Weaknesses: -- not a particularly fast bike (though apparently that's geerally true of hybrids)
Bottom Line:
I use the bike mainly for urban commuting (about 7-8 miles/day). It's well suited for that purpose--quite sturdy and dependable. Very smooth riding and the gears have held up well. The bike stil looks good after a lot of exposure to weather, potholes, etc.
Strengths: Good value for money, well built, reliable components, hard wearing. A good commuter option.
Weaknesses: In 15,000kms - I replaced the chain at 9,000kms, the bottom bracket needed to be replaced at 10,000kms, wheels have been serviced (the rear has needed servicing twice), still on the orginal front tire (now marginal), several sets of brake pads and one gear cable. All acceptable wear and tear.
Bottom Line:
I bought the bike new in Feb 2009 (no option to enter 2009 in year of bike). In 17 months I have ridden over 15,000kms (10,000 mls), so it has been a good test. The bike has proven itself to be robust, comfortable, capable of reasonable speed (with some modifications) and reliable. Built to a price but components, finish etc have all lasted well. Not particularly light, nor highly spec'd, but it is a well built bike.
Similar Products Used: Tested and compared to Novara Corsa - the Larkspur was just more solid, lighter. Both are 24 speed but the twist shifters on the Corsa are a pain.
Strengths: Comfortable geometry, comfortable seat, good gearing for nasty hills around here, and can maintain a respectable speed on the flats.
Weaknesses: 8th gear is a little noisy and sometimes I get a little jump when I accelerate hard. Not sure how better to describe that.
Bottom Line:
This is my first quality bike after getting back into riding. The quality of the bike has just got me more and more excited about the sport and off to do longer rides. It may spur me on to a future road bike.
Strengths: Great soft riding bike, big tires, great WTB seat & seat post, shifters aren't smooth as butter but get the job done well, the adjustable stem helps get your postioning right, handle bars are quite wide, grips are well padded, & brakes grip amazing given that my bike is carrying a full-figured gal like me! Light for price and nice components will always keep for family rides!
Weaknesses: Rims flex on the long rides, don't expect to keep up with the road bikes, it's a Hyrid! This bike is one that will make you love riding, long to ride more and probably lead to a road bike (I bought one this week). Pedals are cheapish and are being replaced. First cranks were replaced for Shimano Sora.
Bottom Line:
Great bike made me fall in love with biking again. Smooth very forgiving ride with awsome seat, shock seat post, big slick tires. Easy upright shifters, nice gearing for almost every hill. The bike is so good that it wants you to go faster & faster. First rides; 10 miles, next 15 -20 miles, now 30 - 50 miles, this is where you start longing for more. This bike leads you to a road bike & more money......
FYI to anyone doing a ride this weekend in Marin....
TWIN CITIES POLICE TO CONDUCT BICYCLE ENFORCEMENT DAY
July 22 or 23. Ride safely and legally that day and every day
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