Soho or Alley Way - which one is better?
03-29-10, 06:07 PM
#1
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jun 2008
Posts: 31
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Soho or Alley Way - which one is better?
I'm just going to say this up front: I really like the looks of the Alley Way, and specific features (disc brakes, geared hub, belt drive). I'm heavily biased towards it. But am looking for advice. I have to make a quick 'yes/no' decision on the Alley Way - only a couple are left in my size.
Is the Soho a better bike? Are they equal? Is there a better belt drive bike out there?
I want to replace my current bike (Raleigh SC40 hybrid, 2003/4 model) with a slightly-more road tailored bike. The SC40 is a great bike, just seems a bit slow for this purpose.
Depending on where I park, I have either a 2, 5, or 10 mile commute (one-way). All pavement. Moderately hilly. I carry one or two pannier bags, and (rarely) my laptop in a backpack.
So I went down to the LBS to try out the belt drive - they had a Trek Soho, and Trek 7.4FX. The Soho had a belt drive, 8-speed hub. The 7.4FX had a standard derailleur. Both rode well - the FX was my size, whereas the Soho was a bit undersized. I felt the range of gears on the Soho was reasonable. (I tried the FX to see what the correct frame size would feel like.)
There are no Alley Way's in my area to try out. I don't want to plunk down $$$$ for something I haven't ridden.
So... I've listed some positives and negatives below on each bike. I listed the FX since I rode it, but would probably not buy it.
My biggest concern on the Alley Way is the weight. 10 pounds seems like a lot of extra weight to carry around.
Alley Way - $1425
https://www.raleighusa.com/bikes/hybrid/alley-way/
+ green (color...)
+ belt drive
+ 8 speed internal hub
+ front dynamo
+ brooks saddle, grips
+ disc brakes
+ fenders, 'chain guard'
– 32 lb's
– frame can rust
– Fixed handlebar/stem
Soho - $1150
https://www.trekbikes.com/uk/en/bikes/urban/soho/soho/
+ belt drive
+ 8 speed internal hub
+ fenders, 'chain guard'
gray (color...)
adjustable handlebar/stem
– approx [strike]22[/strike]30lbs+
– drum brakes (I did not like the time it takes to stop with these)
7.3FX - $640
https://www.trekbikes.com/us/en/bikes/road/fx/73fx/
I tried this bike out because it was the proper frame size... so didn't think too much about it.
+ 24? gears
+ approx 21lbs
– Anthracite metallic (color...)
Thanks!!!
Is the Soho a better bike? Are they equal? Is there a better belt drive bike out there?
I want to replace my current bike (Raleigh SC40 hybrid, 2003/4 model) with a slightly-more road tailored bike. The SC40 is a great bike, just seems a bit slow for this purpose.
Depending on where I park, I have either a 2, 5, or 10 mile commute (one-way). All pavement. Moderately hilly. I carry one or two pannier bags, and (rarely) my laptop in a backpack.
So I went down to the LBS to try out the belt drive - they had a Trek Soho, and Trek 7.4FX. The Soho had a belt drive, 8-speed hub. The 7.4FX had a standard derailleur. Both rode well - the FX was my size, whereas the Soho was a bit undersized. I felt the range of gears on the Soho was reasonable. (I tried the FX to see what the correct frame size would feel like.)
There are no Alley Way's in my area to try out. I don't want to plunk down $$$$ for something I haven't ridden.
So... I've listed some positives and negatives below on each bike. I listed the FX since I rode it, but would probably not buy it.
My biggest concern on the Alley Way is the weight. 10 pounds seems like a lot of extra weight to carry around.
Alley Way - $1425
https://www.raleighusa.com/bikes/hybrid/alley-way/
+ green (color...)
+ belt drive
+ 8 speed internal hub
+ front dynamo
+ brooks saddle, grips
+ disc brakes
+ fenders, 'chain guard'
– 32 lb's
– frame can rust
– Fixed handlebar/stem
Soho - $1150
https://www.trekbikes.com/uk/en/bikes/urban/soho/soho/
+ belt drive
+ 8 speed internal hub
+ fenders, 'chain guard'
gray (color...)
adjustable handlebar/stem
– approx [strike]22[/strike]30lbs+
– drum brakes (I did not like the time it takes to stop with these)
7.3FX - $640
https://www.trekbikes.com/us/en/bikes/road/fx/73fx/
I tried this bike out because it was the proper frame size... so didn't think too much about it.
