Commuting - I can't seem to find any chatter about this bike

http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/gravity/zilla.htm

I know I know, everyone has an opinion about BD. Seems like a great deal though and would be pretty versatile. At the same though I wonder if its so odd it would be impractical for any thing other than commuting.

I haven't been able to find a review or even mention of it any where, so what are your opinions and thoughts? I'm trying to decide if I should make this my new commuter/winter ride

What's odd about it? It's an aluminum framed cross bike with discs. As long as you can put fenders and a rack on it, it should make a fine winter commuter.

Its too new, so no reviews yet. Be the first one. :)

It will make a great commuting bike, IMO. I'd buy it, but I already have a frameset I am building as a foul weather comuter.

Its too new, so no reviews yet. Be the first one. :)


you have a strong argument going there. I very well may purchase it, but first it has to still be on the market (and at that price) in about 2 months when I get back to the states

Bike =

A frame with a name on it and a bunch of parts bolted onto it.
if you Know about the strata of components, then you can judge the package value.

Direct = you are on your own, no dealer to do any service after the sale.

already a decent mechanic, you may be fine..

others have said, BD cuts corners to increase their profits.

Good luck..

Bike =

A frame with a name on it and a bunch of parts bolted onto it.

Direct = you are on your own, no dealer to do any service after the sale.

already a decent mechanic, you may be fine..



I can do my own maintenance okay, worked in a shop for a while. I was just curious if anyone new anything about it because I know they are pretty low-end parts (I'd never put them on a road, CC race bike or true mountain bike but I wanted to know if anyone had any experience with this particular arrangement of components- as in this setup on this frame

you have a strong argument going there. I very well may purchase it, but first it has to still be on the market (and at that price) in about 2 months when I get back to the states
If you got the scratch now, get it and have someone babysit it until you make it back.

Looks like a 29er that they put a rigid fork and drops on. Saw one eyelet on the fork for a fender; the rear has a braze on for a rack up top, looks like rack and fender would have to share at the drop out. Also looks like you'd have to get a disc specific rack as well.

Presta valves on a wide tire??:wtf:

I just ordered this bike and will report back with a basic review and some detailed photos. It's replacing my nearly 10 year old big box store, spongy, poorly-suspended mountain bike that I've just recently started using as a commuter/non-technical trail rider. I've been stuck with a tight budget and tough decisions on exactly what I want, but needed to upgrade from my current ride as I've really been bitten by the biking bug as of this past summer. I managed to put over 400 miles on it, and burned off about 20 lbs in just the last few months. I've been back and forth with performance hybrids, entry level cx and mtb's. This thing seems like the best of everything, and at a price I could afford. It should be here Monday, and I plan to take it into my LBS for a tuning and truing before I hit the paths. Hopefully the weather holds out for a while so I can break it in next weekend.

Awesome - I look forward to hearing your impressions. Looks like it'll be a really fun bike with alot of utility/versatility.

So, I got it, and immediately took it to the LBS to be assembled and tuned. I'd hoped to be riding it this past weekend, and that didn't happen. I was told by the LBS that I'd have it Friday, then I went in on Friday and they said they ran into a snag getting the front disc brake and caliper fitting right. They were going to try to do some work with washers over the weekend, but today I get a call that they had another mechanic look at it, and they are 100% certain that the weld is off on the tab that the caliper mounts to. BUMMER. So now I am trying to reach out to BikesDirect to get a replacement fork, with a properly welded tab. Hopefully I'll get a reply to my email soon. I'm so completely bummed about this. Saturday was perfect bike weather. My current bike's brakes actually just went out and I'd rather not replace/repair them in hopes that I could be riding this guy. Bah.

So now I am trying to reach out to BikesDirect to get a replacement fork, with a properly welded tab. Hopefully I'll get a reply to my email soon.

Good luck.

I wonder what BD has against posting the full geometry of their bikes.

Some updates on this situation...

So far, everything's been handled very positively. BikesDirect was immediately pro-active and worked with my mechanic to determine/verify the problem. Yesterday we sent over the required photos for their records (it's policy, and kind of silly, but oh well) and I stopped by the shop to see the bad weld myself and I'm so glad I did as I noticed another issue. There was pitting in the paint on the top tube of the frame. My mechanic explained it was a paint defect, not a shipping/build mishap, so I raised the flag with the rep. at BD and he didn't hesitate to offer to replace the frame/fork all at once (it'd be easier that way anyhow since that's how they sell them).

