by boldaddy » Mon Jul 18, 2011 4:25 pm
I'm just 210 lbs, but I'm bigger than most cyclists it seems.
I'm not sure about each model that you mention, but here's my take.
I've loved the feel of steel bikes, but at 210-215 I've found that most stock ones, while comfortables, are pretty flexy on hills. Now, if you are just going to spin a triple chainring, that's ok, but if you want to stand to climb, you'll feel it.
That said, I do have a steel bike. My commuter/rain bike is a Salsa La Cruz (much like the cassaroll or vaya but with disc brakes and no touring rack mounts). It's a good bike, very comfortable. I won't hesitate riding a fifty mile ride with it.
However, I prefer my recent titanium purchase. For real climbing, carbon is the way to go.
Try the Cervelo RS, or Scott RC1 (or CR1).
The disc brakes of the Trek Portland are going to be nice. They make the bike heavier, but when it's wet, you can still stop when nobody else can. Plus you won't wear out your rims.
I hear good things about Kona. I've seen many surly bikes that I thought were just a little too heavy and slow feeling. I haven't seen the tricross, but I bet it rocks.