+ 24? gears
+ approx 21lbs
– Anthracite metallic (color...)
Thanks!!!
Last edited by ururk; 03-30-10 at 12:40 PM.
03-29-10, 06:24 PM
#3
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jun 2008
Posts: 31
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I called Raleigh, and the person over the phone gave me an estimate of its weight. Oh, and I just found this review which lists it at 32:
https://www.ecovelo.info/2009/11/29/r...igh-alley-way/
My SC40, with rack is almost 40lbs.
https://www.ecovelo.info/2009/11/29/r...igh-alley-way/
My SC40, with rack is almost 40lbs.
Last edited by ururk; 03-29-10 at 06:36 PM.
03-29-10, 08:39 PM
#4
FNG
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: Quarry Stone
Posts: 877
Bikes: Raleigh Special * Nishiki MTN Winter Commuter * Trek Soho 3 * Specialized Langster Seattle
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
03-30-10, 08:42 AM
#5
DancesWithSUVs
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Griffin Cycle Bethesda,MD
Posts: 6,983
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 7 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 2 Times
in
2 Posts
Raleigh all the way. Disc brakes for better stopping,and the steel frame/fork will give a much smoother ride the the all alloy Soho.
And there's no way a Soho weighs 22lbs. My Civia weighs 29lbs 5oz;it's got a rack,but it's also got a full carbon fork(for now at least) and lighter wheelset. The Soho's gotta be at least 30lbs.
And there's no way a Soho weighs 22lbs. My Civia weighs 29lbs 5oz;it's got a rack,but it's also got a full carbon fork(for now at least) and lighter wheelset. The Soho's gotta be at least 30lbs.
__________________
C'dale BBU('05 and '09)/Super Six/Hooligan8and 3,Kona Dew Deluxe,Novara Buzz/Safari,Surly Big Dummy,Marin Pt Reyes,Giant Defy 1,Schwinn DBX SuperSport,Dahon Speed Pro TT,Brompton S6L/S2E-X
C'dale BBU('05 and '09)/Super Six/Hooligan8and 3,Kona Dew Deluxe,Novara Buzz/Safari,Surly Big Dummy,Marin Pt Reyes,Giant Defy 1,Schwinn DBX SuperSport,Dahon Speed Pro TT,Brompton S6L/S2E-X
03-30-10, 10:25 AM
#6
Junior Member
Join Date: Dec 2009
Posts: 8
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Soho weighs more
I have a Soho S, singlespeed and it weighs about 20. I would think the regular soho, with IGH, fenders, etc, would put it at least 30#. I like both bikes, but, my only problem is that the Soho "gunmetal grey" looks a lot like baby blue in most of the pictures I have seen. I haven't seen one in person, so maybe they look much better in real life.
03-30-10, 10:32 AM
#7
Real Men Ride Ordinaries
Join Date: Sep 2008
Posts: 3,723
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 17 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 3 Times
in
3 Posts
well, if you ditch the Brooks saddle on the Alley Way you can save a few pounds. Send it to me as thanks for ridding you of that boat anchor (don't worry, I'll pay shipping)
03-30-10, 10:35 AM
#8
FNG
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: Quarry Stone
Posts: 877
Bikes: Raleigh Special * Nishiki MTN Winter Commuter * Trek Soho 3 * Specialized Langster Seattle
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I have a Soho S, singlespeed and it weighs about 20. I would think the regular soho, with IGH, fenders, etc, would put it at least 30#. I like both bikes, but, my only problem is that the Soho "gunmetal grey" looks a lot like baby blue in most of the pictures I have seen. I haven't seen one in person, so maybe they look much better in real life.
Last edited by destikon; 03-30-10 at 10:39 AM.
03-30-10, 10:59 AM
#9
Senior Member
22.5" Soho weighs 31.5 lbs. Includes add-on kickstand and the less than stellar coffee cup.
