New cinelli hobo vs custom frame?

[scandy]

I'm looking for a new bike, trying to find something that'll fit my somewhat specific needs. I'm looking for something that I can throw skinnys on and go on fast road rides, some big hills and fast corners, and general sprinting around on smooth stuff. But then throw on some bags, maybe a rack, and go explore, and not be limited when I come across some dirt roads and rough stuff. Might do some overnight or backpacking stuff too(though I bet I could fit everything into a frame and saddle bag, the ability to run a rack would be nice)

So pretty much a road frame, with clearance for bigger tires, and some aspects of a gravel/cx geometry. But more on the road side.

The hobo seems like a touring bike that's more oriented towards faster aggressive riding that most touring bikes, which I like. But I'm concerned that it's still too touring for the majority of my riding.

I've been looking at the honey winterando, seven evergreen, and hampsten strada Bianca. The honey and seven I know are guaranteed to be good on gravel, and seem like they'd be good road bikes as well, the hampsten seems like a good all arounder road bike, just not sure about it as a gravel/tourer.

I'm trying not to make money a big factor. If I need a custom I'll go that route, if a stock frame works for what I'm looking for then I'll go that route.

What are your thoughts? Anyone have experience with these frames or have any recommendations?

[soupless]

THe Black Mountain Bikes frames are very well regarded and sound like they'll do what you want.

[cachagua]

Why do I want to say the Hampsten?

(Is it because that's what I'd do?)

Seriously though, what about a Strada Bianca doesn't seem gravelly or tour-y enough? Seems like the next notch further in that direction would seriously take away from roadability, wouldn't it?

Let's say the next notch was something like a brevet bike with 42mm Grand Bois tires. Probably delicious to ride! But is that really what you'd want to, in your term, sprint around on?

Whereas with self-respecting wheels and tires, I'd take an SB for a couple of months of loaded touring in the Canadian Rockies without an instant's hesitation.

Just my $.02.

[MattTuck]

Is this going to be your only bike?

I think you're on the right track with the bikes you're looking at for what you want. Something like a Ti cross/gravel bike would hit a lot your desires. I personally think 'gravel bikes' are a bit over-rated. I ride plenty of dirt and gravel roads on my road bike, with 25 or 28mm tires. Would a specially designed gravel bike do better? Yep. But I wouldn't trade my road bike for it.

[AgilisMerlin]

very nice bike and history

http://www.pedalconsumption.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/tracko-kelli-and-cinelli-outtakes.jpg

http://www.cinelli.it/site/components/com_virtuemart/shop_image/product/Hobo_523c4ebb1c1d3.jpg

http://www.bootleg.it/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/475500032-1.jpg

http://brimages.bikeboardmedia.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/Cinelli-Bootleg-Hobo-Spoke-Holder.jpg

http://www.bootleg.it/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/home2-550.jpg

http://brimages.bikeboardmedia.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/Cinelli-Bootleg-Hobo-Cable-Routing.jpg

comments in link below

http://www.bikerumor.com/2013/06/11/cinelli-debuts-bootleg-hobo-ultra-distance-steel-off-road-bike/

http://brimages.bikeboardmedia.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/Cinelli-Bootleg-Hobo.jpg

http://www.cykelportalen.dk/wp-content/uploads/Cinelli-Hobo-02.jpg

Cinelli has Hobo wanted to develop a new steel frame primarily minded for long distance off-road bike race where participants are self-sufficient. The new framework has just received its baptism of fire at the 12,000-kilometer Tour d'Afrique. TDA is an extreme endurance as now cycled to 11-fold.

"Hobo" refers to the homonymous culture grown in the United States where adventure and travel as lifestyle met through simplicity, soul searching, honesty, and respectfull of man and nature.

The three Cinelli rider on Hobo team was Chas Christiansen from San Francisco, Lucas Brunelle, from Boston Cinelli Hobo designer Dario Toso.

The Tour d'Afrique started on 11 January, from Cairo City and ended May 11 in Cape Town.

