So I bought a Tricross Sport...I think I'm going to return it.

[adamcsmith]

I am terribly sad today. I test rode the 2007 Tricross Sport 3 times over the past couple of weeks, and went for a really long ride on Saturday before I bought it. It rides really well, I loved it, so I bought it.

Well this morning on my commute to work I experienced the carbon fork chattering thing that has been discussed and apparently is an issue: http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=310245&highlight=tricross+fork

I called the LBS and explained what I experienced. They had heard nothing of it and since there are no service bulletins from Specialized, they would charge me to modify the bike, change parts, etc to try to get rid of the chatter issue.

Alternatively, I can return the bike for a full refund. Since the bike already costs $1100, I feel like it should be a perfect ride and I shouldn't have to be concerned about vibrating/chattering issues, much less pay more to fix a brand new bike...is this a fair point of view? The thing is I LOVE how this bike rides. :(

I'm thinking of getting a Cross Check instead.

Any thoughts?

[evoke0ne]

return it...and then go to another LBS that sells it...no point in riding something that rattles...or is broken...return it and find another store that sells it...

Good luck

[the mayor]

Or you could set the toe in on the brakes...which is what causes the chatter.

[i_r_beej]

Keep the bike. KEEP THE BIKE!

Virtually ALL cyclocross bikes experience this. No matter the fork material: steel, aluminum alloy or carbon composite. Mountain bikes experienced the SAME issues before the advent of linear-pull brakes (V-Brakes). It's just an issue with cantilever brakes.

In fact, there are many crossers who have replaces the front cantilever brakes with linear-pull and eliminated fork chatter.

You can change the brake pads to something better-- I've had fantastic luck with Kool-Stop's dual-compound "mountain pads". Proper toe-in will also help greatly.

[gobes]

i r beej is right. Keep the bike, adjust the brakes, and enjoy the bike.

[adamcsmith]

Keep the bike. KEEP THE BIKE!

Virtually ALL cyclocross bikes experience this. No matter the fork material: steel, aluminum alloy or carbon composite. Mountain bikes experienced the SAME issues before the advent of linear-pull brakes (V-Brakes). It's just an issue with cantilever brakes.

In fact, there are many crossers who have replaces the front cantilever brakes with linear-pull and eliminated fork chatter.

You can change the brake pads to something better-- I've had fantastic luck with Kool-Stop's dual-compound "mountain pads". Proper toe-in will also help greatly.

Thanks for the feedback. I see the Cross Check comes with Cantilever brakes also. Are you saying that I could buy a Cross Check with the steel fork and experience chattering also? If so, then why is no one talking about fork chatter with the Cross Check bikes?

I understand that bikes may need adjusting, but I've read threads here where people are only talking about chatter with the Tricross and everything from toeing-in to replacing forks twice fixed the problem. I can not afford to hope that I don't have one of the bikes that needs fork replacement.

I only have a small window of time with the LBS before they will not accept the bike for a full refund. It doesn't take long for a new bike to no longer be in resaleable "new" condition, particularly if riding in the streets of NYC.

I'm basically nervous and am spending too much money to not be 100% happy with my purchase. I don't really know what to do. Return it and try 2008 Tricross?

The LBS had not heard of this issue at all. If it was common to adjust brakes for new cross bikes it seems like they would point this out...is that a bad sign?

Thanks again.

[rickyaustin]

Thanks for the feedback. I see the Cross Check comes with Cantilever brakes also. Are you saying that I could buy a Cross Check with the steel fork and experience chattering also? If so, then why is no one talking about fork chatter with the Cross Check bikes?

I understand that bikes may need adjusting, but I've read threads here where people are only talking about chatter with the Tricross and everything from toeing-in to replacing forks twice fixed the problem. I can not afford to hope that I don't have one of the bikes that needs fork replacement.

I only have a small window of time with the LBS before they will not accept the bike for a full refund. It doesn't take long for a new bike to no longer be in resaleable "new" condition, particularly if riding in the streets of NYC.

I'm basically nervous and am spending too much money to not be 100% happy with my purchase. I don't really know what to do. Return it and try 2008 Tricross?

The LBS had not heard of this issue at all. If it was common to adjust brakes for new cross bikes it seems like they would point this out...is that a bad sign?

Thanks again.



I have a 07' Cross Check. I locked the brakes up at 25+mph the other day (didn't wipe out thank goodness) and have never had any chatter. I'm a big guy and put a lot of stress on my brakes. They've been great.

