Recreational & Family - Dawes Lightning Cross

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mudhustler
02-23-09, 01:39 PM
Can anyone tell me about this bike? Found one online for under $450. I'm not a competitive rider but want something that will be fun, fast and relatively trouble-free. Is the Lightning a good deal for the price?

thanx,
Scott

Sci-Fi
02-23-09, 02:53 PM
Which 'Dawes Lightning"?
http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/road_bikes.htm

To be honest, I would save up a bit more and get a 9-speed cassette equipped bike. Lot more parts available if you want to upgrade or replace stuff. From that website, would suggest looking at the Motobecane Cafe Sprint (flat bar) or Fantom CX (drop bar) if you can save up a few more dollars.
Tom Bombadil
02-23-09, 04:03 PM
First of all, don't believe the list prices on that site. They are grossly inflated. No one charges $1195 for a 16-spd Sora/2200 aluminum-frame, steel-fork bike. I'm not saying it isn't worth $450, because that isn't a bad price.

Second, those are no-name import bikes. That company bought out the naming rights of some bankrupt old companies and can now slap those decals on them. They tend to be pretty run of the mill designs, but that doesn't mean they wouldn't do okay by you.

I would be concerned about its low-end no-name wheel hubs, as well as the 2200-level components, as that is Shimano's lowest level gear.

I don't think Bikes Direct ever rips anyone off. You get a decent deal for what you pay. You just don't get quite the deal that they imply. And you are on your own to determine if you are buying the right size.

RonH
02-23-09, 06:11 PM
Can anyone tell me about this bike?
Bikesdirect.com (http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/dawes/ltcross.htm)? They have good deals usually on mediocre bikes with low end components. Ok for an entry level bike. There are dozens of threads on BF where people ask about a *deal* they found on Bikesdirect.com.
They are one of BF's advertisers so .....

You'll probably get more replies if you ask your question in the Cyclocross forum or the Road Cycling forum or the General Cycling forum. More of those folks ride this bike and can tell you about their Bikesdirect purchasing experience.
Mr Danw
02-24-09, 03:31 PM
see if performance bike has a shop near you. They always have some specials running.