It’s light. It’s fast. It’s super versatile. The 2013 Diamondback Steilacoom CCX is a fantastic do-it-all machine whether you’re looking to speed up your commute, conquer some rougher roads or trails on the weekend, or enter your first ‘cross race.  This light and stiff aluminum frame comes with a BB30 bottom bracket to increase stiffness and power transfer but also has super thin seat stays to make for a compliant and comfortable ride. It’s paired with a carbon fork with a tapered steer for better handling, climbing, and sprinting. We have it with Shimano’s newly revised 2×9 Sora components, and at only $1050 it’s a high performance ride at an affordable price and is available for special order with higher-end components.

We love steel alloy bikes because nothing has the same ride feel. Raleigh’s 2013 Roper uses their own seamless steel tubeset, Shimano 105 components, and a disc brakes.  Raleigh designed it around a BB30 bottom bracket shell for additional power transfer, also allowing for a possible single-speed conversion for those who like a project bike. The Roper comes with rack and fender eyelets on the frame as well as couple spare spokes on chainstay carrier braze-ons, allowing it to be a year-round commuter, touring bike, or mixed use road bike. Whether you’re using it for fun, racing, or transportation, the Roper will always be a great ride. Make one yours for just $1500.

Bianchi’s Volpe has been a perennial favorite of ours. This classic bike makes a great classic touring bike, commuter and mixed-used road bike. The Volpe is based around Bianchi’s butted steel alloy tubing for the frame, clearance for 700x37c tires (with fenders!), and full rack and fender eyelets. On the frame are a durable set of wheels plus a consistent, durable, and smooth shifty Shimano Tiagra 3×10 drivetrain.  This is a perfect option for those who are looking for a durable but swift comfortable commuter bike or for those who do a variety of riding – dirt roads, paved roads, fully loaded with panniers or not – this bike can handle it all.  The Volpe is also owned by members of our staff, and is a high-value recommendation at just $1299.