[justinb]

Anybody else think it's ridiculous that this man's LBS sold him a bike and the shop won't (can't) do something as simple as adjust cantilevers to eliminate chatter?

Your LBS should do better, IMO.

[i_r_beej]

The LBS had not heard of this issue at all. If it was common to adjust brakes for new cross bikes it seems like they would point this out...is that a bad sign?

Thanks again.

Yeah-- the shop doesn't want to giv you the money back. They want to keep the sale!

Seriously-- they might suck. They might not-- they might not ride 'cross bikes. They might not know. They might not care. There are too many variables. That's why finding a good shop and mechanic are like finding a good auto mechanic or doctor-- once you make that important and crucial personal relationship you protect it and value it.


Anyway-- I stray from the point.

If they offer a money back guarantee-- take it. Go get a Cross-Check. I almost bought one and corresponded with a fellow at Surly several times during my research-- they're quite up-front and very friendly and helpful. (Buying a Cross-Check Complete locally was a bit of a PITA...)

Anyway-- the Cross-Check is a fabulous bike. Specialized sucks because they sued a local bike company for producing a 'cross bike named "Stumptown". Never mind that 'Stumptown" is a nickname of PDX. Someone might mistake "Stumptown" for "Stumpjumper" and wind up buying a better bike.

Get the Cross-Check. Then buy some V-brakes (mini-V's would be good) and you'll not have any chatter. Just don't endo. If you stick with cantilevers-- you may or may not experience chatter. Rain and/or cold weather increases the liklihood of chatter, as do improper brake set-up and crappy stock brake pads (remember-- nothing beats Kool-Stop! Another local company!! yay.)

One last thing? Front end chatter and squeal was common way back when. Cantilever set-up was an arcane art and one practiced endlessly. Then V-brakes and disc brakes made the cantilever all but obsolete. V-brakes, however, aren't the panacea they might seem. They have poor tire clearance compared to cantilevers and are not terribly suited to muddy, goopy cyclocross.

I'm sorry if all this just seems to make the issue "clear as mud".

good luck and enjoy the ride.

[seat_boy]

I have a Gunnary Crosshairs with a Surly Crosscheck fork, and it chatters signifcantly as well. Previously, I thought it was due to a good sized ding in the rim, but after replacing the rim, it still chatters when braking hard. The pads are toed in, so I might have to try the Kool Stops.

Eric

[vjp]

Or you could set the toe in on the brakes...which is what causes the chatter.

+1

I have a straight blade steel fork and "toe in" was the key. As a matter of fact, I completely forgot that people used to stop walking on the sidewalk as I came up to a Stop Sign because it sounded like "some machine" was going to explode. Play with pad compounds also. You can also change up your brake levers for "left hand, rear" like all the cool kids do.

[hamr22]

I vote get your money back. There are plenty of other dealers in NYC for good cross bikes. If the shop isn't interested in solving your problem, there is more a problem with the shop than the bike. Take the bike back and get a new shop.

[damocles1]

Saying that virtually all cross bikes have chattery front ends is both stupid and wrong. It all comes down to front brake setup. Most low end, out-of-the box cross rigs have crappy brakes with crappy pads. Couple this with the fact that the guy building the bike likely didn't check the toe-in, you'll get a chattery fork.

Good cantis with good pads that are setup correctly won't chatter a bit, period.

[adamcsmith]

I don't think the LBS is opposed to adjusting or toeing-in the brakes, but I did not request this as I was not aware of it when I spoke to them on the phone earlier. I do get lifetime free minor adjustments at the shop now, so I imagine this would fall under that category. On the other hand, when I described the chattering problem he put me on hold, and then said the mechanics were all shrugging their shoulders and have not heard of this chattering with the Tricross bikes. He also did not offer for me to bring the bike in and let them have a look to see if they could resolve the problem either.

I'm also hearing a couple of different view points in the thread.

1. Adjust the brakes, toe-in, try new pads - problem will more than likely be resolved at little or no cost.

2. Take the bike back asap, find a new bike shop, and buy a Surly.

I am a bit torn. I do love the way the Tricross rides...it is really comfortable, yet I feel like I'm gliding over most everything, and not working very hard to do it, and moving at a nice pace. So with that in mind, I feel like I should just ask for a brake adjustment, test it out outside the shop then return it or keep riding based on that. On the flip side of the coin, I would like a nice relationship with a bike shop (as I know squat about bikes and upkeep), and I am not opposed to giving the Surly a go. I was debating between these 2 bikes before I bought the Tricross anyway. And the other LBS has the 58cm Cross Check built and I rode it just a few days ago. But if I buy a Surly, am I risking dealing with crappy out of box parts that could also bug me? What can I expect with the complete? I have not read a single complaint on this forum about the Surly Cross-Check bikes.

