Leo001

Hi Guys
I'm thinking about a new bike, let me explain why and what I am currently riding. My primaty ride is an older Cannondale H300 hybrid, I also have a Cannondale T700 touring (bought last year, just cant get acclimated to it) but in any event, I currently ride aprox. 30 miles, three times a week, sometimes its a pretty flat loop, other times it a very hilly ride. When I and decending steep grades, I worry about brake failure (momentem is a *****) I really like the disc brakes on my mountain bike (also Cannondale) I want to expand my scope a little and start riding further. I have been looking at the Salsa Vaya 3 to meet my needs, I like the disc brakes, I dont think the steel frame will be an issue, any thoughts?

Thanks

TrojanHorse

Are you specifically looking for another touring bike or do you want more of a regular road bike? Is this to augment or replace your T700? If you can't acclimate to it, what's the reason? Fit? Size? Layout?

Leo001

Not sure why the T700 dosnt feel quite right, I have replaced the stem with an adjustable one to raise the bars up some, maybe i'm just used to the hybrid, im not sure a dedicated road bike is the right choice (although 95% of my rides are on pavement) i worried the riding position is too aggressive and wont be compfortable. I wish i could rent different bikes, ride one of my usual loops and get a better feel for the bike, i would hate to buy somthing i end up not riding. I recently saw a Trek Lane (cyclocross bike) for sale locally at what seems like a good price, i thought cyclocross might be a good choice as i can run a wider tire (32C) to support my weight (currently 270) altthough I hace 28cs on the T700 and they seem ok.

TrojanHorse

I highly recommend renting a bike... find a shop that does demo rides near you. Some of them near me do that, and typically it's $50 a day or so, which they will happily apply to your purchase price.

Another option is to find a shop that will fit you to your existing bike or tell you why they can't - I don't think there's much point in buying a new bike that's similar to a bike you don't like if you can't identify what you should improve to fix your situation.

Beachgrad05

Great advice