Price Paid:
$649.00
at Mikes's Bikes Favorite Ride:
streets Bike Setup:
stock everything, except for saddle Summary:
I have the 2009 model. (matte expresso color. It looks better in person than on the website) It's everything i need in a commute bike. Comfortable, smooth, ergonomical. Surprising, I don't mind the aluminum fork w/o suspension in the front. I ride on very rough roads, and it's not too jarring. (well, I don't put my weight on the front when I go over rough patches.) Suspension seatpost and stock saddle are comfortable. I asked my LBS to adjust the suspension for my weight, which helps. (The stock saddle has fabric that prevent you from sliding too much, but I prefer something more "slippery" so I can slide on and off the seat easily.)
I like the geometry a lot. The handling is quick yet steady. I can turn at corners quickly, can stand up to pedal, and the disc brakes stop at a dime and just feels smooth.
The components/accessories are well chosen. Handlebar is riser with good amount of sweep and has very well-designed grips for comfort. Crank arm extends out so your shoes won't rub against the front wheel when you turn and pedal at the same time (that happened on my previous road bike). There isn't a chainguard, but there is a protective disc on the outside that offers some protection for your pants. As for the commuters accessories, they are actually very well thought out and useful, not just some cheapy rack/fenders/ lights just to say they have it.
The rack is a heavy duty one (max load 25kg), with enough angled tubing towards the back so panniers won't hit the rims easily. The fenders are plastic (which I prefer for lightweight) and have mudguards. The Basta pilot light has 3 settings (off, on and auto)
Not super-fast (laden with all the commuter's accessories, so it's a little heavy), but still fun to ride, very smooth, relaxing. At first I thought I may want a lighter, faster bike, but I usually have 10-15 lbs of luggage, so even if I pay more to shave off 1-2 lbs, it's not likely to make much difference. Plus I commute on rough roads, so I'd rather have strong, durable components. Rims take 28-38 width tires. so if I decide I want it to go a little faster, I can still put in slightly narrower tires. But so far, the stock 32 width is the perfect balance of speed/comfort for me.
For my commuting purpose (15 miles a day, rough roads, need to dodge in and out of traffic, always carrying a lot of stuff), this bike is perfect. At first I might want to customize it, but the whole package is just so solid and well-designed. I like good product designs and have ridden other bikes for comparison, so I really appreciate all the details for this super practical bike. (I am surprised they don't advertise all these well-designed details more, maybe they just don't think they are selling points.)
Strengths:
Price (even at full-price, it's worth it)
Handling, geometry, comfort, well-chosen components, accessories. Weaknesses:
Graphics on frame not so pretty
Slightly heavy. (due to all the accessories)
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5 of 5
5 of 5