Thanks guys, I appreciate your thoughts...sorry for the frustrating posts, I just want to be completely satisfied with a $1000 bicycle.

[rlotz]

The bike sounds fine but the bike shop sounds like a bunch of stooges. If the mechanics didn't know enough to suggest adjustment of the brakes then I don't think I'd trust them to touch anything on my bike. Of course, you could have just described the problem poorly and confused them. I'd bring the bike in and give them a chance. If they can't diagnose it in person, or don't think toe in and pad changes would reduce chatter then return the bike.

[damocles1]

Just make 'em fix the damn thing. It's nicer bike than the Surly, no matter what anyone says.

Fork design and material make no difference either. I've have Avid cantis on a steel straight fork (Kona), an alu curved fork (Jamis/Kinesis) and now a carbon curved fork (Salsa) and NEVER had an issue with chatter once the bike was properly sorted out.

[knobster]

I bought my Tricross comp recently and at first didn't have the chattering fork issue or squeeling brakes. A couple of months later and now I do. I changed the pads and adjusted them a bit for more toe in and now all is well. I think you can just take it back to them and have them do a 2 minute adjustment to solve your issue.

It's a great bike. I love mine. I actually sold two other "specialized" bikes because this one does it all. Pun intended.

[gobes]

I think that you should keep the specialized. As another poster mentioned it's a nicer bike than the surly. Just get the brakes adjusted properly and ride the piss out of it.
Note that as the pads wear they may start chattering and have to be adjusted again.

[cs1]

Saying that virtually all cross bikes have chattery front ends is both stupid and wrong. It all comes down to front brake setup. Most low end, out-of-the box cross rigs have crappy brakes with crappy pads. Couple this with the fact that the guy building the bike likely didn't check the toe-in, you'll get a chattery fork.

Good cantis with good pads that are setup correctly won't chatter a bit, period.

+1000

I have 4 bikes with cantilevers. None of them chatter. Carbon is more prone to chatter than steel. Usually, it's because the brakes haven't been set up properly. Steel, IMO, is more forgiving in that respect.

You'll find most younger mechanics don't have a lot of experience setting up cantilevers. They grew up on V-Brakes. Call some different shop in your area. Ask them if they have any experience setting up cantilevers. Cantilevers work well. They just take a little more patience to set up properly. Try toeing the brakes first, it's free. Then try using new pads. Good luck


Tim

[adamcsmith]

Thanks guys.

I think I will plan on keeping the Tricross. I like it, I want to ride it, I enjoy riding it. I just wanted to ensure that this chattering was not some major issue with this particular model of Tricross. I read a few other threads where people described replacing forks, etc., and I got concerned (and nervous).

If this is a common occurrence among many bike/fork/brake set ups that can be pretty easily resolved by adjusting the brakes, then I will give the bike shop another shot and ask them about an adjustment.

It does concern me that when I described the fork chatter issue to the LBS, that the response was not what you guys are telling me: "bring it in, we'll adjust the brakes and send you on your way," but: "everyone is shrugging their shoulders." I find it hard to believe that they have not gotten another single call regarding a related fork chatter issue if it is as common as you guys say it is, and even easier to resolve.

I will let you guys know how this pans out. If they are unable to resolve by means of an adjustment, or even replacing brake pads, I think I will return it and take my hard-earned money elsewhere.

Thanks again.

[i_r_beej]

Saying that virtually all cross bikes have chattery front ends is both stupid and wrong.

Your civility is appreciated!

Forgive me for not being so precise-- my intent was that brake chatter in this case was not something limited to the Tricross, but a issue facing any bike with cantilever brakes.

With your vast technical knowledge and your polite demeanor, you are an asset to this forum!

[damocles1]

Your civility is appreciated!

Forgive me for not being so precise-- my intent was that brake chatter in this case was not something limited to the Tricross, but a issue facing any bike with cantilever brakes.

With your vast technical knowledge and your polite demeanor, you are an asset to this forum!

