Salsa Bikes anyone??

[thom]

So... My father-in-law had gotten into bikes lately, and now my H is convinced he needs a new, faster bike. We've been out riding several times with me on his old bike and him on one of his dad's bikes. (Longest ride so far is 13 miles so we're pretty novice.) Still, it's good cross training for me & it's something H seems excited about. I guess my main concern is whether we can really ride enough to justify the $$.

We live near a lot of gravel and so want something that can handle gravel & roads. I'm content with a mountain bike, but as I mentioned H wants to go fast.

We've looked at Salsa brand, as they seem to be that niche market for all surfaces. H had found a slightly used Fargo & Vaya, but can't decide. The Vaya is smaller, so it would about fit me. Now he's convinced we BOTH need a bike, though that's a whole other issue.

Anyone have experience with this brand?

[sadlebred]

Salsa makes good bikes like the bigger manufacturers. I *think* most of their frames are made in China, but so are many these days. My only concern with the Vaya would be if it has the 26" wheels. Avoid them at all costs on a cyclocross bike as it's very hard to find tires for them. (Finding 26" mountain bike tires is as easy as any local bike shop or catalog.) They are on their way out of the cycling world. Most companies are doing 650b wheels or are moving that way. Having said that, 26" wheels will be supported for years b/c there are millions of bikes with them out there. The Vaya is more like a cyclocross bike, which is built to handle the gravel. I regularly "gravel grind" with my cross bikes. For the type of riding he will be doing, I'd stick with a cross bike. If he wants to ride singletrack and trail in addition to the gravel, I'd opt for a 29ner mountain bike over a cross bike. The 29ner wheels will be "fast" like he wants to go but can more than handle singletrack. You will see 29ner wheels in reference to mountain bikes. They are the same size wheels as 700c road (and cyclocross) wheels. The 29ner rims are a bit wider to accomodate a wider mtb tire.


You both need bikes. You have to question that??

Have I confused you enough?

[thom]

Thanks Sadle, I was hoping you'd weigh in. My H actually mentioned getting a Cyclocross bike when he first started looking & I instantly thought of you. This might be a stupid question, but are any of the salsa bikes actual cyclocross bikes? Or not really?

Our dilemma is we have a smooth, paved bike trail close to our house (in the country it's ironic I know) but then it's a mix of tar & gravel in any other direction. And mostly gravel if we go to the farm. H is hung up on wanting a quick bike for paved surfaces, but something that can still handle gravel. Is there any specific brand or type you think?

We kind of got on this salsa thing after seeing some good deals at the local bike shop - which we recently discovered.

Good to know about the 26 inch tires too. Thank you!

[sadlebred]

I don't think any of the Salsa bikes are truly cyclocross (CX) bikes. What brands does your LBS carry? I'll go from there....

[sadlebred]

PS I take that back. This one is: www.salsacycles.com/bikes/warbird_ti/. It is made for gravel grinding. I want!

[thom]

Ok, that's funny -- because I think H really wants the Warbird if we find a deal. Or perhaps he just likes the name.

As for me, I feel like $1,000+ is a lot for me to have a bike, but H doesn't want me stuck on this heavy old bike once he gets a faster one. And of course I have to go with because, you know, he doesn't like to go alone. It's almost cute. Plus, I know he will feel less guilty about spending if we both get bikes. Sigh. I worry too much maybe?

The local shop we like seems to carry these brands:

Giant, Haro, Jamis, Salsa, Surly, Niner, Cannondale, Cervelo, Co-Motion, Felt.

I've never heard of most & am kind of clueless, but H has been doing lots if research...

[foundmylazybum]

My friend rides for Niner and does cyclocross. I'd be happy to ask him for recs if you want.

ETA: I have a Felt road bike and love it.

[joenali]

Aug 5, 2013 15:52:58 GMT -5 foundmylazybum said:

My friend rides for Niner and does cyclocross. I'd be happy to ask him for recs if you want.

ETA: I have a Felt road bike and love it.

And this brings me to ask you: when is your triathlon???

[thom]

@fmlb - if you have time, sure. It's always good to get input. Felt does appear to be a nice bike; we've looked at them some too.

[aurora]

Cyclocross sounds like a good choice for what your husband wants.

I was always frustrated to hear this when I was starting out riding, but the brand of the bike doesn't matter nearly as much as the fit.