Hobo is built on coated Columbus strålrør with a triple butted cromologen fork. The geometry is a cross between a touring and cross bike. More details and prices on the bike following Eurobike next month. (dated)

just thought i'd throw this in, offtopik' / pardon

http://brimages.bikeboardmedia.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/Cinelli-Zydeco-Disc-Cross-Bike.jpg

http://b.vimeocdn.com/ts/450/757/450757955_640.jpg (http://vimeo.com/76049367)

and Lucas Brunelle goes to africa (http://vimeo.com/76049367) / vimeo / hobo

[scandy]

Why do I want to say the Hampsten?

(Is it because that's what I'd do?)

Seriously though, what about a Strada Bianca doesn't seem gravelly or tour-y enough? Seems like the next notch further in that direction would seriously take away from roadability, wouldn't it?

Let's say the next notch was something like a brevet bike with 42mm Grand Bois tires. Probably delicious to ride! But is that really what you'd want to, in your term, sprint around on?

Whereas with self-respecting wheels and tires, I'd take an SB for a couple of months of loaded touring in the Canadian Rockies without an instant's hesitation.

Just my $.02.

You're probably right, expecting too much more of a touring/gravel bike while keeping a fast road bike characteristic probably isn't realistic. I keep thinking it'd be cool to have clearance for real big tires, but I don't see myself really needing any more than a 32c. Plus that's what my mtn. Bike is for.

I haven't been able to find the hobo geometry anywhere, I'd really like to see the geo before I decide against it. It seems like if I were going to go with a more touring/gravel oriented bike that might be the one to go with. Seems like they were really aiming to keep it a go fast racey bike rather than aiming for comfort. Plus if I went that route, with the money I saved I could get a nice lightweight set of wheels for skinny tire riding.

Also forgot to mention the personal blend from strong, looks like a great bike as well.

[scandy]

Is this going to be your only bike?

I think you're on the right track with the bikes you're looking at for what you want. Something like a Ti cross/gravel bike would hit a lot your desires. I personally think 'gravel bikes' are a bit over-rated. I ride plenty of dirt and gravel roads on my road bike, with 25 or 28mm tires. Would a specially designed gravel bike do better? Yep. But I wouldn't trade my road bike for it.

Yeah this will be my only road bike, replacing my old beater.
This is a bike I want to keep for as long as possible, I want to be able to use it for whatever road/touring kind of riding I decide to do for years to come and not be wishing I had a bike better suited to the task, as in, if I go for a quick fast road ride or sprint across town I don't want it to feel sluggish and not well suited for it, or if I go ride some rough stuff or do some bike packing/touring, at least be able to handle that kind of riding without being outside its element. So that's why I really want the versatility. I completely understand it's not going to be a featherweight carbon race bike, and it won't be the most ideal thing to take on a week long trip, I think I just want the right elements of a go fast bike and a touring bike, and not the elements I don't need.

And yes I agree on gravel bikes being overrated, I rode some pretty hairy singletrack on my current bike on skinny slicks and it got through it fine, wouldn't want to do that everyday though. I guess I don't know how else to describe an offroad capable bike that's not a full on cx.

[ceolwulf]

Maybe something like this?

http://www.cycleexif.com/tomii-cycles-fat-road

http://www.cycleexif.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/tomii-cycles-fat-road-8.jpg

[Bkat]

Rather than define a bike by category, I think of it more in terms of a sliding scale between hardcore traditional road bike with uber-skinny tires and hardcore off-road machine with chunky treads. As such, most custom builders can make you a bike that falls anywhere along that spectrum you'd want to be. Both my IF and Hampsten were built to take tires wider than a "normal" race so I can ride on rough stuff if I so desire but both are light enough that (on a good day) I can hold my own against a young-un' on his carbon racing steed. (BTW, Independent Fabrication makes a nifty bike (http://www.ifbikes.com/OurBikes/Road/Independence/) that sounds close to what you're thinking.)

You seem to have a pretty good sense of how you want to use the bike, so that's a great start. Just my two cents but I'd find a builder here in the US and let them tailor a bike to suit your needs. Even by starting with one of their base models, things can be tailored to suit your riding style and physique. That way everything is exactly how you'd want it.

