unknown Windsor Fens

Price Paid:  $695.00 at Bikes Direct

Favorite Ride:
Anything

Bike Setup:
Neuvation M28 Wheels. Nashbar glide Saddle. Nashbar look pedals

Summary:
I have had the 2009 Windsor Fens now for about a month now and so far it has been great. The 105 components are excellent and the bike rides nicely. I put my Neuvation M28s on it with Conti tires. Most bikes you find at this pricepoint will have the Alex rims DA22 wheelset, which is pretty heavy. The good thing is these wheels take a beating, so I will put them on my commuter. The tires are also kinda sluggish but they make for a good back up set. I also replaced the saddle with my nashbar glide saddle. I do most of my bike maintenance so it was easy for me to set up. I was ready to roll in about 45 minutes after getting the derailleurs adjusted.

The Fens is a great bike for entry level road racer or someone wanting to do group rides. I would buy from bikes direct again.

Strengths:
Great components. Rides nicely. Fairly stiff. Price (you probably wont find 10 sp 105 components for under $1000 in a bike shop.)

Weaknesses:
Wheels are heavy but I replaced them. The Saddle is not very comfortable so it should be replaced as well. Triple up front makes you look dorky but its there if you absolutely need it.

Similar Products Used:
Giant OCR 3 with sora components

Price Paid:  $0.00

Summary:
I assembled this bike after mail order from the vendor. I've put about 1000 miles on it, no complaints. For more of an edge, I've replaced the saddle and tires with lighter, higher performance components, namely Continental Grand Prix 4000 tires and Selle Italia SLR Gelflow saddle, replacing the stock Michelin Dynamics and Velo Saddle. The wheelset is a little heavier (1800g total) than I'd hoped, but I can afford to replace them later if need be.

Strengths:
Value
Light weight
Good looks
Fast

Weaknesses:
Heavy tires and saddle for competition