I'm a mountain biker, but of the list you gave:

Aug 5, 2013 15:17:20 GMT -5 thom said:

...

The local shop we like seems to carry these brands:

Giant, Haro, Jamis, Salsa, Surly, Niner, Cannondale, Cervelo, Co-Motion, Felt.

I've never heard of most & am kind of clueless, but H has been doing lots if research...

I have heard of all except Co-Motion. I've been drooling over a Niner myself (it's a brand that specializes in the 29" mountain bike wheels sadlebred was talking about). If you can find a local bike shop that will take the time to fit you properly, I can almost guarantee you'll ride more. There can be a huge difference between a 50-cm bike of one brand and the next, and how comfortable you are depends on your own body dimensions. Unfortunately, it's really hard to be budget-conscious while bike shopping until you have a lot of experience to know what your body needs.

Good luck, and let us know what you're thinking after you've had a chance to test ride some!


P.S. As to your original question, Salsa does make good bikes, but so do most of the other brands you've listed.

[foundmylazybum]

Aug 5, 2013 17:16:55 GMT -5 thom said:

@fmlb - if you have time, sure. It's always good to get input. Felt does appear to be a nice bike; we've looked at them some too.

I will ask him now on FB and get back to you.

ETA:;

Hmmm..He's on a big vacation...are you thinking of getting the bike right away! lol..it might be a minute before he can reply!

[thom]

Kind of depends. Sometimes my H is very slow & methodical about purchases, but sometimes once he makes up his mind that's it. I appreciate the help though!

[foundmylazybum]

Aug 5, 2013 19:44:47 GMT -5 thom said:

Kind of depends. Sometimes my H is very slow & methodical about purchases, but sometimes once he makes up his mind that's it. I appreciate the help though!

Here is what I know about HIS experience with niner.

He is in LOVE with the brand and the bikes. Like. In love.  He is a really good mountain bike and cyclocross rider--and has been happy riding their bikes..

Knowing him, I know without a doubt he would recommend your H at least have the store guys show him the bikes they have and introduce him to the brand so he can get to know what they are all about.


I feel confident saying that .

[thom]

@fmlb - perfect; thanks.

[sadlebred]

Aug 5, 2013 15:17:20 GMT -5 thom said:

The local shop we like seems to carry these brands:

Giant, Haro, Jamis, Salsa, Surly, Niner, Cannondale, Cervelo, Co-Motion, Felt.

I would avoid Haro, but they aren't really in the cyclocross market. Cervelo makes road and time trial bikes mostly. Co-Motion makes tandems and some custom single bikes. Surly bikes are mostly steel and heavy. I'd avoid them although the quality is fine if you don't mind really heavy. Not all steel bikes are heavy, but Surlys are.

Felt--great value for the money. Good bikes. Heavily invested in cyclocross scene. Sponsors several big cross pro racers.
Salsa-Fine bikes
Niner-fine bikes. Only makes 29er mountain bikes. No road/cross
Jamis-ok bikes. Nothing great, nothing bad.
Cannondale-fine bikes. They have been around forever and are one of the big brands. Ask your LBS if they can get any of Cannondale's "blowout" deals. I know several LBSes here are giving killer deals on 2011 and 2012 Cannondale cross bikes. Sponsors the Cannondale-Cyclocrossworld.com cross team. Good cross bikes. A friend just got one of their "blow out" deals on one, and it was a steal.

[sadlebred]

Aug 5, 2013 15:17:20 GMT -5 thom said:

As for me, I feel like $1,000+ is a lot for me to have a bike, but H doesn't want me stuck on this heavy old bike once he gets a faster one. And of course I have to go with because, you know, he doesn't like to go alone. It's almost cute. Plus, I know he will feel less guilty about spending if we both get bikes. Sigh. I worry too much maybe?

.

Buy a nice bike, and you won't regret it!....but you already know that!

[thom]

aurora - thanks for your thoughts. You're right that it's hard to be too budget conscious if you're looking for a really good fit.

sadlebred -thanks for the analysis! I'll keep you girls updated. I feel sort of weird that I'm so clueless when it comes to bikes, but I guess I just need to do some research and ride, ride, ride. I hope someday I stop feeling so awkward on a bike! Not really bad awkward, just that I'm more way comfortable on my feet than on pedals at this point.