Your vast, sweeping generalization about chattery cross forks and canti brakes was, in fact, wrong. Any mechanic that knows more than he reads should be able to adjust out any brake chatter or squeal. If they can't, they suck!
I'm sorry your feelings got hurt. Have your mom give you a hug...:rolleyes:

[jbpence]

its a rather common complaint on the tricross, and one that can apparently be fixed. In some cases, folks have changed the brake brand, pad type, even switching to V brakes and many have found relief. sometimes, adjusting the toe in helped. and sometimes not.

There are even posts on the forum that specialized has replaced some of the chattering tricross tricross forks with the sworks tricross fork, and the chatter has dissappeared. I have the sworks tricross frame with different wheels and brakes and pads than the non s-works tricross bikes. this fork is beefier, and it hasn't chattered on me (and I am not a l'il feller, i weight 210), but then i dont have the same braking surface, pads or brakes either.

I'd keep the bike, its a good one. there is a fix, and maybe just an adjustment will do it.

[adamcsmith]

its a rather common complaint on the tricross, and one that can apparently be fixed. In some cases, folks have changed the brake brand, pad type, even switching to V brakes and many have found relief. sometimes, adjusting the toe in helped. and sometimes not.

There are even posts on the forum that specialized has replaced some of the chattering tricross tricross forks with the sworks tricross fork, and the chatter has dissappeared. I have the sworks tricross frame with different wheels and brakes and pads than the non s-works tricross bikes. this fork is beefier, and it hasn't chattered on me (and I am not a l'il feller, i weight 210), but then i dont have the same braking surface, pads or brakes either.

I'd keep the bike, its a good one. there is a fix, and maybe just an adjustment will do it.

As a somewhat new and inexperienced person in the world of $1000+ bicycles I am having a hard time understanding what you're telling me. There is a common complaint about a very specific problem on the Tricross that is sometimes solved by completely replacing the set of brakes that Specialized decided was best for the bike or by replacing the fork on the bike? This is the part I'm having the hardest time with. It just seems crazy to me and I don't think it is too much to ask to ride out of the bike shop on a brand new bike and it operates perfectly fine, particularly when paying a fair amount of money for it.

I also understand that some of these issues may be related to how the bike is assembled by the LBS, but immediately replacing brake systems or forks on a brand new bike really seems like a stretch.

Are there other bicycles out there that are causing people these sorts of minor headaches?

Please correct me if my thinking is skewed, or if my expectations are too high.

[i_r_beej]

I'm sorry your feelings got hurt. Have your mom give you a hug...

I'll have her give YOU the hug. And maybe some cookies.

[damocles1]

I'll have her give YOU the hug. And maybe some cookies.

Cool! I like cookies!;)

[Pippin]

As a somewhat new and inexperienced person in the world of $1000+ bicycles I am having a hard time understanding what you're telling me. There is a common complaint about a very specific problem on the Tricross that is sometimes solved by completely replacing the set of brakes that Specialized decided was best for the bike or by replacing the fork on the bike? This is the part I'm having the hardest time with. It just seems crazy to me and I don't think it is too much to ask to ride out of the bike shop on a brand new bike and it operates perfectly fine, particularly when paying a fair amount of money for it.

I also understand that some of these issues may be related to how the bike is assembled by the LBS, but immediately replacing brake systems or forks on a brand new bike really seems like a stretch.

Are there other bicycles out there that are causing people these sorts of minor headaches?

Please correct me if my thinking is skewed, or if my expectations are too high.


Chances are this is an adjustment issues. As mentioned above chatter is common issue with canti brakes. Most often proper adjustment can solve it but not always. Bike assembly is typically the most detested bike shop chore and tends to go to the lowest man on the totem pole which is generally the least experienced. Take back to the shop and ask them to solve it and extend the return policy with this known issue.

[jbpence]

adamcsmith: you don't need correcting. it is crazy. do a search on the tricross and read the various reports. maybe ALL these bikes were not set up properly. maybe the fork is underdesigned. I dont think your expectations are too high. In general think the triciross is a great bike, and I will probably continue to think so unless I end up with one i had to spend money on to fix something that should NOT be a problem when picked up new.

I'd like to know is specialized changed anything in the 08 model.

I remember my triciross sworks (it has avid shorty 4's for brakes) made a VERY loud screeching noise when hitting the brakes when I first picked it up - it was a toe in problem.