[scandy]

Maybe something like this?

http://www.cycleexif.com/tomii-cycles-fat-road

http://www.cycleexif.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/tomii-cycles-fat-road-8.jpg

Saw that bike awhile back and forgot about it, but yes that's very close to what I'm looking for. Feel like that and the strada are very similar.

[scandy]

Rather than define a bike by category, I think of it more in terms of a sliding scale between hardcore traditional road bike with uber-skinny tires and hardcore off-road machine with chunky treads. As such, most custom builders can make you a bike that falls anywhere along that spectrum you'd want to be. Both my IF and Hampsten were built to take tires wider than a "normal" race so I can ride on rough stuff if I so desire but both are light enough that (on a good day) I can hold my own against a young-un' on his carbon racing steed. (BTW, Independent Fabrication makes a nifty bike (http://www.ifbikes.com/OurBikes/Road/Independence/) that sounds close to what you're thinking.)

You seem to have a pretty good sense of how you want to use the bike, so that's a great start. Just my two cents but I'd find a builder here in the US and let them tailor a bike to suit your needs. Even by starting with one of their base models, things can be tailored to suit your riding style and physique. That way everything is exactly how you'd want it.

Exactly, I don't feel like there really is a set category for what I want. So it's hard to say I want a "this" bike. That IF bike is a little too touring for me, the club racer is much more along the lines Of what I want.
Half the reason most touring bikes don't appeal is because I couldn't see myself needing to carry as much as their capable of. I feel like I could carry all I need in a frame bag and a bigger saddlebag. Maybe a small bag on the front if it was a longer trip.
That and they seem too much designed around carrying loads. Which I won't be doing a lot of. Most my time on the bike will be with it stripped down carrying nothing.

[MattTuck]

It sounds like money is not a great concern for you, which is nice. You may want to consider picking up something like a Surly crosscheck, and also a more traditional road bike. Have you done a custom before? How confident in your fit are you? There's a lot of great info on this forum about the custom experience... I understand the desire to just get something that is going to solve all your 'problems' as a first step, but I personally think you might be better served picking up two bikes for those two different purposes.

To paraphrase one of the members here in the thread about the Seven Evergreen, "it doesn't make the question "if I could only have one bike" any easier, but it definitely makes the question "if I could only have two bikes" a lot easier.

Is there a reason you're constraining yourself to just a single bike?

[scandy]

It sounds like money is not a great concern for you, which is nice. You may want to consider picking up something like a Surly crosscheck, and also a more traditional road bike. Have you done a custom before? How confident in your fit are you? There's a lot of great info on this forum about the custom experience... I understand the desire to just get something that is going to solve all your 'problems' as a first step, but I personally think you might be better served picking up two bikes for those two different purposes.

To paraphrase one of the members here in the thread about the Seven Evergreen, "it doesn't make the question "if I could only have one bike" any easier, but it definitely makes the question "if I could only have two bikes" a lot easier.

Is there a reason you're constraining yourself to just a single bike?

I'd like to just have one bike I can always go to, my kind of riding is really just little bits of everything. Not one aspect interests me much more than another, commuting, long road rides, quick short rides, exploring all day, finding dirt paths and roads, etc.. The one thing those all have in common is I like to ride them all pretty fast and aggressive, I get bored riding at an easy comfortable pace.

Though I'm not against the idea, a cross check or hobo, then an aggressive road bike would be a pretty good solution. But I almost feel like an all arounder like I'm looking for is more of a specific bike than a dedicated road or tourer. I just don't see myself doing enough only road, or only touring, seems like they wouldn't be as useful to me.

[rex]

My Gunnar Sport is great on the road and does pretty well on gravel. It's a very versatile platform.

[Bkat]

Exactly, I don't feel like there really is a set category for what I want. So it's hard to say I want a "this" bike. That IF bike is a little too touring for me, the club racer is much more along the lines Of what I want.

They (or any custom shop) can build you a bike that's somewhere in between those two if that's what you wanted. They built my Crown Jewel to accept wider tires than most CJs, so it's not a "pure" CJ is guess. With custom, anything is possible!