Soho: Wheel changes on the Soho will be more difficult with the roller brakes, compared to disks. No roller-brake/dynamo hub available in the USA--if you want a dynamo hub, you'll have to kludge on a front brake (long reach caliper on stock fork, or swap to disk ready fork). Weak coffee cup instead of a useful pump. Soho runs standard Nexus hub, not even premium "red band" version; Alley Way goes with the top line Alfine. Fenders have plastic extensions that look like they will be minimally better than the Raleigh offering.
I'd count on swapping out stem and bars on any bike I buy, so intregrated unit on AlleyWay is not a drawback. I like Brooks, so AlleyWay coming stock with one is a bonus.
Disk brakes, dynamo front hub (but no lights?!?), Alfine, Brooks would all have me giving the nod to the AlleyWay over the Soho.
Soho: Wheel changes on the Soho will be more difficult with the roller brakes, compared to disks. No roller-brake/dynamo hub available in the USA--if you want a dynamo hub, you'll have to kludge on a front brake (long reach caliper on stock fork, or swap to disk ready fork). Weak coffee cup instead of a useful pump. Soho runs standard Nexus hub, not even premium "red band" version; Alley Way goes with the top line Alfine. Fenders have plastic extensions that look like they will be minimally better than the Raleigh offering.
I'd count on swapping out stem and bars on any bike I buy, so intregrated unit on AlleyWay is not a drawback. I like Brooks, so AlleyWay coming stock with one is a bonus.
Disk brakes, dynamo front hub (but no lights?!?), Alfine, Brooks would all have me giving the nod to the AlleyWay over the Soho.
Last edited by mconlonx; 03-30-10 at 03:01 PM.
03-30-10, 11:16 AM
#10
commuter
Join Date: Jul 2009
Posts: 111
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Present owner of a Trek Soho 2009
No way the Soho weight is 22 lbs - that must be the Soho S. Once you put on real tires and a rack, the Soho will easily be over 30. Im afraid to weigh mine with my pack of tools since it could be over 40 and really really really dont want to know.
The brakes are a big deal for me as I wanted a nearly no maintenance bike so the trek's drum rollers work for me.
The biggest difference between the two, other than the brakes and price, is the way they manage the belt tension for the belt drive. Trek has a dropouts and screw adjusts to fine tune the tension while the Raleigh uses an Extended Bottom Bracket (EBB). There are good EBB's and horrible EBB's so it would really depend on the quality of the EBB.
As to the color - girls love the Trek "Rainy Grey" color, yet find it not feminine. For guys, it just blends into life.
Good luck finding an Alleyway to ride. Very limited supply from what has been written on the web.
No way the Soho weight is 22 lbs - that must be the Soho S. Once you put on real tires and a rack, the Soho will easily be over 30. Im afraid to weigh mine with my pack of tools since it could be over 40 and really really really dont want to know.
The brakes are a big deal for me as I wanted a nearly no maintenance bike so the trek's drum rollers work for me.
The biggest difference between the two, other than the brakes and price, is the way they manage the belt tension for the belt drive. Trek has a dropouts and screw adjusts to fine tune the tension while the Raleigh uses an Extended Bottom Bracket (EBB). There are good EBB's and horrible EBB's so it would really depend on the quality of the EBB.
As to the color - girls love the Trek "Rainy Grey" color, yet find it not feminine. For guys, it just blends into life.
Good luck finding an Alleyway to ride. Very limited supply from what has been written on the web.
03-30-10, 12:39 PM
#11
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jun 2008
Posts: 31
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Haven't found any Alley Way's to ride. I did not care for the Soho's tensioner... but don't see how you'd adjust the Alley Way.
re: weight - hmmm, I pulled the 20# number off a site, but perhaps I wasn't comparing Apple's to Apple's. One review puts it in 30+, so we'll assume both weigh about the same.
re: color - I like both colors, but prefer the green
re: weight - hmmm, I pulled the 20# number off a site, but perhaps I wasn't comparing Apple's to Apple's. One review puts it in 30+, so we'll assume both weigh about the same.
