Opinions Wanted

[orangepartyhat]

Hello everyone. It’s time for me to retire my trusty old road bike and I’m considering buying a Soma Smoothie ES (just the frame\fork). Has anyone out there had any dealings with the company or have a Soma? They seem to be good folk and I’ve always like their bikes. Or if anyone has any suggestions for a reasonably priced steel frame just let me know. I looking for some with a more laid back geometry, something I could ride all day on. Thanks for any help in advance….

Chad

[2dumb4gears]

If you like steel, that's probably the best quality to price option out there. They make a couple of their frames in a lugged version now as well; in my opinion, that'd be worth the up-price.

[tachyon]

My LBS carries SOMA and they're very pleased with them. I've got a fit scheduled and when that's done, I'm going to see if one of their frames is suitable for my geometry.

The shop has a deal where they build a bike on a SOMA frame and they can sell them for $1500 for Tiagra components and handmade wheels. $2100 gets 105 components and handmade wheels. If their frame will fit me, I'll probably start with the Tiagra model.

I've never had a road bike, but these sound good.

Tom

[rockhound]

I had a Soma Double Cross (the cyclocross frame) and it was very high quality with great paint and finish.

You might want to consider a Surly Pacer as well...

[davkatreb]

Rivendell has some seriously nice stuff. I'd be on it like a fat man at an all you can eat buffet if I didn't already have too many bikes.

Maybe something vintage and lugged would settle your new bike Jones. What was wrong with your current bike? That might point you in the right direction.

[orangepartyhat]

If you like steel, that's probably the best quality to price option out there. They make a couple of their frames in a lugged version now as well; in my opinion, that'd be worth the up-price.

I would love one of there lugged frames, but it's just a little too pricey for me. They're so nice though...

[orangepartyhat]

Rivendell has some seriously nice stuff. I'd be on it like a fat man at an all you can eat buffet if I didn't already have too many bikes.

Maybe something vintage and lugged would settle your new bike Jones. What was wrong with your current bike? That might point you in the right direction.

My current bike is a 1985ish centurion elite rs. Tange 2 tubeset, suntour running gear, lugged frame. It has a great ride, the problem is it's just a little to big for me. I've never been able to be completely comfortable on it. I love the bike and I think it's a very cool bike, if I say so myself. But it's just not working for me. I bought it a couple of years ago on ebay. I wanted something inexpensive to try this whole roadie thing out on, you know the story. It may become my fixed gear, I'll retire the schwinn varisty from that duty...