I am going to be building up an all purpose commuter/campus bike next summer, and I'm looking for some help. I was originally going to do a cyclocross frame with Shimano 105 (bar ends in the drops) and some Mavic Open Pro's with decent hubs. Now I'm starting to consider other options- single speed, fixed gear, anything. This bike will be used during the summer time to commute 8 miles each way to work, and during the school year as a campus bike. I might also use it as a winter training bike for the road. Bike messengers around here typically ride single speed or fixed, ofter times with homemade cowhorn bars (they cut off the drops on regular road bars and put them upside down). Doing a single speed would undoubtedly be cheaper than a 'cross bike, but do you think I need more gears for commuting to work? I'll probably run 700x28-32 tire, possibly with fenders, but not sure. Any ideas or suggestions are welcome. Cheaper is better, but I value quality more.
Here are a few that I have been eyeing:
Surly Cross Check
Surly Steamroller
Salsa Las Cruces (a bit expensive)
Salsa Ala Carte
Trek XO 1
Bianchi Pista
Lemond Poprad
Here are a few that I have been eyeing:
Surly Cross Check
Surly Steamroller
Salsa Las Cruces (a bit expensive)
Salsa Ala Carte
Trek XO 1
Bianchi Pista
Lemond Poprad