I’ve been selling a ton of crap lately with the goal of adding another bike to the family (because it’s just not enough to add another family member).

Speaking of selling, if anybody wants a Cobalt Flux for $150, let me know.

I’m down to choosing between two bikes, both from HP Velotechnik. They are the Grasshopper and the Speedmachine:

Grasshopper

Speedmachine

I’ve taken them both for test drives, and they are comparably priced (the Grasshopper is a bit more). It’s always tough to choose between two options, but here to help me are my friends, the +/- lists!!

Grasshopper

+ Awesome shade of green
+ Low to the ground
+ Able to do some gear shifting while stopped
+ Folds in half for transport ease
+ Easy to control at low speeds
+ Mesh seat
+ Great for rail trails
- None of my gear matches the color
- Dual 406 tires means lower top speed
- Knees come too close to handles (probably adjustable)
- Price after tax, racks, and shipping probably just under $3K

The Speedmachine

+ Silver matches my riding gear
+ Low to the ground
+ Good top speed
+ $500 less than Grasshopper
+ Dead sexy
+ 599 rear tire
+ Higher gear inch range
+ Great long distance bike (perfect for MS 150)
- Might not be fun on trails
- Tough to start on hills
- Shaky at low speeds
- Needs a rack and a kickstand
- Can’t mount it to the Draftmaster rack
- Needs fatter tires

I’m torn. The Speedmachine would be an excellent road bike for long rides and touring, but the Grasshopper would be the better bike for rail trails and my lunch rides. With the fatter tires, the Speedmachine should be trail capable. I’ve seen people riding Bacchettas at the Lower trail, so it can be done.