[HandsomeRyan]

So I'm thinking about embracing my inner roadie and picking up a legit road bike. I'm a big guy so it has to be capable of supporting at least 28/30mm tires and since I'm not a racer or club rider I want a comfortable geometry.

My budget is probably about $1500 but I'm okay with spending less.

The current front runner in my search for a new bike is the 2011 Jamis Bossanova.



520 frame, carbon fork, BB5 discs. Ideally I'd have liked higher end derailleurs and shifters but these can always be upgraded later.

Some other bikes I've considered include:

Raleigh Port Townson

Raleigh Clubman
Novara Verita (see 'road' tab)
and the Masi Speciale Randonneur

Any other bikes I should look at? I haven't made up my mind between some finer points like compact doubles vs triple cranks and brifters vs bar ends. I need to go test ride some bikes to get an idea of what I really want but I'm trying to make a short list of relaxed geometry bikes that support reasonable tires.

Thanks!

[wild]

I took a test ride on a Rajeigh Sojourn comfy ride but the shifting was a little strange to me, and the disc brakes did not stop as good as the ones on my Absolute, allso the one I rode was a 2010 with 32 spoke wheels I think the 2011 will have 36 spoke wheels. Also the brooks saddle was missing had some outher saddle on it. over all I think I will buy a Sourjon but a 2011.
My .02

[wild]

After looking at the specs of the bikes you mention, I still like the Raleigh Sojourn specs the best. At 1249.99 MSRP and the Brooks saddle, A triple chain ring 50-39-30 and a 9 spd 12-34 cassette I am sold on the 2011 model. Now to find one at the price I want to spend
By the way I could of gotten the 2010 with the Brooks saddle for 780+TAX

[HandsomeRyan]

The Sojurn is nice but probably about 5lbs heavier than I really need. After reading some more reviews I'm leaning more toward the Masi Speciale CX.

I want to see pics if you pick up the Sojurn. If I wanted a full-blooded I'd look seriously at the Kona Sutra too.

[wild]

I don't know about the weight I have seen it listed at 25# and 29#, I can tell you the one I rode did not seam heavyer than my Absolute 1.0 that has disc brakes and goes 24# befor I put all the junk on it. I want disc brakes and a low gear set so that is why I gravetate to the Sojourn. Good luck with the one you choose I am sure you will get a good ride with the one you choose

[Industry_Hack]

Other than the straight carbon fork (-2) the Jamis looks nice.