[badgermac]

Well hit 2 LBS today. One was very nice. He didn't want to sell anything until it was warmer and I test drove them. I looked at an '06 Pilot ($699) and an '06 FX 7.3 ($449). Obviously there would need to be some movement on price since they're a year or 2 old.

Went to the local chain BS next. Almost (ALMOST) bought a FX 7.3 07 for 499 off the rack, but decided to hold off. THey are having a big bike sale at the local state fair park here in 2 weeks, plus they would credit me for the stock wheels and build me something a bit more robust, but I want to research what i want before doing so. I also saw an '08 FX 7.3 out for the same price and want to see if they'll give the expo pricing for the '08 models.

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[Ray Dockrey]

I am not trying to skew youe decision as what you have listed are nice bikes but if you plan on doing longer distances I would try test riding some bikes with drop bars. The additional hand positions will help you be so much more comfortable on longer rides. Just my opinion for what it's worth.

[badgermac]

Good opinion Ray - I appreciate it! The Pilot had the drop bars, and I keep coming back to that bike. I liked the look of it and it wasn't completely out of my price range (although it stretched it). Any thouhgts on it?

[Mr. Beanz]

My wife has Pilot 5.2. She has a steel Bianchi that she loves. After riding the Pilot she says she feels much more comfy on it than the standard roadie because of the slightly more upright position. It's a comfort roadie but don't be fooled, the bike flies!

I also agree, go with drop bars. So many more hand positions. Really great when you learn how to make the best of each position.

[v1k1ng1001]

Yeah, I'd pay more for the Pilot. It's worth it.

[badgermac]

Recommendations for tires/rims for a Pilot for a uberClyde like myself?

[Tom Stormcrowe]

The house wheel....

Velocity Deep V with 36 spokes, 3 cross weave.

Tire: I run the Soma Everwear, myself, 70X26mm

[jaxgtr]

The Deep V's I had built are fantastic and super stiff. Highly pleased with my purchase.

[kenseth03]

I'd go with drops. I'm a big guy who bought a flat bar bike and ended up taking it back. Bought a drop bar bike and it has greatly helped my comfort in both my hands and my back. Just my opinion though!

[riddei]

Only food for thought... I know I'm in the minority, but I like my trekking bar set-up for multiple hand positions. It's been a long time since I've ridden a drop bar bike, but I can't recall ever riding in the drops all that much.

Just throwing it out there...

http://photos1.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/3/4/4/2/event_3313378.jpeg

[Caincando1]

Which model Pilot is the 06? I'm assuming a 1.0. There should be a LOT of room to move on the price on that. That's full retail for a 2 year old bike. You can get a brand new one for that. I'd offer 550 tops for the pilot. I went with the pilot over the flat bar road bike and I'm SOOO glad I did.

[badgermac]

Actually turned out to be the blue/white '07 model 1.0 they had. This is a smaller LBS that's been around since '73 so I'm hoping he'll move on the product. OTherwise the larger chain shop has the 7.3FX for $499 and I'm thinking I Can wiggle on that with them. The trekking handlebars on a 7.3 are intriguing to me. I'm such a big guy I'm wondering if the 7.3 may not be a better start and then get a road bike when I get a bit smaller. Let's face it the Pilot as it is right now will probably cave under me :)