When I filed my taxes a couple of weeks ago I realized that I was going to be getting back a fairly large chunk of cash; large enough, in fact, to get a new bike. I was planning on making this purchase in the summer anyways, but this money makes the whole thing way less stressful and way more fun.
So, I had an idea about what I wanted: A solid steel frame with drop bars and a wide range of gearing, comfortable geometry that can handle a load, a bulletproof build that I can ride anywhere over anything (within reason guys, I'm talking mud and loose gravel, not dry riverbeds), room for fenders and wide tires and the ability to handle racks. Three bikes floated to the top, the Salsa Casserole and the Surly Cross Check and Long Haul Trucker. I took some time out of my day today to head down to out local dealer in town on an information gathering mission, and it sounds like these bikes are good choices.
Which one I'll actually end up on will depend a lot on the test ride. It sounds like this shop takes a lot of time and care getting people onto the right bike, and I'm happy to be putting myself into their hands. I'm leaning towards the Casserole at this point, but I'm waiting until I give it a test ride to really put my heart into it.
Outside of just the bike, I've put together a list of the things I want to buy with it upfront - some nice silver fenders, a leather saddle, a back rack, pedals, lights, a lock. It's going to be one fine bike regardless of which one I get, and I am damn excited about it. Long distance riding here I come.
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