[adamcsmith]

adamcsmith: you don't need correcting. it is crazy. do a search on the tricross and read the various reports. maybe ALL these bikes were not set up properly. maybe the fork is underdesigned. I dont think your expectations are too high. In general think the triciross is a great bike, and I will probably continue to think so unless I end up with one i had to spend money on to fix something that should NOT be a problem when picked up new.

Thanks jbpence. I think you've hit the nail on the head...I know the Tricross is a good bike. I took the thing on 3 test rides before buying, and of course didn't experience the chatter. After purchasing the thing, it happens on my ride home. I just have a bad taste in my mouth now. That's the thing that makes me want to just return it and leave on a Surly. I'm going to ask for a brake adjustment first before making that decision though.

Thanks again.

[flipped4bikes]

The quick and dirty fix is replace the front brake cable hanger with a shorter one.

[adamcsmith]

So I took the Tricross to the LBS tonight after work. When I described the fork chatter to the manager he first tells me that they've sold a hundred of these bikes and haven't heard a thing about the chatter. He then directed someone to ride it and confirm what I was describing. Guy rides it and confirms there is a problem. Some other guy "adjusts" the brakes in two minutes then asks me to give it a ride. I ride it and it seems worse than it was before. I return and report this to the guy that adjusted the brakes. He then points me to the back and tells me to take it to that guy...the better mechanic on duty I guess.

I take the bike to the back where the manager is and tell him the situation, so he tells me to wait. Then the mechanic asks me what's up, I explain the situation, he seems totally thrilled that I'm there. So he finally does some more adjusting and checking, takes off the front tire, sands down the pads, tests the brakes, yadda, yadda,...then he takes it for a test ride. He gets off and says, "that's crazy."

He then asks if I need the bike back tonight and he checks it in. He tells me that the head mechanic will need to investigate tomorrow, probably take it apart, check it out piece by piece. He then tells me the Tricross bikes are mass produced and these things can happen during manufacturing. I instantly feel like I bought some cheap bike. I then express my concern that I was on the fence with my decision to begin with, and this is really not helping. I told him I'm leaning towards just taking a Cross Check. He then says that to let them try to fix it and they'll call me tomorrow. If I am not happy with it tomorrow, then I should take a Cross Check.

I'll see what tomorrow brings. My wife tells me I should take the Cross Check and be done with it. I am beginning to agree with her.

[dzinehaus]

Go with what your wife says, she knows better and be done with it. I agreed with you way back when you said " 2. Take the bike back asap, find a new bike shop, and buy a Surly."

The fact that the guy has 'sold over 1000 and this is the first time he hears about it' says to me the guy doesn't even want to research it and just wants to keep your money for a shotty product he sold you in the first place. If it's any indication to you if you keep reading about the tricross being a nice bike but everyone and I mean everyone says its got issues, then final blow is that it has issues.

GET THE CROSS CHECK. Better yet, get your money back and buy a cheaper bike at a different store. Cross Checks are great bikes for what its worth. I have heard of just as great and cheaper cross bikes out there a few which I have my eye on once the funds are allocated as cross racing becomes more and more of a priority. Namely the brodie romulus or romax, the bianchi volpe, the salsa con cross.

All of them sell for the same price range which you have paid. If you not only want a good ride and want to impress not only yourself and your wife... Save more cash buy a cheaper bike price wise and then take your wife out to dinner with the left over and get her something nice too. Make sweet love and enjoy the fact that you made a fantastic decision, have a wonderful wife and made fantastic love.

That would be my way about it. But your short and skinny answer...:
2. Take the bike back asap, find a new bike shop, and buy a Surly.

[markjenn]

You need to relax a bit. Have a beer or go see a movie. You're really getting worked up over this. This attitude of "I spent my hard-earned money and the bike should work perfectly" sounds good on paper, but it's just going to generate stomach acid. Any bike, whether you spend $250 or $2500, can have problems.

Chill and see if the bike shop can fix it. If they can't you can return it, so you're risking nothing. Life's too short.

- Mark

[adamcsmith]

You need to relax a bit. Have a beer or go see a movie. You're really getting worked up over this. This attitude of "I spent my hard-earned money and the bike should work perfectly" sounds good on paper, but it's just going to generate stomach acid. Any bike, whether you spend $250 or $2500, can have problems.

Chill and see if the bike shop can fix it. If they can't you can return it, so you're risking nothing. Life's too short.

- Mark

You're very much right. A cold beer does sound good actually, although it is only 9am at the moment.

