Hybrid Bicycles - When the parts are worth more than the whole

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RT
06-13-10, 05:01 PM
I already have three bikes I am very happy with: one cyclo build I just completed, one 2009 Fuji Cross Comp, and one 2005 Fuji hybrid/drop bar conversion. I have upgrade-itis and I'm trying to decide if I finish upgrading the hybrid conversion or purchase a new hybrid.

The bike in question is a Bikes Direct Windsor Stratford (http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/windsor/stratford.htm). I was eyeballing these before they went out of stock a couple of months ago, but they have a new shipment in. I have shopped for all of the parts individually, and they come in at more than the bike itself is listed at - by far. Regardless of individual opinions on components, I am good at making anything work and have previous experience with 8 speed hybrids of exactly this level of componentry. The main reason I like the bike is the frame - it looks like classic road bike geometry instead of the more relaxed hybrid sloping geometry.

My other choice is to shop a new crankset for the conversion build as well as upgrading it to a 9 speed with brifters instead of bar ends.

What would you do?

waynesworld
06-13-10, 05:29 PM
Boy, that does look like a lot of bike for $350. I like it, but I'm partial to blue. The only thing I don't like is that it comes with 23 or 25 tires. Too small for me, but maybe not for you. I'm sure you can put bigger ones on it, though I don't know how big it will take. Fenders might also be a challenge with those brakes, though it does seem to have all the requisite holes.

Are you planning to keep the flat bars on this hybrid? If I read your post correctly, you put drops on your other hybrid, correct?

Anyway, I like it.
RT
06-13-10, 05:55 PM
The Alex DA22 wheels have a 13.9 inside width, so I can safely get 28's on there, maybe 32's, but I do prefer the smaller tires. It also comes with road brakes, which makes a drop conversion (if I decide to do so) much less expensive if I want drop shifters. Although, for $70 more I could get a carbon fork and basic 8 speed drop levers on the Wellington 3.0. I really don't need another bike, but I'm running out of stuff to upgrade :innocent:

waynesworld
06-13-10, 06:10 PM
You don't have to need another bike. Or maybe I should say you always need another bike :)

Last fall I bought my first hybrid, Felt X City D on closeout for $500. Shortly afterward I there was a Trek 7.3 FX on CL $200, so I bought that too.

Tomorrow I'm looking at a mid 90's Cannondale M200. Come to think of it, maybe I'm the wrong person to ask :lol:
RT
06-13-10, 07:09 PM
It is also worth mentioning that JensonUSA has a blowout on the Scott flat bar Speedster S60 (http://www.jensonusa.com/store/product/BI277C01-Scott+Speedster+S60+Fb+Road+Bike+2009.aspx).
waynesworld
06-13-10, 07:28 PM
It is also worth mentioning that JensonUSA has a blowout on the Scott flat bar Speedster S60 (http://www.jensonusa.com/store/product/BI277C01-Scott+Speedster+S60+Fb+Road+Bike+2009.aspx).

Wow. That really looks good too.
Norboo
06-13-10, 09:12 PM
It is also worth mentioning that JensonUSA has a blowout on the Scott flat bar Speedster S60 (http://www.jensonusa.com/store/product/BI277C01-Scott+Speedster+S60+Fb+Road+Bike+2009.aspx).

Wow! That is a great deal and nice looking bike, I wish the stem and handle bar sits up little higher for more comfort.
dd123
06-18-10, 02:40 PM
Wow! That is a great deal and nice looking bike, I wish the stem and handle bar sits up little higher for more comfort.

I was looking for the same, not full hybrid but high handlebar for more comfort, I got Marin Larkspur and am happy with it.