Devinci Caribou

Price Paid:  $1250.00 at Olympic Cycle Vernon

Favorite Ride:
Many

Bike Setup:
Also got a set of wider tires to change up for off-season or longer trail rides.

Summary:
2008 Caribou 2: This is my dream bike. Can't get enough of it. Purchased on sale and specs/components match the 09 model exactly except for seat and handle bar tape. Added carrier, fenders, clip on /combo pedals.

Strengths:
Shifting is close to perfect. Rear D smooth. Lightweight and sturdy. Love the ride. Great looking. Seems very well made.

Weaknesses:
Front D has taken some time to get working properly

Similar Products Used:
My first tourer. Other road bikes and mountain bikes; Peugeot, Tech

Price Paid:  $1250.00 at Pro Cycle - Laval

Model Year:
2007

Favorite Ride:
Lake Champlain

Summary:
Great bike for commuting. Also good for short trips (less than 100 km).
SHimano XT deraillleur is very smooth. I"m surprised at the speed I can reach with this type of bike just a few km/hr less than my road bike (Argon 18)
I put regular pedals instead of clip-ons -- mistake.

Price Paid:  $1600.00 at Cyclepath

Model Year:
2006

Summary:
A very comfortable bike, with a good solid feel on the road. I use it for commuting to work and for general pleasure riding. It's not the fastest bike on the road, but it's not a dog, either. The components are good for the price.

It's listed as a touring bike, but I would hesitate before loading it down with lots of gear and heading out. It doesn't seem solid enough for full-blown touring. The only difference between it and the line of hybrids that Devinci sells is V brakes, a chrome-moly fork, and drop handle bars.

Strengths:
Comfortable, solid bike. Excellent for commuting and light touring. Nice to buy Canadian.

Weaknesses:
Not really for long-distance touring.

Similar Products Used:
Araya MF700CXTE A Japanese bike with a steel frame that I rode until everything wore out.

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Price Paid:  $1279.00 at Tommy & Lefebvre (Ka

Favorite Ride:
Gatineau Park Quebec

Bike Setup:
Stock except Flight deck computer, and Continental 1000 tires.

Summary:
I really like the compact geometry of this machine. It is comfortable, but stiff, putting your power to the road. Not flexy or mushy in feel. It just plain feels solid and responsive on the road. I plan on using it for credit card touring, not camping (at his point). It is lighter than most touring bikes and very well spec'd. The Michelin tires are good for bad roads, but too slow for paved ones. I replaced them with Continental 1000's. Much faster. The seat - Selle XO Trans Am leather was a nice suprise - being very comfortable, and I have several amazing saddles to compare it to - Brooks B17, Saddleco Flow, and my Fizik Aliante!I love the colour (orange/charcoal grey) and graphics. The bike is modern and stylish. I personally wanted STI shifting even though die hard touring fanatics prefer bar ends. It may hinder the use of a bar bag, but I'll use front panniers instead if need be. I purchased this machine at a bargain price and it will serve well as my tourer/long distance mount. I have a light race bike for faster rides. Buy it - it's Canadian!!

Strengths:
Built in Canada! Solid performer. Light. Beautiful. Good gear range (34T rear).

Weaknesses:
Fat bar hinders mounting close to the stem. Tires are too aggressive for well paved roads. No rear rack.

Similar Products Used:
My 1st Tourer - so none.