[adamcsmith]

Go with what your wife says, she knows better and be done with it. I agreed with you way back when you said " 2. Take the bike back asap, find a new bike shop, and buy a Surly."

The fact that the guy has 'sold over 1000 and this is the first time he hears about it' says to me the guy doesn't even want to research it and just wants to keep your money for a shotty product he sold you in the first place. If it's any indication to you if you keep reading about the tricross being a nice bike but everyone and I mean everyone says its got issues, then final blow is that it has issues.

GET THE CROSS CHECK. Better yet, get your money back and buy a cheaper bike at a different store. Cross Checks are great bikes for what its worth. I have heard of just as great and cheaper cross bikes out there a few which I have my eye on once the funds are allocated as cross racing becomes more and more of a priority. Namely the brodie romulus or romax, the bianchi volpe, the salsa con cross.

All of them sell for the same price range which you have paid. If you not only want a good ride and want to impress not only yourself and your wife... Save more cash buy a cheaper bike price wise and then take your wife out to dinner with the left over and get her something nice too. Make sweet love and enjoy the fact that you made a fantastic decision, have a wonderful wife and made fantastic love.

That would be my way about it. But your short and skinny answer...:
2. Take the bike back asap, find a new bike shop, and buy a Surly.

LOL, thanks dzinehaus...all good points.

[damocles1]

You're very much right. A cold beer does sound good actually, although it is only 9am at the moment.


So?

[i_r_beej]

Certainly not too early for cookies.

[damocles1]

Cookies AND beer...

I think we may be on to something...:D

[adamcsmith]

Well, I gave the LBS a shot at fixing the Tricross. I'm afraid they failed. I stopped by after work today to pick it up and got the news that the head mechanic could not fix it and reported that when pairing the cantilever brake with the carbon fork, the chatter occurs. And I said, "I told you so," in a joking sort of way. Anyway they said the only other option was to try to replace the fork and see if that would fix it, or I could trade it for another bike. At that point he passed me off to the sales guy.

Sales guy tells me they don't expect more Cross Checks in until November, but he could offer me a Poprad or the Trek (OX? XO?). I asked for my money back at that point and went to the other LBS I had test ridden a few bikes at. I asked if they had the Cross Check in 58cm that I rode a couple weeks ago. Turns out they did, and it was still adjusted for me. I rode it around the block, went back in and bought it. So I'm the proud new owner of a Cross Check complete!

It really came down to how I was treated really. The first LBS was not awful, they just seemed completely indifferent to my new bike, yet strange problem situation, which really rubbed me the wrong way. They were keen on keeping my money though, I certainly got that feeling. I think the Tricross is a nice bike, and I think I would've enjoyed riding it had the situation panned out differently.

Anyway, I now have a Cross Check, it is a nice ride. It's simple, beautiful, and I already feel like I own it. Know what I mean? It just suits me. I'm excited to upgrade a couple things in the coming weeks, so that should be fun.

1. STI Tiagra Shifters - maybe, a new decision to make; probably some cross bar brake levers
2. New set of rims, and road tires
3. Brooks saddle (heard great things), rack, pannier

I'll be set after that. Anyway, thanks for listening to my endless rants and providing your thoughts and advice. I'll hopefully contribute and return the favor in the future.

[mkington]

get the to just phone Specialized, it'll take 5 minutes and they'll tell them, I got a warrenty replacement deore v break, and my LBS did front and back so it looked a bit nicer.

[dzinehaus]

Good Job adamcsmith !!! Relax on the upgrades, take your wife out for dinner and thank her for the advice ;) She'll be thanking you later :D

Probably the cheapest upgrade you can go for right now without busting the bank is to get crosstops (tektros are the cheapest in price) and a set of road tires not rims. A new set of rims will run you about 150$ +

Here is a guy on ebay I bought from and the rims are great...

http://stores.ebay.ca/CYCLE4LESSCOM_Wheels-Wheel-Parts_W0QQcolZ2QQdirZ1QQfsubZ4QQftidZ2QQpZ3QQtZkm

I know it says ebay canada but don't let it fool you... The guy is in cali if I'm not mistaken and it took 2 weeks to get to canada with customs issues... delivery in the states is 2-5 days... the guy is quick!!!

[markjenn]

Glad it worked out. The first shop may not have the people skills you desire and I question their competency in not solving this problem, but if they gave you a complete refund, this says a lot. Enjoy the new bike.

- Mark