djcunningham0

I'm in the market for a versatile road bike. I'm hoping to stay under $1000, and absolutely must stay under $2000. Please let me know if you have suggestions for brands or models I should check out, or if you are selling something that would fit my needs (I'm located in Chicago).


Needs and preferences:

• I'll use it for daily city riding (along with my cheap single speed), occasional long rides on weekends, and probably 2-3 short bike touring or bikepacking trips per year. It needs to be capable of carrying a moderate load for those touring trips, but nothing crazy. I'd prefer a good road bike capable of touring rather than a dedicated touring bike, if that makes sense.
  
• Most of my riding will be on roads, but I need a bike capable of handling dirt and light gravel occasionally. I don't think I need a dedicated gravel bike (although I'm not necessarily opposed to it), but needs to allow for reasonably wide tires (at least 32mm, preferably with clearance for a bit wider).
  
• I have a slight preference for the look and reliability of steel, but I'd consider any frame material.
  
• A new(ish) bike would be great, but so would an older one (I'm replacing my old 1980s Fuji that was stolen recently).
  
• I need approximately a 56cm frame.
  

Steve B.

A gravel bike would suit your needs. Do you need to carry panniers on racks ?, or would you use bikpacking bags like a large duffel strapped to the h-bar and a large rear bag attached to the seat ?. That changes whether you need eyelets for racks. These bikes generally can accept up to a 43mm tire, you can then choose one that works for on street commuting and still have some dirt/gravel capability (Gravel King SK comes to mind).

Cannondale Topstone alloy 3 would be one choice. Has eyelets for a rear rack. Nice bikes,

djcunningham0

In the past I've used panniers. I've considered switching to bikepacking bags, but eyelets for racks would be a plus because I'd like to keep both options open.

mrv 

https://www.bikeforums.net/classic-v...ike-57-cm.html

$800 - Ready to roll. Not toooo far away.
If you don't like this - contact the seller. He's always posting beautiful buiids.

Also - this: https://www.bikeforums.net/classic-v...t-58cm-tt.html
- wholly moly - no interest! I'd get it but i just picked up a 26in wheel Panasonic I'm turning into a sporty tourer in the image of Jan Heine.....

and this looks nice:
https://www.bikeforums.net/classic-v...-cm-frame.html
-- making me cry this one.... it's a bit small for me, but matches my Panasonic Mountain Cat, color-wise.

cheers.

curbtender

https://www.marinbikes.com/bikes/use/beyond-road

Trav1s

Marin also came to mind as I read the original post and these ticks many of the boxes. I'm thinking the Nicasio would be the best option:

Aluminum
https://www.marinbikes.com/bikes/2023-gestalt-2-5

https://www.marinbikes.com/bikes/2022-gestalt-2

Steel
https://www.marinbikes.com/bikes/2023-nicasio-2

https://www.marinbikes.com/bikes/2023-four-corners

Trav1s

Another option:
https://www.canyon.com/en-us/gravel-...nfarbe=GN%2FBK

Slowride79

I picked up this Surly recently on somewhat of a whim. It has double eyelets front and rear, braze on for racks front/rear , spare spokes on non-drive chain stay, etc. As found bought from orig owner. This one has 26”wheels but others had 700c. Surprisingly smooth ride, relatively light and responsive, steel frame and fork. For a modern bike very versatile I would say. Sadly this is a 58cm too big so I’m going to look to buy/trade for 55/56cm frameset.

phedge

If you're not locked into drop bars, Surly Bridge Club could fit the bill nicely.

djcunningham0

There's a 2017 Salsa Vaya listed in my area for $700. The Vaya seems pretty well suited to my needs. Anyone have thoughts on that bike? Does it seem like a good deal?

curbtender

Well, it's under $1000, lol. It would depend on the group and how it's been treated. Can you post the listing or tell us were it us at?

djcunningham0

It’s on Facebook marketplace. I’m getting an error when trying to post an external URL but you can view it at Facebook /marketplace/item/1225589021344043

Very little info to go off of in the listing. I’m going to check it out in person on Monday.

Imaginos

I bought two new bikes this year that would meet your requirements.A Windsor Tourist flat bar(aluminum) for $600 from bikesdirect and a Marin Four Corners(steel) dropbar for $1200 from Curated.Both fine bikes. I switch back and forth.