Hey William, If you can swing it, I'd go for an AHH. It's perfect for the riding you describe. $3200 might seem a bit steep up front, but if you plan on riding this daily for years, $3200 is a killer deal. There is something to be said for a comfortable frame w/ useful braze-ons and clearances, hand built wheels, and smart and sturdy parts. It was definitely a stretch for me to buy the Atlantis when I did, but I have never once regretted it, and I have long since absorbed the cost.
As others have mentioned, the Long Haul Trucker complete is well thought out and hard to beat at that price point (my girlfriend and a riding buddy both ride and love theirs). If you can find a Bleriot in your size, don't be scared off by the 650b wheels. Not a big deal at all. Plenty of tire and rim options, IMO. You'll likely find much on Craigslist in your size, and while there are some deals to be had, I'd encourage you to check 'em out thoroughly before biting. In my experience, used bikes require compromises at the least and pricey upgrades at the most. Check the wheels out well, particularly if they're old. A super deal can quickly become a money pit. But if you have the patience and tolerance... I think it's smart you want to buy locally. You've got a great selection, new and used, in the Bay Area. I've been burned buying from a distance, and it's not a bit of fun. Good luck and enjoy whatever you get! -Jay Asheville, NC On Sep 8, 2:03 pm, William Henderson <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > Hey All, > I'm in San Francisco and looking for a lighter steel bike to do some > daily road rides, S24O's and occasional longer tours. I pack light > and am a light rider (~150lbs) so I was looking at the AHH/Bleriot or > equivalent instead of the Atlantis, even though I plan on some longer > (500m+) rides in the distant future. Mostly though, I want it to be > fast enough for quicker day rides and quick trips. Anyway, I'm about > 6 feet and a 59cm AHH felt just about right last time I rode one. > $3200's a bit much for my pocket book...I have built bikes before so > I'm thinking of buying the frame and then parting it up myself, but > thought I might check here first in hopes of finding something. Also > interested in the Bleriot but of course it seems to have gone the way > of the Dodo and I don't know much about those 650b's. Anybody got > some advice or else a bike to sell me? thanks, > > wc. --~--~---------~--~----~------------~-------~--~----~ You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "RBW Owners Bunch" group. To post to this group, send email to rbw-owners-bunch@googlegroups.com To unsubscribe from this group, send email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/rbw-owners-bunch?hl=en -~----------~----~----~----~------~----~------~--~---