My Hampsten sounds sorta kinda like what you're considering. It's loosely based on the Max but I'm pretty light so it's built with a mix of Minimax and Spirit tubing, has fender eyelets, and long-reach brakes so, without fenders, I can get some pretty wide tires on there. When I was having it built I was thinking of a bike suited for the famed cobbles and the harsh riding so I described it as wanting a "Roubaix-style" bike (oh wait, is Specialized going to sue (http://www.bikebiz.com/news/read/specialized-facing-social-media-storm-after-roubaix-lawsuit-threat/015773) me for using that word.;)) since the roads I ride (albeit much slower) can be pretty rough, even when they are ostensibly paved.

Like I said, the hardest part with a new bike is figuring out what it should, and you seem to have a good handle on how you'll actually use it. So you're ahead of the game.

[scandy]

They (or any custom shop) can build you a bike that's somewhere in between those two if that's what you wanted. They built my Crown Jewel to accept wider tires than most CJs, so it's not a "pure" CJ is guess. With custom, anything is possible!

My Hampsten sounds sorta kinda like what you're considering. It's loosely based on the Max but I'm pretty light so it's built with a mix of Minimax and Spirit tubing, has fender eyelets, and long-reach brakes so, without fenders, I can get some pretty wide tires on there. When I was having it built I was thinking of a bike suited for the famed cobbles and the harsh riding so I described it as wanting a "Roubaix-style" bike (oh wait, is Specialized going to sue (http://www.bikebiz.com/news/read/specialized-facing-social-media-storm-after-roubaix-lawsuit-threat/015773) me for using that word.;)) since the roads I ride (albeit much slower) can be pretty rough, even when they are ostensibly paved.

Like I said, the hardest part with a new bike is figuring out what it should, and you seem to have a good handle on how you'll actually use it. So you're ahead of the game.

Can you compare the hampsten to the crown jewel when it comes to road riding?

When it comes to rough roads on the hampsten and dirt/gravel, can you ride it pretty hard and maneuver/flick it around pretty well? Or is it more something you take it easier on and just get through it when it's rough?
Just trying to get an idea of what it's like on roads vs. offroad.

[Bkat]

Can you compare the hampsten to the crown jewel when it comes to road riding?

When it comes to rough roads on the hampsten and dirt/gravel, can you ride it pretty hard and maneuver/flick it around pretty well? Or is it more something you take it easier on and just get through it when it's rough?
Just trying to get an idea of what it's like on roads vs. offroad.

It's a bit difficult to compare the two objectively since the Hampsten is steel and the Crown Jewel is ti and I deliberately tried to have them built to be on the opposite ends of the spectrum for my own personal riding, but they are both comfortable on the road with the CJ perhaps being a bit smoother due to the titanium. In terms of geometry, the CJ has a bit longer top tube so it stretches me out a bit more which, for long rides on paved roads, is a bit more comfortable. The CJ is more limited in tire options since I had it built up with Chorus brakes. But for any road an automobile can handle, either bike is well-suited.

When it comes to gravel or soft stuff, I tend to ride the Hampsten, but that's only because it can take wider tires. (I usually put 30mm tires on there but there's room for a little wider.) I've never felt the frame to be "too fragile" for conditions on any gravel path and the only time I really felt beat up was when crushed stone & sand was so soft I was sinking. (I could of slogged ahead but there was a paved road 1/4 mile east, so I opted for that.) I'm pretty light so I appreciate the lightness of both frames since I feel more connected to the bike when the road or trail is a little rough. (I've had heavier bikes that were better suited at plowing through, but I personally don't like that kind of ride.) The Hampsten is also my winter bike, but that's only due to the fact it can wear fenders.

If I were to do it over again and was starting from scratch rather than adding to the stable as I've been doing, I'd probably go with a titanium bike (scratch and corrosion resistant) that can accept wider tires and fenders with a lighter weight steel bike being a "summer-sunny day" ride. Wheels would be swappable between bikes. I'd definitely go custom since I have an uber-long torso and my wants are so specific. When I was looking for my last bike, I strongly considered a DeSalvo (http://desalvocycles.com) (who works in both steel and titanium and is a remarkable nice guy) and also Method (http://www.methodbicycle.com) (if I went for another steel ride since his welds are remarkable) but circumstances led me to the IF.