re: color - I like both colors, but prefer the green
03-30-10, 08:37 PM
#12
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Westwood MA (just south of Boston)
Posts: 2,215
Bikes: 2009 Trek Soho
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
as a Soho owner I'd advise you to avoid the bike. the brakes are weak, and the 2009 model at least has a wicked rattle on the front wheel whenever you hit a bump. maybe they fixed this for 2010 but Trek is really trying to avoid responsibility for the problem on the 2009s. luckily my LBS is one of their top 10 retailers in the world so maybe we will get somewhere....
also, there is no reason to get a Nexus hub (as on the Soho) when the Alfine hub is available elsewhere for minor $ more. old technology. I can only imagine they put it on there to save a few bucks b/c you can get away with it if you don't have disc brakes (which I'm sure are much much better).
the color is not much better in person than on the web. I find it ugly.
here's another IGH with belt, coming out next month; https://www.civiacycles.com/civiacomplete_bryant.php
also, there is no reason to get a Nexus hub (as on the Soho) when the Alfine hub is available elsewhere for minor $ more. old technology. I can only imagine they put it on there to save a few bucks b/c you can get away with it if you don't have disc brakes (which I'm sure are much much better).
the color is not much better in person than on the web. I find it ugly.
here's another IGH with belt, coming out next month; https://www.civiacycles.com/civiacomplete_bryant.php
03-31-10, 11:47 AM
#13
DancesWithSUVs
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Griffin Cycle Bethesda,MD
Posts: 6,983
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 7 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 2 Times
in
2 Posts
My Civia came with a light. It sucks. The LED is about as bright as a Knogg hipster cist,and the main beam is like an old C cell flashlight. I'm using my $100 recall money to get a proper one. They should've just left it off like the Raleigh.
It's actually an eccentric bottom bracket;you adjust the belt(or chain) tension by turning the BB in it's shell. Kinda like the old Spirographs you used as a kid to draw designs. They allow you to adjust chain/belt tension while keeping vertical dropouts on the rear.
__________________
C'dale BBU('05 and '09)/Super Six/Hooligan8and 3,Kona Dew Deluxe,Novara Buzz/Safari,Surly Big Dummy,Marin Pt Reyes,Giant Defy 1,Schwinn DBX SuperSport,Dahon Speed Pro TT,Brompton S6L/S2E-X
C'dale BBU('05 and '09)/Super Six/Hooligan8and 3,Kona Dew Deluxe,Novara Buzz/Safari,Surly Big Dummy,Marin Pt Reyes,Giant Defy 1,Schwinn DBX SuperSport,Dahon Speed Pro TT,Brompton S6L/S2E-X
03-31-10, 02:39 PM
#14
One Man Fast Brick
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: Chicagoland
Posts: 1,121
Bikes: Specialized Langster, Bianchi San Jose, early 90s GT Karakoram, Yuba Mundo, Mercier Nano (mini velo), Nashbar Steel Commuter, KHS Tandemania Sport
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Between the Alley Way and the Soho, I would choose the Alley Way.
But, if I was plunking down that much coin, I would probably cough up a few hundy more and get the Civia Bryant. Put a generator hub on the front along with swapping out the saddle for a Brooks (or Velo Orange). They will also sell you the fenders and their sweet rack for $75 combined. The road oriented geo of the Civia is much more versatile for me.
But, if I was plunking down that much coin, I would probably cough up a few hundy more and get the Civia Bryant. Put a generator hub on the front along with swapping out the saddle for a Brooks (or Velo Orange). They will also sell you the fenders and their sweet rack for $75 combined. The road oriented geo of the Civia is much more versatile for me.
03-31-10, 11:33 PM
#15
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Minneapolis, MN
Posts: 854
Bikes: Surly CrossCheck, Miyata 310 (conversion)
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
I would choose the Alley Way.
Reasons:
- Steel frame(much more forgiving on bumps in the road and general comfort)
- Brooks B17(great saddle, by far the best I've ever owned, and feels great when broken in)
- Disc brakes
The Soho that my buddy owns that I have tinkered around with disappointed me. It was very heavy, aluminum frame resulting in a more jarring ride, it came with internal drum brakes that worked for crap. Add I'm not really sure who they geared toward the Soho, it is not light and not fast. Beginners would think it is too heavy for use and carrying up/down stairs, regular commuters would think it is too slow and the brakes are crap. I'm not a fan of the rubberized top tube protector, curious how that will look after years of use. It's not a bad bike, it does what it does and is what it is. With that it is just not my cup of tea.
