Favorite Ride:
Antelope Valley 5/5 circuit Bike Setup:
Mix of workhorse Shimano road stuff w/ some XTR and Salsa bits; Brooks B-17 for hip anti-style and comfort Summary:
I use this bike as an all purpose go-anywhere ride, and commute on it too. Makes a great urban warrior. Mine is a bit different from the standard frame (as it is built from Oria tubing instead of Columbus Brain and thus might be a bit heavier). I use a set of road wheels and keep up easily with the local roadie hotshots on pavement and use 35c 'cross tires for the singletrack and the dirt roads.
For an adventure rig there's not much out there that can beat a nice, steel 'cross bike that has some comfort concessions (I have a Brooks saddle and a riser stem). The Rivendells are probably superior in that regard, as are a number of custom-built bikes, but nothing approaches the the value of the Torelli. Plus, the Torelli's a gorgeous Ferrari-red, and is both stylish and tasteful.
I plan on changing the gearing (I run a 52/39 road crank now) to an experimental 42/39 for the steeps and the fall cyclocross series. Should be good -- and should I bend the frame at least I won't get (too) weepy over it.
Overall: A great entry-level 'cross bike in the best Euro tradition, and one that doubles as a superb commuter/all-rounder as well. Plenty of eyelets and rack mounts for 50/50 light touring but still simple and light enough for cyclocross races.
For us cheapasses, there's no better bike. The only thing else to consider would be a used (read: thrashed) Ritchey, VooDoo, IF, etc. Strengths:
(sorta) cheap
handmade lugged steel
very well-made for the money
sharp, balanced handling
good tire & mud clearance
quicker than spit on a hot griddle Weaknesses:
"rebadged" brand stigma
on the portly side (but hey, at least its durable)
Similar Products Used:
Cannondale hybrids, and an ancient Peugeot PX-10 w/moustache bars and 'cross tires
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