It's just my two-cents but you have a clear vision on what you want a bike to be. Cinelli are neat bikes but having one built that's tailored to you rather than you trying to tailor a stock bike seems a better option. But that's just my thoughts.

Curious to know what you decide to do!

[IFRider]

More than 10 years ago, I was looking for something along the lines you describe. Basically for credit card touring in our case. Wanted to do panniers and fenders and not handle like a truck. At the time, there were few bikes like this being promoted (I am sure plenty could build at the time). The steel version I have takes front and rear panniers (low rider mounts included up front). They bike handles well enough loaded although I am sure with a heavy camping load it would be a bit more of a handful. Unloaded, it felt just like the Crown Jewel I was comparing it to. I can fit 28mm with fenders and thing 30-32 without. I have regularly ridden it on rail/trail stuff with fatter tires. I keep two sets of wheels, normal go fast road wheels and a set for light touring that has a stouter rim. Mine uses the long/medium reach Shimano's and have plenty of stopping power. If I were to do it again, I would likely ask for the build to fit a bigger tire so I could fit some 32-35 cross tires. I run those on the Co-motion tandem with my son and they are the bomb on rail trail, loose dirt roads.

[scandy]

It's a bit difficult to compare the two objectively since the Hampsten is steel and the Crown Jewel is ti and I deliberately tried to have them built to be on the opposite ends of the spectrum for my own personal riding, but they are both comfortable on the road with the CJ perhaps being a bit smoother due to the titanium. In terms of geometry, the CJ has a bit longer top tube so it stretches me out a bit more which, for long rides on paved roads, is a bit more comfortable. The CJ is more limited in tire options since I had it built up with Chorus brakes. But for any road an automobile can handle, either bike is well-suited.

When it comes to gravel or soft stuff, I tend to ride the Hampsten, but that's only because it can take wider tires. (I usually put 30mm tires on there but there's room for a little wider.) I've never felt the frame to be "too fragile" for conditions on any gravel path and the only time I really felt beat up was when crushed stone & sand was so soft I was sinking. (I could of slogged ahead but there was a paved road 1/4 mile east, so I opted for that.) I'm pretty light so I appreciate the lightness of both frames since I feel more connected to the bike when the road or trail is a little rough. (I've had heavier bikes that were better suited at plowing through, but I personally don't like that kind of ride.) The Hampsten is also my winter bike, but that's only due to the fact it can wear fenders.

If I were to do it over again and was starting from scratch rather than adding to the stable as I've been doing, I'd probably go with a titanium bike (scratch and corrosion resistant) that can accept wider tires and fenders with a lighter weight steel bike being a "summer-sunny day" ride. Wheels would be swappable between bikes. I'd definitely go custom since I have an uber-long torso and my wants are so specific. When I was looking for my last bike, I strongly considered a DeSalvo (http://desalvocycles.com) (who works in both steel and titanium and is a remarkable nice guy) and also Method (http://www.methodbicycle.com) (if I went for another steel ride since his welds are remarkable) but circumstances led me to the IF.

It's just my two-cents but you have a clear vision on what you want a bike to be. Cinelli are neat bikes but having one built that's tailored to you rather than you trying to tailor a stock bike seems a better option. But that's just my thoughts.

Curious to know what you decide to do!

Ok thanks that helps. I think as my one, do it all bike, the strada bianca is seeming more and more perfect. I feel like stripped down, skinny tires on light wheels it could be as fast as most racey steel frames, am i right in thinking that? or at least as fast as I need. and down the road if i want something with more clearance, better for touring i can get something at that end of the spectrum.

I just keep looking at the cinelli, or something like a cross check and something about that kind of bike really just appeals to me. i think mostly because its a 2k bike max, where im looking at 5-6k for a custom like the strada. Even though im fine with spending that kind of money on a bike if its something ill keep for a long time, but with something cheaper its like the pressure's off, if it doesnt perform JUST how i like, who cares, it didnt cost me much, ill just ride it and not care. but if a 5-6k bike isnt just about perfect im gonna have mixed feelings.