As an upside to all of this, their replacements happen to be a flat black, and not the high gloss that they had sent me originally. It's honestly what I thought I was getting to begin with since the only photos of this bike in black are of the flat black frames they have on bikeisland.com and ebay. So that's something to be aware of if you're considering buying this bike in black - it's super glossy.

I wonder what BD has against posting the full geometry of their bikes.

Most of their bikes do have geometry information. I agree that the data shown for this bike is pretty lame.

Some updates on this situation...

So far, everything's been handled very positively. BikesDirect was immediately pro-active and worked with my mechanic to determine/verify the problem. Yesterday we sent over the required photos for their records (it's policy, and kind of silly, but oh well) and I stopped by the shop to see the bad weld myself and I'm so glad I did as I noticed another issue. There was pitting in the paint on the top tube of the frame. My mechanic explained it was a paint defect, not a shipping/build mishap, so I raised the flag with the rep. at BD and he didn't hesitate to offer to replace the frame/fork all at once (it'd be easier that way anyhow since that's how they sell them).

As an upside to all of this, their replacements happen to be a flat black, and not the high gloss that they had sent me originally. It's honestly what I thought I was getting to begin with since the only photos of this bike in black are of the flat black frames they have on bikeisland.com and ebay. So that's something to be aware of if you're considering buying this bike in black - it's super glossy.

Every time I read a story where there is an issue with a BD bike, it seems like their customer service is superb. I am sure that, like all customer service departments, they have had their issues. But over all, they seem to be very, very good.

Some updates on this situation...

So far, everything's been handled very positively. BikesDirect was immediately pro-active and worked with my mechanic to determine/verify the problem. Yesterday we sent over the required photos for their records (it's policy, and kind of silly, but oh well) and I stopped by the shop to see the bad weld myself and I'm so glad I did as I noticed another issue. There was pitting in the paint on the top tube of the frame. My mechanic explained it was a paint defect, not a shipping/build mishap, so I raised the flag with the rep. at BD and he didn't hesitate to offer to replace the frame/fork all at once (it'd be easier that way anyhow since that's how they sell them).

As an upside to all of this, their replacements happen to be a flat black, and not the high gloss that they had sent me originally. It's honestly what I thought I was getting to begin with since the only photos of this bike in black are of the flat black frames they have on bikeisland.com and ebay. So that's something to be aware of if you're considering buying this bike in black - it's super glossy.

Good to hear it.
I've had two good experiences with BD (value for money, timing, etc), and the one time I called with an inquiry I found them to be prompt, professional and very friendly.

What's odd about it? It's an aluminum framed cross bike with discs. As long as you can put fenders and a rack on it, it should make a fine winter commuter.

Yeah, I agree. This was my BD buy a few years ago: http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/motobecane/fantom_cross_cx2.htm It was 500.00 when purchased. Swapped out the CX tires for some SMPs. Added lights, bags, rack, clipless pedals, frame pump, tool-kit...all stuff I had. Over 17,0000 miles now w/one overhaul and regular maintenance. It's a hoss.

Last year I started using it in tandem w/my fg set up for light commuting/utility. The mileage count has slowed because of using the 2nd bike, but it's still a very dependable ride.

i have bought 3 bikes from them, never a problem. good company to deal with. i wouldn't hesitate to buy from them again if I was to ever buy another bike.

More news from the BikesDirect.com front. I received my replacement frame and fork and it has multiple issues with paint and finish, as well as a bent mount for the derailer hanger. Going to see what the LBS can do, but this is unacceptably bad. Good customer service or not, this is ridiculous.

More news from the BikesDirect.com front. I received my replacement frame and fork and it has multiple issues with paint and finish, as well as a bent mount for the derailer hanger. Going to see what the LBS can do, but this is unacceptably bad. Good customer service or not, this is ridiculous.

I would ask for a refund instead. Why bring it to your LBS? They can't fix the paint issue.

I was having it assembled, trued and tuned there to begin with; they've been stuck helping me out of this matter the entire time.

If your LBS has been helping you deal with this, that is a good place.
About 50% of the shops around here won't touch "online" bikes. They are specifically avoiding situations like this, I imagine.

Yeah, they're being really good sports about it, giving me lots of advice, and have even spoke with the rep at bikesdirect multiple times now. I'm just irate at this whole situation now, and don't want to be out all of this time and money just un-assembling/packing it back up, shipping the bike and additional frameset back for simply a refund.

If your LBS has been helping you deal with this, that is a good place.
About 50% of the shops around here won't touch "online" bikes. They are specifically avoiding situations like this, I imagine.

It's not clear what situation they are avoiding. Service work that is paid for by the hour?

