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04-14-11, 09:30 PM
I figured I might get a little better response in this sub-forum as opposed to the road bike forum since I feel like the bike that will best suit me is something better appreciate by fellow clydes.
I recently sold my road bike, a Jamis Aurora touring bike. I bought it because it was the first road bike I had ridden that didn't kill my back or hands. The places I ride have fairly poor road maintenance, thus the bigger tires were needed. It was also nice being able to ride on gravel and dirt if needed. The bike was too small and I ended up realizing the bike was not an ideal fit. I thought I could replace it with an urban bike (Marin Muirwoods 29), but I have been a bit disappointed with that bike for riding on the road. I actually prefer my single speed townie for rides under 15 miles. I miss my road bike, but I think I can find something better than what I had before.
Some basic requirements I have for my new bike:
-Steel frame (just can't give up the smoothness unless I find an alum bike that is nearly as plush)
-Compact Double crank (hardly ever used the granny ring on my Aurora, can't say I ever needed it)
-Clearance for at least 28c tires
-Upright geometry with fairly short top tube
My preference is to find a nice, low mileage, used bike on my local craigslist, but it seems like when you are looking for something, you can't find it. Plus, who doesn't love a shiny, new bike. My budget isn't exactly stellar, around $700. There are 3 bikes I have found that I think would be nice. One is very entry-level, another seems to be a nice bargain, and the last is over my budget, but I suspect I might be able to work a deal to get it down closer.
1.) KHS Flite 220 - http://www.khsbicycles.com/05_flite_220_10.htm
This bike looks good on paper for what I want out of a bike, but I am worried about the performance and durability of the components. I am 6'1" and 255 lbs for reference. I wrenched on bikes during college, so I have no problem tuning a bike, but I don't want to constantly be fiddling with it or replacing inadequate parts. Retail on this 2010 model is $550, but a friend of mine who owns a shop will sell me one he has in stock for $380.
2.) Schwinn Le Tour Legacy - http://www.nashbar.com/bikes/Product_10053_10052_524554_-1_202695_10000_202339
This seems to have the most bang for the buck at $700 since it has full 105 drivetrain, Reynolds steel frame, nice lugged straight leg fork and it looks like a nice upright riding position with the tall stack of headset spacers, short top tube (size large is what I am looking at). Despite all it has going for it, I just can't get completely past the Schwinn name.
3.) Masi Speciale CX - http://www.bikepedia.com/QuickBike/BikeSpecs.aspx?Year=2009&Brand=Masi&Model=Speciale+CX&Type=bike
This is by far the best looking bike in the bunch, but also the most expensive. My local shop has one in my size for $1050 which is less than $100 off msrp. That isn't enough of a discount for a 2 year old bike. I asked what they would sell it for and came back at $950 which I still feel is more than I should pay for a 2 year old bike, even if it is brand new. They just got it in from Masi, so they were able to purchase it on closeout. My guess is that regular dealer cost was around $800 (retail cost of $1140 would provide 45% profit margin which is about average). I am guessing they got another 25-30% dealer cost due to the bike being on closeout, so they probably paid around $600 for this one. I think $800 would be a fair price to pay and something I could consider if I really liked the bike.
Anyway, thanks for your input and sorry for the long post.
I recently sold my road bike, a Jamis Aurora touring bike. I bought it because it was the first road bike I had ridden that didn't kill my back or hands. The places I ride have fairly poor road maintenance, thus the bigger tires were needed. It was also nice being able to ride on gravel and dirt if needed. The bike was too small and I ended up realizing the bike was not an ideal fit. I thought I could replace it with an urban bike (Marin Muirwoods 29), but I have been a bit disappointed with that bike for riding on the road. I actually prefer my single speed townie for rides under 15 miles. I miss my road bike, but I think I can find something better than what I had before.
Some basic requirements I have for my new bike:
-Steel frame (just can't give up the smoothness unless I find an alum bike that is nearly as plush)
-Compact Double crank (hardly ever used the granny ring on my Aurora, can't say I ever needed it)
-Clearance for at least 28c tires
-Upright geometry with fairly short top tube
My preference is to find a nice, low mileage, used bike on my local craigslist, but it seems like when you are looking for something, you can't find it. Plus, who doesn't love a shiny, new bike. My budget isn't exactly stellar, around $700. There are 3 bikes I have found that I think would be nice. One is very entry-level, another seems to be a nice bargain, and the last is over my budget, but I suspect I might be able to work a deal to get it down closer.
1.) KHS Flite 220 - http://www.khsbicycles.com/05_flite_220_10.htm
This bike looks good on paper for what I want out of a bike, but I am worried about the performance and durability of the components. I am 6'1" and 255 lbs for reference. I wrenched on bikes during college, so I have no problem tuning a bike, but I don't want to constantly be fiddling with it or replacing inadequate parts. Retail on this 2010 model is $550, but a friend of mine who owns a shop will sell me one he has in stock for $380.
2.) Schwinn Le Tour Legacy - http://www.nashbar.com/bikes/Product_10053_10052_524554_-1_202695_10000_202339
This seems to have the most bang for the buck at $700 since it has full 105 drivetrain, Reynolds steel frame, nice lugged straight leg fork and it looks like a nice upright riding position with the tall stack of headset spacers, short top tube (size large is what I am looking at). Despite all it has going for it, I just can't get completely past the Schwinn name.
3.) Masi Speciale CX - http://www.bikepedia.com/QuickBike/BikeSpecs.aspx?Year=2009&Brand=Masi&Model=Speciale+CX&Type=bike
This is by far the best looking bike in the bunch, but also the most expensive. My local shop has one in my size for $1050 which is less than $100 off msrp. That isn't enough of a discount for a 2 year old bike. I asked what they would sell it for and came back at $950 which I still feel is more than I should pay for a 2 year old bike, even if it is brand new. They just got it in from Masi, so they were able to purchase it on closeout. My guess is that regular dealer cost was around $800 (retail cost of $1140 would provide 45% profit margin which is about average). I am guessing they got another 25-30% dealer cost due to the bike being on closeout, so they probably paid around $600 for this one. I think $800 would be a fair price to pay and something I could consider if I really liked the bike.
Anyway, thanks for your input and sorry for the long post.