Hi Chris
Thanks for opening up this topic on the forum. I concur with your opinion on mega-store/cheap bikes-they are simply not worth the money and time lost through repairs.
I too am looking for a bike that can pull a trailer, handle rough roads, and a few hills, but I have a slightly more generous budget than one of the previous posters (hopefully under $1500). I've been racing time trials and triathlons (purely amateur) on skinny tires for the last 15 years so although I spend a good part of every week on a bike, I don't have much experience with other types of bikes.
So here are my questions:
I'm looking for something versatile but I don't know if a cyclo-cross bike could pull a trailer or handle a lot of potholes.
If most time is spent on pavement, are drops or mountain style bars better?
I've felt that bikes with front suspension rob too much power. What are your thoughts?
Would you recommend 26" wheels over 700c?
What is your opinion of the Surly brand?
I'd also like something with sturdy components that uses readily available parts. I can fix almost anything, but the older 7-speed mountain bike I converted to a commuter only lasted two winters since I kept breaking hard to find parts.
Thanks and sorry for all the questions,
Rich
