Road Cycling - Opinions on this bike?

Hi, I am looking for a cheap road bike. I've never ridden before and I basically just want to get into shape and maybe do some commuting later. Here's what I'm looking at: http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/mercier/galaxy.html

I like the fact that it has a steel frame with eyelets for a rack and fenders. I know Sora components aren't supposed to be very good, but I've been to a few local bike stores and I honestly can't tell the difference between an all-Sora bike and a Tiagra/105 mix. Plus, an all-Sora bike will run me about $600 plus tax locally as opposed to $430 online. $600 is way more than I want to spend for a bike so Tiagra on up is out of the question.

What do you guys think?

Thanks!!

Hi, I am looking for a cheap road bike. I've never ridden before and I basically just want to get into shape and maybe do some commuting later. Here's what I'm looking at: http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/mercier/galaxy.html

I like the fact that it has a steel frame with eyelets for a rack and fenders. I know Sora components aren't supposed to be very good, but I've been to a few local bike stores and I honestly can't tell the difference between an all-Sora bike and a Tiagra/105 mix. Plus, an all-Sora bike will run me about $600 plus tax locally as opposed to $430 online. $600 is way more than I want to spend for a bike so Tiagra on up is out of the question.

What do you guys think?

Thanks!!

G'day Flip,

don't stress about the 'sora' componentry...this is more than adequate for what you wanna do with it. If you were wanting to race, that'd be a different matter. I see way to many people spending a fortune on the latest 'you beaut' 'go faster' gear that they don't need or use very much. Enjoy your cycling. Would love to hear more from you as you get into it,

cheers,

Hitchy

While I'm sure that the Mercier is an OK bike, I would hold out for better, even if only slightly.

In the world of steel, unbranded tubing like the Mercier generally translates to "heavier" - which is not necessarily a bad thing when you are just starting out. But as you get stronger and improve, you'll soon want something that can keep up with you. With that and your budget in mind, here is a sample of a lower-end steel bike that I feel is far more valuable in terms of overall deal, and long term happiness.

http://www.getawaybikes.com/Detail.cfm?Categoryid=33&BrandID=10&ProductID=833&CFID=4043471&CFTOKEN=3864328

Now, have you considered anything in Aluminum? At the $450 price point, you aren't going to get either great steel or great aluminum but what you will get is aluminum + carbon fork that is much lighter than it's steel counerparts. There are many bikes in this range at the likes of bikesdirect.com, getawaybikes.com etc. but the best deal I've seen in awhile is this:

http://www.supergo.com/profile.cfm?LPROD_ID=24371&lsubcat_id=7618&lcat_id=7605&referpage=

Again, I know this is beyond your price range but the point I'm trying to make is that the quality difference between what you are considering and the next level up is huge, yet the cost of moving up really isn't that great. Spending an extra $200 at this level will make a far bigger difference than say spending an extra $500 on a $2000 bike.

And finally, going used is still the best way to get a great bike for less. I for one, have purchased 4 bikes used in the past year and enjoy the process but I know it's not for everyone.

Good luck.

55/Rad

Check these out:

http://www.performancebike.com/shop/sub_cat.cfm?subcategory_id=3040

Apply a 20% coupon code (see Hot Deals section of Bike Forums) and Join Team Performance for $20 to get 10% off to be used on future purchases) and you have some smokin' good deals.

Check these out:

http://www.performancebike.com/shop/sub_cat.cfm?subcategory_id=3040

Apply a 20% coupon code (see Hot Deals section of Bike Forums) and Join Team Performance for $20 to get 10% off to be used on future purchases) and you have some smokin' good deals.

The discount code will only get you 10% on a bike purchases. This puts the 4.0, currently on sale for $649, at $585. A fine deal to consider no doubt.

55/Rad

I tried the coupon, & unless they don't end up confirming the order, I added the $849 bike to the cart, added the coupon & the total came to $714 (have to add heavy shipping charge).

While I'm sure that the Mercier is an OK bike, I would hold out for better, even if only slightly.

In the world of steel, unbranded tubing like the Mercier generally translates to "heavier" - which is not necessarily a bad thing when you are just starting out. But as you get stronger and improve, you'll soon want something that can keep up with you. With that and your budget in mind, here is a sample of a lower-end steel bike that I feel is far more valuable in terms of overall deal, and long term happiness.

http://www.getawaybikes.com/Detail.cfm?Categoryid=33&BrandID=10&ProductID=833&CFID=4043471&CFTOKEN=3864328

Now, have you considered anything in Aluminum? At the $450 price point, you aren't going to get either great steel or great aluminum but what you will get is aluminum + carbon fork that is much lighter than it's steel counerparts. There are many bikes in this range at the likes of bikesdirect.com, getawaybikes.com etc. but the best deal I've seen in awhile is this:

http://www.supergo.com/profile.cfm?LPROD_ID=24371&lsubcat_id=7618&lcat_id=7605&referpage=

Again, I know this is beyond your price range but the point I'm trying to make is that the quality difference between what you are considering and the next level up is huge, yet the cost of moving up really isn't that great. Spending an extra $200 at this level will make a far bigger difference than say spending an extra $500 on a $2000 bike.