Reasons:
- Steel frame(much more forgiving on bumps in the road and general comfort)
- Brooks B17(great saddle, by far the best I've ever owned, and feels great when broken in)
- Disc brakes
The Soho that my buddy owns that I have tinkered around with disappointed me. It was very heavy, aluminum frame resulting in a more jarring ride, it came with internal drum brakes that worked for crap. Add I'm not really sure who they geared toward the Soho, it is not light and not fast. Beginners would think it is too heavy for use and carrying up/down stairs, regular commuters would think it is too slow and the brakes are crap. I'm not a fan of the rubberized top tube protector, curious how that will look after years of use. It's not a bad bike, it does what it does and is what it is. With that it is just not my cup of tea.
04-01-10, 04:29 AM
#16
commuter
Join Date: Jul 2009
Posts: 111
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
dyn,
Thank you for the correction concerning eccentric bottom bracket. Not sure why I used extended - maybe its a local mistake or it could have been that Ive only ridden on one about 20 feet. But my local lbs went into great detail describing the annoyance associated with a crappy EBB so I went looking online for a more detailed explanation.
Here is some comments on a Gary Fisher EBB concerning creak which seems to be the biggest issue with EBB-
https://www.socaltrailriders.org/foru...m-bracket.html
This link at niner has a great video of their EBB and comparison to dropouts.
https://www.ninerbikes.com/fly.aspx?l...208&parts=true
"One other thing - I usually tear down the BB every 25-30 hours of riding, but I live in Big Bear when the dirt is really fine. Adjust accordingly."
Thank you for the correction concerning eccentric bottom bracket. Not sure why I used extended - maybe its a local mistake or it could have been that Ive only ridden on one about 20 feet. But my local lbs went into great detail describing the annoyance associated with a crappy EBB so I went looking online for a more detailed explanation.
Here is some comments on a Gary Fisher EBB concerning creak which seems to be the biggest issue with EBB-
https://www.socaltrailriders.org/foru...m-bracket.html
This link at niner has a great video of their EBB and comparison to dropouts.
https://www.ninerbikes.com/fly.aspx?l...208&parts=true
"One other thing - I usually tear down the BB every 25-30 hours of riding, but I live in Big Bear when the dirt is really fine. Adjust accordingly."
04-01-10, 05:05 AM
#17
Senior Member
For that much money, I'd get a Surly Cross Check or a Bianchi Volpe. They're both well regarded and proven cross bikes geared for commuting and much lighter than those hybrids you're looking at.
04-01-10, 07:11 AM
#18
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2005
Posts: 2,242
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I'd go for the Soho any day.
One of the main reasons to go with a bike that has an IGH is to get a chainguard. Yeah, I know there's no chain, but I'm certain the belt will get dirty and that dirt will get on pant legs.
I love my Breezer just because I can get on it and ride, without worry regarding pants.
One of the main reasons to go with a bike that has an IGH is to get a chainguard. Yeah, I know there's no chain, but I'm certain the belt will get dirty and that dirt will get on pant legs.
I love my Breezer just because I can get on it and ride, without worry regarding pants.
04-01-10, 07:39 AM
#19
One Man Fast Brick
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: Chicagoland
Posts: 1,121
Bikes: Specialized Langster, Bianchi San Jose, early 90s GT Karakoram, Yuba Mundo, Mercier Nano (mini velo), Nashbar Steel Commuter, KHS Tandemania Sport
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
04-01-10, 10:02 AM
#20
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jun 2008
Posts: 31
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Thanks all... made the decision today - I was able to get the Alley Way 10% off... a couple of the comments helped me decide in its favor, and the surprise discount didn't hurt either. Will post pics when it gets in.
04-05-10, 06:36 PM
#21
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jun 2008
Posts: 31
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Picked it up today! It actually arrived Saturday, pretty fast delivery and setup... couldn't get there till tonight so had a loooong weekend.