As long as they can make a profit at whatever hourly rate they charge, why not?

It would seem like they can make about as much money straightening out a BD bike as they can selling you a new bike. There was a thread earlier about this, and the responders who worked at LBS seemed to think that with the margins they can charge, per hour service work is likely more profitable than selling you a new bike.

If there are snafus on a new bike the LBS bike sold, then diagnosing and straightening out the issues comes out of the LBS profit. If there are a lot of snafus on a BD bike, that's more service work for the LBS - you pay for the diagnosis.

If they can make as much/more money on a BD bike as they can make on selling a new bike, and they don't need to risk any capital, it seems like a good deal for the LBS.

the one shop here, copes with the Costco bikes, but not the Wally World BSO stuff
"Magna" in local case.

they are as often abandoned as they are picked up, and the work paid for.
in those cases even taking it in without a customer pre pay is a loss..

lots of Bla Bla on bikes direct stuff, YGWYPF, still applies.

http://distilleryimage5.instagram.com/9d85ee00155a11e1a87612313804ec91_7.jpg

So I picked it up with it's mismatched fork afterwork yesterday. Seems to fit well, and it is most notably one of the lightest bikes I've ever picked up; mind you, I'm no pro or veteran, but it feels lighter than several road bikes I've toyed with. The weather was awful when I got it or I'd have mounted lights and took it out for a quick stroll around the block. Today's supposed to clear up, and I have a half day at work, so I might be able to put it to a test this afternoon.

As for BikesDirect.com, after a bit of back-and-forthing they're offering me three options: complete refund after returning the bike, replacement of the entire bike, or a partial refund if I decide to keep it with the mismatched finishes on the frame and fork. Considering the time and money I'm already into it and the lack of faith I have in them sending me a replacement that is actually true and non-defective, I'm opting for the partial refund and keeping it as-is.

Oh, and one thing I immediately noticed, if anyone is thinking of using this for cyclocross; be prepared to change the way you shoulder the thing. Those cable mounts on the bottom of the top tube are right where you'd be putting your shoulder and they're totally uncomfortable digging into your shoulder.

It's not clear what situation they are avoiding. Service work that is paid for by the hour?

I have not bought a bike online, but I have been told that some of the LBSs around here do not like to take on that work because there is a big "headache-factor" to the work/customers that bring in discount bikes (BSOs are the term on this board, I believe). Often, a person that buys a $200 or $300 BSO does not want to spend another $200 just to make it rideable, so they abandon it. This is not the case 100% of the time, I'm sure, but I can understand a store's reluctance to take on that particular type of work.
Maybe it depends on how badly the store needs the work?

buy something from your LBS?

Sorry to hear about all the trouble getting it together but it sure looks nice! I'd be interested to hear how you feel after a shakedown ride!

I have not bought a bike online, but I have been told that some of the LBSs around here do not like to take on that work because there is a big "headache-factor" to the work/customers that bring in discount bikes (BSOs are the term on this board, I believe). Often, a person that buys a $200 or $300 BSO does not want to spend another $200 just to make it rideable, so they abandon it. This is not the case 100% of the time, I'm sure, but I can understand a store's reluctance to take on that particular type of work.
Maybe it depends on how badly the store needs the work?

Seems like a an upfront estimate with a deposit would solve that issue.

In addition, I think that you would find few of the BD bikes to be BSO's - a silly term that covers the bikes I rode and loved as a kid. Do you consider the bike the OP asked about a BSO?

Seems like a an upfront estimate with a deposit would solve that issue.

Possibly. I don't know, I'm not a bike shop owner/ mechanic. I just know that some of them around here aren't interested in this particular line of work. Another thought that comes to mind is that they don't want to assume any after-the-fact responsibility for a possibly sub-standard frame. Whether the frame is actually sub-standard or is that LBS hubris, is the question, I suppose.


In addition, I think that you would find few of the BD bikes to be BSO's - a silly term that covers the bikes I rode and loved as a kid. Do you consider the bike the OP asked about a BSO?

I am not a bike snob by anybody's definition. My absolute favorite bike has been, until very recently, a 40 year old Schwinn. I like many of the BD bikes, but I was using what I took to be the Bikeforums parlance for "cheap bikes", which I do think is apt for a lot of the BD bikes. I am fine with cheap bikes, as long as you are able to deal with what comes your way.