And finally, going used is still the best way to get a great bike for less. I for one, have purchased 4 bikes used in the past year and enjoy the process but I know it's not for everyone.

Good luck.

55/Rad

My first thought was to buy used, too, but there aren't any shops in my area that sell used bikes and the thrift stores either don't have bikes at all or have ones that look like they should be in a junkyard.

I found a shop with a new Specialized Allez Triple for $570. It's aluminum/carbon fork with all Sora except for a Tiagra rear derailleur. This sounds like a decent deal so I might go with this if i can't find anything worthwhile online.

The Tirreno looks like a good deal. It comes out to be $558 with shipping including the 20% coupon code (It does take off the full 20% for a bike by the way). I'm kind of worried about the brand though. I can't find full specs anywhere on the performancebikes site, just a little blurb about it. Plus I can't see that Tirreno even has a website. Also, since it comes in dealer-ready form, how hard is it to assemble? Can I do it without special tools? How much does a bike shop usually charge to assemble and or fit and adjust a bike?

Thanks everyone for the replies!

You may want to call Performance and ask about the special flyer. They have a current sale flyer in my local Performance Bike store valid June 30th till July 18th and the Razza 2.0 is on sale for $749. I would think they would honor that on the website too.
Performance is not always good at recognizing sales either one the site or through the stores. despite the catalogs and in store signs the register will often ring up full price unless you mention it.
I would fight for the $749 price in the flyer.
Best,
Tony

Ooops, a quick read of the really tiny print on the back of the sales flyer says prices valid at in store locations only, NOT via mail order or the website.

As for specs the Razza 3.0 and 4.0 have Shimano Tiagra components and the 2.0 has Shimano 105. The 2.0 and 3.0 have a carbon fork, regular fork on the 4.0. The 2.0 looks great and the few "store branded" components look identical to their Shimano counterparts.

No website for Tirreno as it is the Performance house brand. Smae as their Tirreno helmets, etc....

Best,
Tony

If you are not familiar with adjusting your bike, you might want to buy at a local shop. The extra money spent, (assuming there is a decent sale going on it would be minimal), is worth it for the service. Web bought bikes have to be partially assembled and often adjusted. Plus, sizing is extremely important, so unless you are knowledgeable about how to size a bike, you should buy locally. Plus, a bike store will often exchange out parts to help in sizing, for example, different stem sizes. I purchased via the internet for my current road bike, but this is my 4th bike and I've lerned how to do all the maintenence/fitting myself.

"Now, have you considered anything in Aluminum? At the $450 price point, you aren't going to get either great steel or great aluminum but........"

Hi 55/Rad,
I'm beginning to realise my bike is a bit crap. It's 7005 Alu and still weighs 16 kilos. I now suspect this is really very heavy for an alu bike. But does this mean it's going to be very strong at least?
p.s. it's a Merida Freeway 9300.

I'm beginning to realise my bike is a bit crap. It's 7005 Alu and still weighs 16 kilos. I now suspect this is really very heavy for an alu bike. But does this mean it's going to be very strong at least?
p.s. it's a Merida Freeway 9300.
35+ lbs for the entire bike is kind of heavy, but you can't compare your bike to a sub-18 pound racer. The 7005 frame itself is probably fairly light for the style of bike it is. And yes, it should be solid.

55/Rad

35+ lbs for the entire bike is kind of heavy, but you can't compare your bike to a sub-18 pound racer. The 7005 frame itself is probably fairly light for the style of bike it is. And yes, it should be solid.

55/Rad

In my opinion, if you're stuck between buying a low end steel bike and a low end Alu race, choose the steel bike please! Those low end Alu racers from Supergo hurt my rear end just thinking about it. Folks. What does the Bianchi Volpe, Jamis Aurora and Surly Crosscheck all have in common? A low chromoly frame number.

Yet I would take all those bike in place of the Tirreno Razza 4.0. Unless you live in an town that has no potholes, ruts, bumps or man hole covers, I would choose the entry level steel bike any day over an alu frame with no carbon.

The original poster was not looking for a racer but a good inexpensive bike. A low end steel bike would have been the best choice.

The Razza 3.0 and 2.0 only differ in that one's a triple ring, the other is a double ring (you can probably figure out which is which by the names :p ). That and the color(s) offered are different.



Ooops, a quick read of the really tiny print on the back of the sales flyer says prices valid at in store locations only, NOT via mail order or the website.

As for specs the Razza 3.0 and 4.0 have Shimano Tiagra components and the 2.0 has Shimano 105. The 2.0 and 3.0 have a carbon fork, regular fork on the 4.0. The 2.0 looks great and the few "store branded" components look identical to their Shimano counterparts.

No website for Tirreno as it is the Performance house brand. Smae as their Tirreno helmets, etc....

Best,
Tony