Do I like it? YES! Hopefully will be able to take it tomorrow into work.
Immediate impressions:
It came with a full top 'chain' guard - both the LBS *and* a Raleigh rep over the phone said it didn't come with the guard (seen on the ecovelo review), nor does the picture on Raleigh's site show it. But there it was. And I'm happy about this. Technically it shouldn't be necessary, but I think it is necessary.
Color - I'm a (blue / green / orange) person, and this particular bike comes in a green that I'm very happy with. I was a bit concerned about ordering it w/out seeing it, but with the assurance of store credit, I bit the bullet.
Weight - not bad at all, lighter than my current setup (will weigh later), will gain a bit with a rack and pannier bags.
As I said before, the belt drive, disc brakes were plusses, and they work well. LBS said disc brakes would improve with the initial biking.
'Dislikes'
As with anything, there are a few things I'm not necessarily happy with:
Handlebars are pretty wide, wider than I think I'm used to... will see how they work out.
I don't particularly think I like the pedal straps, but I'll try them out for a few weeks... see how well they work.
The rims are shiny. I think I might sandpaper them
But seriously, this might weaken them... will have to research...
Do I like it? YES! Hopefully will be able to take it tomorrow into work.
Immediate impressions:
It came with a full top 'chain' guard - both the LBS *and* a Raleigh rep over the phone said it didn't come with the guard (seen on the ecovelo review), nor does the picture on Raleigh's site show it. But there it was. And I'm happy about this. Technically it shouldn't be necessary, but I think it is necessary.
Color - I'm a (blue / green / orange) person, and this particular bike comes in a green that I'm very happy with. I was a bit concerned about ordering it w/out seeing it, but with the assurance of store credit, I bit the bullet.
Weight - not bad at all, lighter than my current setup (will weigh later), will gain a bit with a rack and pannier bags.
As I said before, the belt drive, disc brakes were plusses, and they work well. LBS said disc brakes would improve with the initial biking.
'Dislikes'
As with anything, there are a few things I'm not necessarily happy with:
Handlebars are pretty wide, wider than I think I'm used to... will see how they work out.
I don't particularly think I like the pedal straps, but I'll try them out for a few weeks... see how well they work.
The rims are shiny. I think I might sandpaper them
But seriously, this might weaken them... will have to research...
04-07-10, 01:24 PM
#22
commuter
Join Date: Jul 2009
Posts: 111
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Sort of glad you bought the Alleyway. Please keep the reviews coming at various intervals such when you replace tires, make adjustments, issues with approximate mileage.
Adjustments with the EBB and noise issues with the belt would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks in Advance.
Adjustments with the EBB and noise issues with the belt would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks in Advance.
04-09-10, 12:53 AM
#25
Junior Member
Join Date: Oct 2007
Posts: 9
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Awesome! Congrats on the Alley Way! I just got my Alley Way yesterday and I couldn't be more thrilled! I changed out the pedals for some Grip King pedals from the Rivendell website since I don't like clips and I didn't want clipless on this bike. I've added on Nitto front and rear racks and ended up having to ride it home with both racks full and weighty. It handled very well! So far I'm really impressed with the Alfine, belt drive and disc brakes. I have a nice retro looking front light ordered to connect to the dynamo. I'm just using a battery powered rear light...a nice torpedo shaped light to go with the overall look of the bike. The whole bike is beautiful and like you I'm a blue/green/orange person, so the color is amazing. Even better in person I think. Didn't think I was going to like the handlebars painted to match, but now I love that too.
I had been trying to decide between the Alley Way, the Superbe Roadster, the Civia Loring, and the Globe Live 3. This one just seemed to be the nicest bang for the buck and had the look I liked the best. It also felt more sporty than the Civia and smoother than the Globe. Have lots of fun with your new bike!
Nico
I had been trying to decide between the Alley Way, the Superbe Roadster, the Civia Loring, and the Globe Live 3. This one just seemed to be the nicest bang for the buck and had the look I liked the best. It also felt more sporty than the Civia and smoother than the Globe. Have lots of fun with your new bike!
Nico