Bike Setup: Shimano PD520 pedals, Terry Zero saddle
Summary: This is a solid bike. I refer to it as "ol' reliable". It rides pretty well for an aluminum frame. The Sora components work well. I'm pretty happy with the bikes construction and performance overall.
Strengths: Bang-for-buck value.
Weaknesses: The bike is a bit on the heavy side. At this price, you're not going to get a 15 lb. bike though.
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Summary: I have a brand new 2006 model and I am very impressed with the bike. I have only had it for a week, but it has renewed my interest in cycling. If you are huffing around the road on your MTB, stop! Buy this bike! Apparently it is a little heavy for a road bike (22.5 lbs) but it is like a feather compared to the mountain bike I had been riding.
It was easier to put together than I thought, but it is not childs play. The instructions were a little too general, but I figured it out and I have little bike maintenance experience. I emailed the company and they said they are currently working to improve their documentation. It took about 25 minutes to unpack the thing - it was boxed WELL. Another 30 and I had it ready to ride. I then had to take a couple of quick rides and then come back and fine tune and tighten some cables and position handlebars and seat. I wasn't expecting the road tires to need 100+ PSI! My little old pump couldn't do it. Make sure you have a good pump with a tire gauge.
The bikes looks really good. The pictures on the website really don't do it justice. I am definitely proud to be seen on it. You would think it cost a lot more by the looks of it.
Handling is great. I test rode a few $700-900 bikes at the LBS and I think this rides as nice or better. Shifting will be a little rough until you get it fine tuned. The downtube shifters are fine. Every bike had them until about 5 years ago, so what's the big deal? This is the main reason the bike is cheaper. The handlebar STI shifters/brake levers found on pricier bikes are $200+ alone. Seat is a little hard if you are not used to race seats. It takes some getting used to. The wheels are the same as on the Trek 1000. There have been mixed reviews for them. Time will tell how well they hold up.
Overall I am very happy with this bike and would recommend it for someone with basic needs or someone just starting out with a road bike. If you currently ride a lot on the roads with your MTB, this will feel like heaven.
Strengths: -Lowest priced "real" road bike
-Great Frame
-rides and handles like a more expensive bike
Weaknesses: -on heavy side for road bike (or so I hear!)
-CroMoly fork (heavier, but stronger)
-Alex 420 wheels have had mixed reviews
Similar Products Used: Test rode Trek pilot 1.0, Felt f90, giant ocr2, raleigh cadent, 80's road bikes
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Summary: received new classic 3300. front brake assembly improperly installed and non functional. took about an hour to disassemble and correct. Not a very good omen, poor quality control. dissappointed BEFORE first ride!!!!
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Bike Setup: all default, except saddle. I change the saddle with bontrager comfort saddle
Summary: everything is like what i expected for $399 road bike + $35 shipping. The saddle a little hard, i think it needs to be replaced with a better one, eventhough this bike is not the cheapest bike in this level (search ebay, you can get a same lvl bike for $300-$360+$35-$45 shipping + sti shifter(classic 3300 only got down tube shifter) ), this bike is a good all round bike for commuting. End word, i am satisfied so far, based on almost 3 days testing this bike
Strengths: good color(ice blue metallic), got a touch up paint and a tools needed for assmble your bike
Weaknesses: my classic 3300 has 2 little deep scratch from the factory near the frame where front deraulleur is installed, and The manual is only describe a general info about bike.
Similar Products Used: trek sport 2004
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