Weaknesses: The front derailer (Tiagra) isn't so great. I may upgrade.
The alluminum frame seems a bit stiff to me. I guess all AL frames are this way?
Bottom Line:
I bought this bike off EBay and I think for $450 it is a steal. I'm a total newbie on the road (although I have MTNed for years) and this bike just seems amazing me.
I have a number of friends who have bikes in the $1000 range and this bike seems to all-around out perform. It may not have the best derailers or the best frame or the best components, but as an overall package, this bike has been great.
Strengths: Price
Looks
At 19.5 lbs, light for the money
Weaknesses: Tiagra front derailleur and shifters
Ritchey Rims that spokes pop out of
I also don't like the Biomax handlebars, the drops aren't deep enough for me.
I ABSOLUTELY detest the Shimano 515 Pedals. They always flip upside down! I have to take my eyes off the road, and flip them with my toes! Please someone e-mail me, and recommend road pedals that are easier to get into.
Bottom Line:
I bought this bike to introduce myself to cycling; and now I have a semi-serious training regimen, and have participated in a few club rides and a century.
This bike's performance has been fairly good in general, given that the potholey Boston streets are rough on bikes. The bike has been through two falls, a couple of long bike rides, and my inexperience with bike care. Given this, here are the issues;
On a relatively small pothole, I popped a nipple off of the rim, and had to have the spoke replaced (20 bucks???!!).
The tiagra front derrailleur is not nearly as smooth as the 105. It's a liability on hilly areas, when I have to switch the big rings.
For some reason, I am "ghost shifting" when I jump out of the saddle. I don't know if the bike is to blame, but goshdarn it, I don't like it.
Hello everyone, this is my first post on this forum.
Some background, I am from Calgary Alberta Canada.
I just started doing Triathlon's this year, I have done 3 of them so far. Read More »
I started riding in the later part of 2010. I am unsure on how to go about meeting people to ride with. We only have one club out here which is still a little far for me to drive Read More »
robbie ventura is gonna do a lil thing at our lil library monday. i will probably take The Boy. he is probably tryin to drum up business for his coaching efforts and trek store. i Read More »
[url]http://www.ktla.com/news/landing/ktla-ventura-hit-run-bicyclist-killed,0,3138194.story[/url]
VENTURA (KTLA) -- A hit-and-run driver struck three bicyclists, killing one of Read More »
Hi everyone,
I'm new to cycling and am training to do the 110 mile segment of Pelotonia this coming August.
After looking/riding many bikes at my local LBS, including Giant Read More »