Ok, reporting back after a bit of riding on the Gravity Zilla. Mind you, I'm not a super experienced cyclist, I just got back into riding mid-summer after a decade of nothing more than an occasional summer ride on my big box store mountain bike, so take this review as you will. I grinned and bared it with the MTB over the summer, and wanted to make an upgrade to a more commuter friendly ride, that I could still take out on an occasional trail through our surrounding area, and possibly consider for some light touring. I considered performance hybrids and low-end cyclocross bikes from the likes of Trek, Specialized, and Cannondale, but my budget couldn't afford what I really wanted out of a bike with those brands. Now, back to the bike. The mismatched fork is now an afterthought; this bike is a huge improvement over my MTB for the riding I like to do. I put nearly 70 miles on it over the past week, including two ~30 mile rides, consisting of wet and dry road, packed dirt/gravel trail, grass and plenty of climbs and descents. All that and she's still in one piece, and rides great.

There's a world of difference, as should be expected, going from a steel, dual suspension 26" mountain bike with hybrid tires to an aluminum 29" 'monster' cross bike; things like:

- Rigidity: I feel everything, and potholes have a much more serious meaning now. With this comes better handling, but it is something I'll be getting used to, particularly on the longer rides. It really gave my wrists a number on my long ride yesterday.
-Speed: This thing rides like a road bike, probably a peg or two slower than a decent road bike, but I'm able to sprint on this thing unlike I ever was able to pushing the 30+ lb MTB. I was never able to pedal on flat road up to 20-25/mph, and with this, that's no problem (aside from me keeling over completely winded).
-Weight: I haven't weighed it yet, but it's easily 10-15 lbs. lighter than what I was riding before. This is an enormous plus, but again, it take some getting used to. Before, on climbs, it felt like it was my MTB dragging me backwards; now, I feel like I am the one slowing me down and the bike could easily climb the hills no problem without me. Definitely going to take some conditioning on my part.

Mechanically speaking, the bike does feel somewhat 'cheaper' at times. Shifting is better than anything else I've used, but it's not perfect. I ran into some snags and issues a couple times, though nothing huge. I think I still need to get familiar with the drivetrain, and possibly tune a bit more. Braking; I think the LBS tuned this to be a little spongy, and less likely for me to shoot myself over the handle bars as I have to pull pretty hard in order to brake, but the brakes do have a lot of stopping power, both front and rear. There's no squealing as of yet, though there's some minor hissing as I think should be expected with disc brakes... right? Mechanically and structurally speaking, the only other thing I noticed, was that the seat post was not lower-able at its stock height (400mm, I believe it was hitting the bolts for the bottle cage/pump holders). I spoke with a mechanic, and did some googling, and decided it would be in my favor to lob off a bit of it so that I could lower it for a better fit versus buying a new 350mm or 300mm seat post. That took a bit of work with a hacksaw on Friday morning, but made a huge difference in my last two rides. I will probably be making a few fitment adjustments over the next couple rides, but this thing generally feels great.

http://s3.amazonaws.com/tripphoto.runkeeper.com/7ZDtU9PQeNjl7NGElafgmXZr.jpg

I got a Zilla frame and fork set from BD on their Cyber Monday sale. I built it up over the past 3 weeks and today was the second day I was able to ride it.
I rode it all day, it is brilliant! It is road bike fast. I know because I have been riding road bikes for 25 years.
I had none of the problems the OP had.

After 175+ miles mixed road/dirt, I am loving this thing. Fast, comfortable, and thus far very reliable. My only worry is the paint job, it has pitted from gravel and debris in a handful of places already...

Good to hear that you like it. As for the pittings, just think of it as its badge of honor, battle scars, street credentials...

Its all good.

I've gotten some valuable info from this thread. Thanks op.

I saw this bike in BD's site in orange and thought it looked like a fun bike for light trail, errands, and just zipping around on trips. Thanks for the review! There's an extra step getting it to Canada but I'm considering the orange bike as a possible second bike. I've never ridden a bike without flat bars and the price (even with duties and extra shipping cost) is affordable for an experiment. The troubles the OP had worries me because of the Canadian shipping address. Still could be worth the chance.

I saw this bike in BD's site in orange and thought it looked like a fun bike for light trail, errands, and just zipping around on trips. Thanks for the review! There's an extra step getting it to Canada but I'm considering the orange bike as a possible second bike. I've never ridden a bike without flat bars and the price (even with duties and extra shipping cost) is affordable for an experiment. The troubles the OP had worries me because of the Canadian shipping address. Still could be worth the chance.

I have an orange Gravity Zilla and the paint was peeling/flaking right out of the box......BikesDirect squared me up and I am happy with their customer service, but if I lived in Canada I may be singing a different tune. FWIW!