I guess im in a good position because either way i go i think im getting a good bike and something very close to what im looking for. i just need to get something and get on the road.

[scandy]

anybody have experience with honey bikes? been looking at their winterando and it looks extremely close to what im looking for, an pretty speed focused all-rounder.

[Bkat]

Ok thanks that helps. I think as my one, do it all bike, the strada bianca is seeming more and more perfect. I feel like stripped down, skinny tires on light wheels it could be as fast as most racey steel frames, am i right in thinking that? or at least as fast as I need.

I think you'll be more than fine and I don't think you even need to go too stripped down. (These days I'd never put 23mm tires on a bike.)

I can only speak from my own experience, but my Hampsten's everyday wheelset are Open Pros with Michelin Pro 4s. I've had a couple young'uns try to hand me some hurt, but my bike has enough spunk that I'm able to hold on and, in some cases, wear them down. One ride last summer some guy on a carbon thoroughbred tried to buzz past me. So I kept pace and, because the roads were pretty crappy (potholes, haven't been re-paved since the Eisenhower administration, etc) I watched as the road beat the stuffing out of him. My slightly heavier, much more comfortable bike slowly gained and I gave him a friendly "hi" as I passed him about 10km later.

I'm not a racer but I guess you could say, it doesn't matter whose fastest but who's first. And there's a lot to be said for being more comfortable after four hours in the saddle.

[scandy]

I think you'll be more than fine and I don't think you even need to go too stripped down. (These days I'd never put 23mm tires on a bike.)

I can only speak from my own experience, but my Hampsten's everyday wheelset are Open Pros with Michelin Pro 4s. I've had a couple young'uns try to hand me some hurt, but my bike has enough spunk that I'm able to hold on and, in some cases, wear them down. One ride last summer some guy on a carbon thoroughbred tried to buzz past me. So I kept pace and, because the roads were pretty crappy (potholes, haven't been re-paved since the Eisenhower administration, etc) I watched as the road beat the stuffing out of him. My slightly heavier, much more comfortable bike slowly gained and I gave him a friendly "hi" as I passed him about 10km later.

I'm not a racer but I guess you could say, it doesn't matter whose fastest but who's first. And there's a lot to be said for being more comfortable after four hours in the saddle.

Your story is an example of one of my big reasons for wanting this bike to still be fast. i dont do group rides or anything. usually just myself, maybe one or two friends occasionally, but when i come across someone on a carbon race machine, its one of the most satisfying feelings to out pace them. it might be kinda cynical, but i dont care i like to beat people! only been able to that with the larger more out of shape guys when im on my commuter bike and occasionally my hardtail mtn bike, but man its satisfying (especially when im riding flats in normal shorts and a t-shirt:)) so doing that on a big tire steel bike, with fenders and a rack would still be awesome.

[mtb_frk]

anybody have experience with honey bikes? been looking at their winterando and it looks extremely close to what im looking for, an pretty speed focused all-rounder.

I like the look of the all road. It appears you can only order a complete bike though? Also, no over sized head tubesas far as I can tell. That is one thing I am looking for, it seems most disc forks are tapered.

[scandy]

about to contact seven, honey, and hampsten about bikes, but before i start commiting down that route, just want to see if anyone has any more recommendations for a stock frame, or any other custom builders.

[sjbraun]

I've got all of 200 miles on my new SB. So far, I'm finding it to be a great ride. It's surprisingly fast. Even though its made with much smaller tube diameters than my Pegoretti Marcelo, the SB seems to accelerate faster than the Peg. Comfy, responsive handling, and nice to look at, it's a very nice bike.

I haven't taken it on to gravel yet, so can't comment on its rough road prowess, but with bigger tires, I can't imagine that it wouldn't shine.

I do not think it would serve particularly well for loaded touring. The bike wasn't designed to carry heavy loads. If it was me, I'd opt for a dedicated turing frame. here are several inexpensive options.
Of course, to get the frame you want, you just need to talk to Steve. He can design a frame to meet your needs.

