Chromavita

Sorry for the cross post (no pun intended) from the cyclocross forum, but there's more traffic over here, and I know how popular CX bikes are for commuting.

I was just looking over the Bikes Direct site, and I noticed they have a new bike up. The Windsor Cyclo.



105 shifters, 105 FD and Ultegra rear derailer for the same price as the Fantom Cross? They have to be cutting costs somewhere. So what is it? Cheaper frame? Cheaper wheel sets? How are they selling a bike with more a more expensive drivetrain for the same price? Not that I'm complaining.

That matte black looks awesome. The matte carbon fork is a really nice touch. All I need is a little disposable income .

JeffS

Looks like the "free" wheel upgrade on the fantom cross isn't so free afterall. Other than that, a no-name stem is the only thing I see.

bsyptak

"Frames may have both 7005 and 6066 decals in error plus our Factory Direct sales are the reasons for the discounted price."

Pretty nice bike though. I'd wager the wheelset is heavy.

Yan 

The Alex rims are cheap. The welds don't look great. Otherwise it's a decent looking bike.

-=(8)=-

I beat the hell out of Alex rims on a CrossCheck and a fixie on
farm roads in PA and VT. After about a 200 mile true/tighten session
on both bikes they never had an issue.

BCRider

It does seem like a pretty good deal for the money.

Yan 

I have Alex rims on my primary commuter as well. Popped a spoke last month.

Chromavita

Even if the wheel set is a little heavy, it still seems like an awesome deal. What's the difference between 7005 and 6066 Aluminum? Is there any way to tell which you got when you get the bike? I doubt I'd really notice much of a difference.

In some of the picture it looks like the matte black finish has some flaws in it. Some parts where it's shinier than others. It could just be the pictures though. That's hardly a deal breaker though.

CodyWy

I've had this Windsor for a couple of months. It's been on 3 major off-road long-ass downhills with the stock alex rims, including hard-braking on washboards. They are still true (enough) from the factory. Upgraded to 35c tires.

CCrew

No name rear cassette, bottom of the barrel cantis, No name stem and handlebars. Lower end FSA crankset. Add to that the legendary incredible BD customer service and warranty. The 6600 Ultegra rear can be bought for what, $30 bux these days?

I'd rather stab myself to death with a rusty fork personally.

cc700

such a sweet bike...

however i'd rather have this and a warranty that can be serviced locally:
https://www.performancebike.com/bikes...00_20000_41001
or the 650 dollar version:

these frames are disc capable and probably just as high quality.

i've ridden one around, it's quite a machine.

CB HI

Radial laced front wheel and what looks like 2 cross laced rear wheel is not what I want on a cross bike.

CCrew

Every BD bike I've seen, including one I own have crap for paint. Prolly the way it is.

jscotkey

BD must have me figured out, because I'd almost prefer a crappy paint job, especially for a cheaper price in which all else is equal. Methinks BD has a few of us figured out in that regard.

CodyWy

These lower end items are how they keep the price down, though maybe price isn't an issue for you. If I would have waited to save up money for something more spendy, I would have missed many great rides I've already taken on the windsor. Good luck with the fork.

Praxis

Not that I'm trying to be argumentative, but where exactly can you find a rear 660 Ultegra for $30? A quick look at Nashbar shows $125, for example. Please let me know where the good deals are!

CodyWy

I know a few guys who commute and off-road on motobecanes. Not one has mentioned the paint. The matte black on my windsor is flawless. Trust me - I'm not carrying the flag for BD. I'd own a Waterford if money was no object. I think some riders resent BD because they found out too late that they could have bought a better bike for less $$$$$$.