Commuting - Felt SR-91 (2004) for $295...should I bite?

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jumpr
11-03-05, 04:31 PM
My LBS has two brand-new 2004 Felt SR-91 (in my size, 53cm) flat-bar road bikes for $295 each (specs here) (http://www.feltracing.com/06/04/2004_bikes/sr91.html). The rear derailleur is Shimano Tiagra, and the front crank is an RPM "forged alloy" triple.

http://www.feltracing.com/06/04/2004_bikes/larger_photos/images/sr91_02.jpg

Here are the things I like about it:

It's $295 brand new
It's an aluminum frame
It has flat bars (great for commuting)
It has road tires (great for commuting speed)


Here are the things I don't like about it:

It's two years old
It doesn't have drop bars (I plan to use this for some road riding too)
The front crank is cheap
It's not a cyclocross bike (my original goal in shopping for a commuter/road bike)


Should I bite? I can certainly afford $295, and it's $450 cheaper than the '05 Fuji Cross Comp ($750) I was looking at (though that one comes with 105/Tiagra components). I'd definitely change out the pedals for some clipless, but for $295, it doesn't seem worth it to replace any components...it'd be more practical just to start saving for a new bike, right?

Wheels4
11-03-05, 05:13 PM
if i would have come across that bike while shopping for a hybrid... it would be sitting in my garage right now.

don't get me wrong.. i got a heck of a deal on my Trek FX... but, that sounds like a great deal.

if you like it... and it rides good... get it. you can always upgrade parts to what you want after the parts wear out.

good luck
Dwayne
11-04-05, 10:34 AM
For that price I'd consider buying it to use strictly as a commuter, and saving another month or two and getting a road/cross bike that you won't have to subject to commuting.

jumpr
11-04-05, 10:39 AM
For that price I'd consider buying it to use strictly as a commuter, and saving another month or two and getting a road/cross bike that you won't have to subject to commuting.The thing is, the bike I use now (my Fisher hybrid) is my commuter, and I just bought slicks and combo clipless/platform pedals for it.

I think I'll pass on the SR-91 and just spend the extra money on a Fuji Roubaix or a Fuji Cross Comp and be happy with it. :)
phillybill
11-04-05, 11:06 AM
Looks pretty nice for the price.