[scandy]

I've got all of 200 miles on my new SB. So far, I'm finding it to be a great ride. It's surprisingly fast. Even though its made with much smaller tube diameters than my Pegoretti Marcelo, the SB seems to accelerate faster than the Peg. Comfy, responsive handling, and nice to look at, it's a very nice bike.

I haven't taken it on to gravel yet, so can't comment on its rough road prowess, but with bigger tires, I can't imagine that it wouldn't shine.

I do not think it would serve particularly well for loaded touring. The bike wasn't designed to carry heavy loads. If it was me, I'd opt for a dedicated turing frame. here are several inexpensive options.
Of course, to get the frame you want, you just need to talk to Steve. He can design a frame to meet your needs.

I've never done any touring, but it definitely interests me. I don't see ever needing a heavy load though, I can do it with a tarp, my tiny alcohol stove, things I can fit in a 20l pack easily. You think it would do alright in that case? Frame bags?

[bobswire]

I really like the Hobo,looks like a good all rounder at decent pricing but here is another to consider Chris King Cielo Sportif Classic. http://cielo.chrisking.com/bikes/sportif-details/

[phcollard]

I really like the Hobo,looks like a good all rounder at decent pricing but here is another to consider Chris King Cielo Sportif Classic. http://cielo.chrisking.com/bikes/sportif-details/

Good point Bob. The Cielo's are great value for sure.

Another option would be an Alliance from Erik Rolf. Great guy, great frames/bikes, not expensive at all for what you get.

[kenmetzger]

I'll throw one more option at you: All-City Mr. Pink. It is a road bike that has Colombus tubing and clearance for some nice fatties. It won't break the bank either and have only heard good things.

[bobswire]

Good point Bob. The Cielo's are great value for sure.



What I really like about the Cielo is the frame is made in house using many parts designed and made by King Components. This may be a frame I get when I move to a smaller place for 1 or 2 bikes. http://cielo.chrisking.com/process/

[Climb01742]

how soon do you want this new bike? that might rule in or rule out a builder. seven might be able to deliver something faster?

[buddybikes]

If you can make just duplicate the Firefly adventure team bike and go all the way

[Lovetoclimb]

Surly Crosscheck will fit the bill. Save money on the frame and spend it on nice components and you are set. I have mine currently set up with 32 spoke wheels I built and 27mm Vittoria Paves, Campy 11s (mostly low end Athena/Centaur) parts, and Avid Ultimate brakes, soon switching to Paul because I despise all things SRAM.

I have logged thousands of miles on the road this winter here in WNC, fast rides, long rides, exploratory rides. I initially used the bike for a commuter with 32mm rando tires on it many years ago. Then it served me for my first 2 seasons of cyclocross racing on the weekends, while still being a commuter during the week. As soon as my new "road" bike comes back from NAHBS, I plan on putting some Bruce Gordon Rock and Road 43mm tires and slightly lower than compact gearing on the bike to turn it into a true adventure machine. It also has fender and rack eyelets for your needs. One of my best cycling purchases.

[Tyler Evans]

If you can just duplicate the Firefly adventure team bike...

Might be perfect for you.

https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5496/12591303323_8cef34af5c_c.jpg
////MORE//// (http://www.flickr.com/photos/fireflybicycles/sets/72157641117761493/)

[4Rings6Stars]

Might be perfect for you.

https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5496/12591303323_8cef34af5c_c.jpg
////MORE//// (http://www.flickr.com/photos/fireflybicycles/sets/72157641117761493/)

It doesn't get much better... Well, unless you swap the group for Campy or Shimano.

Seriously though, if I wasn't pinching my pennies and paying off student loans...

[scandy]

Surly Crosscheck will fit the bill. Save money on the frame and spend it on nice components and you are set. I have mine currently set up with 32 spoke wheels I built and 27mm Vittoria Paves, Campy 11s (mostly low end Athena/Centaur) parts, and Avid Ultimate brakes, soon switching to Paul because I despise all things SRAM.

