Funny, I was looking into what might be a good CX/commuter today too. I was looking at the Traitor Ruben, as a frameset - TBSM has the bike complete but the parts look pox IMO - and I could probably build something more to my liking for around the same money. Components are also what turned me off the Kona Sutra, that and the extra weight. Sorry to say, I couldn't ride the Salsa bikes because - while I'm sure they ride very well - they look, to my eye, like they've been hit, nay beaten, with the ugly stick.I'll bump this up....
Have been doing the homework on a Salsa Vaya as I need a family bike/tourer/super commuter, would have purchased a while ago but inconsistant work has meant I'm better keeping the money in the bank.
Hadn't even considered the Kona Sutra, until I re-read this thread - I would of changed the STI's to bar end shifters, the cranks to a triple, and BB7's are definately nicer than bb5's, I'll also get a shitty rack and mudgaurds to top the deal off... So apart from a cheaper wheelset, and at least $400-$500 less. Why wouldn't I go for the Kona over the Salsa?
I strangely enough think the Salsa's look quite nice.Funny, I was looking into what might be a good CX/commuter today too. I was looking at the Traitor Ruben, as a frameset - TBSM has the bike complete but the parts look pox IMO - and I could probably build something more to my liking for around the same money. Components are also what turned me off the Kona Sutra, that and the extra weight. Sorry to say, I couldn't ride the Salsa bikes because - while I'm sure they ride very well - they look, to my eye, like they've been hit, nay beaten, with the ugly stick.
I think rather than the classic 3 x 9 set up, I'm going to build up a bike with 2x10 SRAM Apex (which can take a 11-32 road cassette) - as I prefer the two rings up front and this gives a good range anyway.
Back to frames so I'm tossing up between the Surly Cross-check and the Traitor Ruben - which is to say: canti's vs mechanical discs. I think I'm leaning towards cantis and the Surly. Would I be right in thinking that cantis require less adjustment and have a bit less power?
BTW for those who are interested Surly are releasing a Disc LHT this year.
Um... John? What the...?Singular
singular
That is a very cool steed. :clap2:Cotic Roadrat. Super-flexible compatibility. Singlespeed/hub gears, derailleur horizontal dropouts with hanger plates, disc and V compatible, suitable for drops or flat bars, nice low BB so it corners with confidence when loaded, rack mounts.......
Mine:
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