and saw were fun.  But the bike did not add to the fun.  It did not detract from the fun either.


Offline mtnroads

bike choice
« Reply #2 on: February 25, 2006, 07:38:42 pm »
Two completely different bikes. Cannondale is light, fast, probably somewhat harsh riding, and perfect for training rides or short commutes, but not loaded touring. I had a similar Trek performance hybrid for awhile and it had those characteristics.

The Trek 520 is heavy, comfortable, kinda slow, and suitable for a variety of purposes, including commuting and loaded touring. Very strong and durable. If you are going to loaded tour on it, spec it from the dealer with a mtn crankset in front (for lower gearing). Did I mention they are comfortable? I love mine.

Offline tullfan

bike choice
« Reply #3 on: February 26, 2006, 01:42:19 am »
Thanks guys,I think that i will go for the 'dale and then thrash the plastic later on for the touring as i think that the daily grind will be too hard with the Trek.
Incidentally Bike Friday now have a dealer here,Australia,as do Birdy,any thoughts on these brands?


Offline tullfan

bike choice
« Reply #4 on: February 26, 2006, 01:50:26 am »
Oops almost forgot,has anyone heard of Airnimal Chameleon? They also heve arrived in Aust and they seem to be good but with a AUD $3500+ price tag!


Offline DaveB

bike choice
« Reply #5 on: February 26, 2006, 01:25:17 pm »
Bike Friday's are very highly thought of here in the US.  They are pretty much a custom proposition and priced accordingly. My son-in-law has one and I've ridden it a bit.    

In general, they make great travel bikes but I don't think you'd want one as a daily rider.