TheEscapist

I am looking at two used bikes for around $400. One is a 2010 Surly Steamroller that is almost new. The other is a 2008 Fuji Obey that has been "gently used" and has the original Brooks saddle. I am going to try and ride both tonight, but wanted to get some feedback. Price being equal, which would you guess is the better bike. Also, I know the Fuji gets a lot of hate, but I actually like the looks of it and I have heard the components are quite good for this price range. Any help would be appreciated.

pylea

Eh I think differences between the two are pretty negligible and you should just go for the one you like better and not worry about what other people think. That being said, I'd personally go for the Obey because it's a nice lugged frame that will last you a long time, even if you end up switching out all the other parts. And a nice Brooks saddle, if you're into that sort of thing.

mkeHENRY

I'd go for the Steamroller 'cause fatties fit fine.

lverhagen

This is a consideration worth making if you want versatility. Also, I think the Steamroller has slightly more relaxed/less aggressive geometry if that matters. Good luck!

Cheers
lverhagen

Scrodzilla

Despite my affinity for Maxway frames, I'd go for the Steamroller because **** Shepard Fairey.

adriano 

if they both fit, steamroller, but if the obey fits better, definitely obey.

adriano 

fully disclosure, im illuminati.

prooftheory

Buy the fnord.

markaitch

i own & have ridden both...sorta

i am currently riding a bike made from the same maxway lugged frame the obey was built with. i also still own my steamroller frame - tore it down to use the parts for other things & can not bring myself to get rid of it. i keep meaning to build it back up again, likely into a big-tire, fixed gear "hipster mountain bike"...it is that sturdy.

actually, from my personal experience the steamroller is a little more aggressive & quicker handling than the maxway frame. the maxway handles turns well enough but has a lower bb & is just a bit more stable for faster, straighter lines that it is my choice for the kind of riding i am mostly doing at this time.

those prices sound great, there's never deals like that where i am. i think the obey hate came from the silly promo tie-in & over-the-top gold bling which led to its ridiculously high msrp.

as some others have already said - you can't hardly go wrong with either. tuff choice you got there...you got the money to buy both?

TheEscapist

Thanks for all the feedback. The Obey was sold by the time I tried to test it out last night. I will be looking at the Steamroller today and see how that feels. I am currently on an '07 Kona Paddy Wagon set up as a single speed, but feel like mixing things up a little.

max5480

I haven't ridden any of these bikes... But if the Kona fits fine, I would stick with it. I wouldn't think the ride would be much different.

Philthy Bastard

don't you have a posse?

andrizzle

never ridden the Obey. but i love my steamroller.