Bike Setup: R500 Frame, Kestrel EMS Pro Fork, 105 Crank, Ultegra derailleurs, Mavic Cosmos/Helium Wheelset, Salsa SUL stem, Chris King headset, Coda susp. seatpost, Perf. Pro-SL saddle, 12-23 7 sp rear, 30/42/52 crank
Summary: A nice bike for being on a budget - I got mine on a year-end close out - guess they had a hard time selling the 60cm's. It was a little heavy, and definitely a little unforgiving on the city streets, but it sprints and climbs relatively well. Since buying it in 1996, I have added a new saddle (the Coda saddles stink) w/ Ti rails, Kestrel EMS Pro fork, Chris King headset, Salsa SUL stem, 105 Crank, Ultegra derailleurs, Coda suspension seatpost, Mavic Cosmos front, Mavic Helium rear (red/blue color combo is questionable, but I only paid $150 for the Helium new), Crank Bros. Eggbeater pedals, and Conti's have been tire of choice for years. It's a nice bike now.
Strengths: Cornering, accelerating, overall handling. Subdued color (Super Black Teal) is nice, too - not really into flashy. Price - $600 new!
Weaknesses: Maybe weight, 2.8 Series aluminum will rattle you around a bit after 70 or 80 miles. The stock seat was no good. Most of the RSX didn't last long either, buy the XP10/RSX wheelset lasted about 5 years, with a few overhauls.
Similar Products Used: Bianchi (unsure of model, bought it well-used) 6 speed.
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Bike Setup: Shimano as always, and the regular stock.
Summary: I am not a gearhead and I had a series of cheaper bikes. This bike is good for making trips, for me at least.
Strengths: Fast bike, good at climbing hills.
Weaknesses: I probably would want a wider range of gears covered, mainly the higher gears because the pedals are too loose going downhill.
Like people have said, it is pretty bumpy on rough roads.
Similar Products Used: Schwinn - Caliente (early 80's?)
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Price Paid:
$1000.00
at Cosmic Wheel Ridgefield Park,N.J.
Favorite Ride: Palisade Park to the New York state border riding County Rd.501 with a stop at the Demerest Park
Bike Setup: Upgraded to 105 brake shifters HG 70 cassette (12-34) XT chain and derailleur switched to Morphe bar for erogonomics. Changed the saddle to a vetta comfort.
Summary: For the price the bike has some weight to it I practicaly stripped half the bike. I may do more switching such as change the front drive train to 105 group and also go for a Mavic Cosmos wheelset. I felt I did'nt graduate to a better bike then I had. The 4 piece upgrade was the best move. I can take the hills like never before. The RSX killed my knees. For a few hundred dollars more I should have purchased a higher end bike. The bike felt like a new pair of shoes the more I was familar with the bike the more uncomfortable I was with the it. you don't know till you try it out. It's like a science know your parts and it's value. The shop where I purchased the bike was great they knew their business real experts and patient.
Strengths: Good climber, stiff carbon fork a plus.
Weaknesses: Tossed the saddle too hard,horrible drivetrain I hate RSX changed the bar it was too wide.
Similar Products Used: 1988 Cannondale touring bike looks like a twin.
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Bike Setup: Stock except saddle, changed to Specialized Body Geometry Comp
Summary: An excellent bike for those wanting a good road bike that won't break the bank. I am very happy with it.
Strengths: Rigid, stiff frame, carbon fiber fork, triple chain ring, some Ultegra parts. The bike takes turns very precisely and climbs hills like a mountain goat. I actually find the bike quite comfortable.
Weaknesses: I didn't like the stock saddle. I swapped it out for a different one.
Similar Products Used: Trek, Specialized, Schwinn, Bianchi, Lemond
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Price Paid:
$1000.00
at Garner's in Redwood City, CA
Favorite Ride: Santa Cruz Mountains
Bike Setup: I ditched the RSX gearing and brakes for Ultegra parts. Spinergy SPOX rims. Cranks are next on the chopping block.
Summary: This bike is a 98' model. It came with the Reynold Aluminum fork. Good bike for the value. But check out the warranty of any bike that you intend on keeping a few years. It is a killer climber. But it is a terrible century and Tri bike. Ouch.
Strengths: It is very quick and stiff bike that loves to climb. This would actually make a great crit bike for anyone ona tight budget.
Weaknesses: It is too rough of a ride. After very long (120 mile) rides, my back is aching and my hands are numb. I have tried adding Spinergy Spox rims and a Carbon Kestral Pro fork, but they only softened the ride a little. I keep hearing rumors that my frame will not last that much longer after 4 hard seasons that I have put on it. Not a good bike with any back or musculoskeletal injuries of any kind.
Similar Products Used: My wife's Trek 5200 is an absolute joy to ride and offers the same climbing strengths as the CAAD3 frame, but without the pain.
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