You can never have too many bikes, right?

I put a deposit down on a new touring bike this week. After lots of research, I decided to go with a Rocky Mountain Sherpa. As far as complete touring bikes go, there isn't really a whole lot of choice, but I made sure I looked at each and every one that I could feasibly buy in Saskatoon. I went with the Sherpa for a variety of reasons. When I first started looking, I had already decided that the tourer was going to be steel-framed since my aluminum road bike buzzes and drives me batty after about 3 hours. Not only is the Sherpa steel, it's also a better quality and lighter steel than that used for some of the other popular touring models (i.e. Surly LHT, Jamis Aurora, Trek 520). The Sherpa also has slightly better components and wheels than the other tourers. As such, the Sherpa is quite a bit more expensive than a LHT or an Aurora or a Trek 520.

I think all the touring bikes (with the exception of the aluminum ones, not a fan) I looked at were good bikes that I would have been happy with. So, the actual deciding factor in my decision was the bike shop where I would be buying said bike. IMO, the hands-down best shop in Saskatoon is Bruce's Cycle Works, and they just happen to be a Rocky Mountain dealer. Decision made.

I love BCW. Everyone that works there knows who I am, what kinds of bikes I ride, and that I'm a crazy, dedicated winter bike commuter. The guys there have fixed a bike that a different shop broke, helped me through a frame warranty, converted my hardtail to a winter bike (Frankendale!), and helped me deal with some nasty saddle issues. They also offer free lifetime adjustments of brakes and derailleurs on any bike purchased there, so my bike always shifts well. The shop just happens to be located about 4 blocks from my house, so it's also super-convenient and walk or ride-able.

BCW is definitely one of the things I will miss the most when I move away from Saskatoon!