I have logged thousands of miles on the road this winter here in WNC, fast rides, long rides, exploratory rides. I initially used the bike for a commuter with 32mm rando tires on it many years ago. Then it served me for my first 2 seasons of cyclocross racing on the weekends, while still being a commuter during the week. As soon as my new "road" bike comes back from NAHBS, I plan on putting some Bruce Gordon Rock and Road 43mm tires and slightly lower than compact gearing on the bike to turn it into a true adventure machine. It also has fender and rack eyelets for your needs. One of my best cycling purchases.


The cross check has to be one one of the coolest bikes ever. Just a pure versitile, tough, useable tank of a bike that still can probably haul pretty good. I will own one someday. But I'm looking for a more road/go fast bike. I feel like a strada bianca, or mr. Pink type bike, with a good light build will be all the go fast road bike I need, I'm not looking for some pure racey road only machine, just something that still has the necessary racey qualities for when I wanna book it.

On the topic of cross checks though, I'd love to someday take the cross check geo to a builder, and have it copied over to a really nice steel, ss, or ti tubeset. That plus a strada bianca-ish bike would be my ultimate biker quiver.

[mtb_frk]

Might be perfect for you.

https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5496/12591303323_8cef34af5c_c.jpg
////MORE//// (http://www.flickr.com/photos/fireflybicycles/sets/72157641117761493/)

Wow. Tyler that is exactly what I am looking for. What a hot bike, perfect.

[RFC]

Black Mountain Cycles Road

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b384/RCopple/IMG_0187r_zps6879ea17.jpg (http://s23.photobucket.com/user/RCopple/media/IMG_0187r_zps6879ea17.jpg.html)

[bobswire]

Black Mountain Cycles Road

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b384/RCopple/IMG_0187r_zps6879ea17.jpg (http://s23.photobucket.com/user/RCopple/media/IMG_0187r_zps6879ea17.jpg.html)

Mike is expecting some more in before the end of march. Light blue and orange.

[choke]

I've never done any touring, but it definitely interests me. I don't see ever needing a heavy load though, I can do it with a tarp, my tiny alcohol stove, things I can fit in a 20l pack easily. You think it would do alright in that case? Frame bags?Steve will put rack mounts on if you ask. While I probably will never use them I had them put on mine just in case.

[cinema]

The cross check is the bike you describe for the most part. that cinelli does not look as twitchy as the check just glancing at the rear triangle so it wont perform quite the same on your fast club rides. If you want something custom made for style points just go that route. but the 'check is it. rides like a road bike when you push it into corners with 25s. then get rowdy on the weekends with 45s. load up the front and rear for your tour. lock it up at trader Joes on your way home to get dinner.

The only con is dinky head tube but it's because the bottom bracket is up there. That's for all yer adventuring you're gonna do. But cinelli is brand name and beautiful. it's a little more laid back than the check but very nice. Check will do everything well. hobo will handle luggage a bit more elegantly.

[Fixed]

Cal..fee. Adventure
Cheers

[scandy]

The cross check is the bike you describe for the most part. that cinelli does not look as twitchy as the check just glancing at the rear triangle so it wont perform quite the same on your fast club rides. If you want something custom made for style points just go that route. but the 'check is it. rides like a road bike when you push it into corners with 25s. then get rowdy on the weekends with 45s. load up the front and rear for your tour. lock it up at trader Joes on your way home to get dinner.

The only con is dinky head tube but it's because the bottom bracket is up there. That's for all yer adventuring you're gonna do. But cinelli is brand name and beautiful. it's a little more laid back than the check but very nice. Check will do everything well. hobo will handle luggage a bit more elegantly.

Eh the big thing stopping me from a cross check is the weight and mediocre steel. For a burly do anything go anywhere tough bike, yes I think it's ideal, but I've ridden normal cromoly, a pacer actually, and nice Reynolds 853 as well as some other nice steel bikes, mtn and road, and the cheaper stuff just doesn't do it for me. Just doesn't have that springy light eager feel. Smooth as hell, but not sporty enough. I think I'm pretty set on a custom, just haven't found a stock frame with the right qualities and material I want. This will be my "one" road bike, so throwing another 1500$ for a custom frame is worth getting it just right to me.