Urban Bike Comparison
10-02-11, 12:36 AM
#26
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So what are you recommending? I don't really know the difference between all the components. Something like this? https://www.bikesdirect.com/products/..._cross_cx2.htm
Also, are they hard to build? How much would it cost for a shop to put it together?
Also, are they hard to build? How much would it cost for a shop to put it together?
10-02-11, 07:20 AM
#27
TortoiseNotHare
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Thus far, your aluminum choices in frames are great. However, I would add just one more to consider and that would be the Giant - City Escape.
Insofar as 4130 chromoly steel frames are concerned, I would suggest the Jamis Coda Sport, the Comp, or the Bosanova. All of the Codas and the Bosanova, come complete with eyelets for fenders (both front and back). Of course, they also have rack capacity, as well. Their tire widths can go up to 38mm. They all come stock with 32's.
You might also consider an economical route to chromoly frames (considering your wife's ambivalence):
Giant features both the Sedona and the Cypress in chromoly steel tubing. They are called the Sedona ST and the Cypress ST. Each model costs $350. However, you would have to add fenders and a rack. You could upgrade later.
*Personally, I would change the shifters and derailleurs too, but that's probably just me.
- Slim
Insofar as 4130 chromoly steel frames are concerned, I would suggest the Jamis Coda Sport, the Comp, or the Bosanova. All of the Codas and the Bosanova, come complete with eyelets for fenders (both front and back). Of course, they also have rack capacity, as well. Their tire widths can go up to 38mm. They all come stock with 32's.
You might also consider an economical route to chromoly frames (considering your wife's ambivalence):
Giant features both the Sedona and the Cypress in chromoly steel tubing. They are called the Sedona ST and the Cypress ST. Each model costs $350. However, you would have to add fenders and a rack. You could upgrade later.
*Personally, I would change the shifters and derailleurs too, but that's probably just me.
- Slim
It was nice to see someone more knowledgeable than I recommend the bike I decided on....
10-02-11, 11:22 AM
#28
Senior Member
OP, do you know how to adjust the breaks and gears on a bike? If you can do that you can assemble a bikes direct bike. There are plenty of places online that can teach you how to do all that. If you have even the slightest mechanical inclination you can assemble a bikes direct bike. It might take you a little longer at first, but in the long run you'll save a lot of money by learning how to do basic maintenance yourself. All of my wrenching skills are self-taught with help from this forum and the internet in general. I'm still learning all the time. I'm not a bikesdirect fanboy, but they do sell a good product at an unbeatable price. But I've also bought bikes from my lbs. Many of the hybrid bikes on the BD website will meet your needs. I would imagine that a bike shop could assemble a bikesdirect bike for under 100 bcuks.
10-02-11, 11:43 AM
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Never really worked on bikes before, but I'm guessing I could figure it out (with google's help). I looked at a couple of bikes on BikesDirect and they seem to have similar entry level parts like the ones at the lbs. Could you give me a suggestion of which bikes you are talking about with the much better components?
Would you recommend this over the Trek PDX? https://www.bikesdirect.com/products/...tte_x_disc.htm
Would you recommend this over the Trek PDX? https://www.bikesdirect.com/products/...tte_x_disc.htm
10-02-11, 11:56 AM
#30
Bicycle Repair Man !!!
If one's budget allowed... the Salsa Vaya is a very sweet ride.
Frameset is $540.00 and complete is $1500.00 and it is a very well thought out and well designed ride that has received stellar reviews...
Frameset is $540.00 and complete is $1500.00 and it is a very well thought out and well designed ride that has received stellar reviews...
10-02-11, 12:17 PM
#31
Senior Member
Never really worked on bikes before, but I'm guessing I could figure it out (with google's help). I looked at a couple of bikes on BikesDirect and they seem to have similar entry level parts like the ones at the lbs. Could you give me a suggestion of which bikes you are talking about with the much better components?
Would you recommend this over the Trek PDX? https://www.bikesdirect.com/products/...tte_x_disc.htm
Would you recommend this over the Trek PDX? https://www.bikesdirect.com/products/...tte_x_disc.htm
However, this one and this one are interesting.
10-02-11, 12:23 PM
#32
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Never really worked on bikes before, but I'm guessing I could figure it out (with google's help). I looked at a couple of bikes on BikesDirect and they seem to have similar entry level parts like the ones at the lbs. Could you give me a suggestion of which bikes you are talking about with the much better components?
Would you recommend this over the Trek PDX? https://www.bikesdirect.com/products/...tte_x_disc.htm
Would you recommend this over the Trek PDX? https://www.bikesdirect.com/products/...tte_x_disc.htm
If you've never worked on bikes before or haven't done many things mechanical before, then don't try to embark upon the bicycle assembling project, unless you live near a bicycle cooperative, or a friendly neighborhood bicycle mechanic, or something.
Assembling a bicycle for the first time, takes much more time than you might think, if you're going it alone. The hardest part, is installing the crank. That's something that has to be done, absolutely correctly. If you strip the threads, it's going to be costly. I don't know if Nashbar or Bikesdirect.com ship bikes that already have their cranks installed or not, but if they don't, that's not something to do by yourself for the first time!
Now having said that. If you can get your friendly LBS to assist you with detailed information, you might be alright provided that you let them install the crank. All of the other installations are simple enough, that you could use alternative sources, to get correct installation information. First of all, you have your computer internet video search mode. There you can type in the search box anything you would like to install, and there's most probably a video related to your installation. Next, there's the public library. There you can either find bicycle repair and installation videos or books related to whatever installation or repair job you're about to perform.
You can already see that this is going to consume your time.
Now what would be good is if you could locate a bicycle cooperative in your area. Something like "The Bike Kitchen" would be perfect. There, you could just assemble your bike under the watchful eyes of well-seasoned bike mechanics.
Personally, I think learning how to assemble a bike should come from at first owning a bike and then just from adjusting and replacing components over a period of time, you become familiar with the bike in time (say like about a year).
What you're about to do is very stressful, expensive, and time-consuming. I don't suggest it at this time!
Buy new from a reputable bicycle shop. Then just start adjusting parts and replacing them whenever they wear out. That's good enough at first. Maybe when you have time, you can take a bike repair course at a LBS or something.
- Slim
PS.
If you do have a really good bicycle cooperative nearby, then by all means go for it! However, if you're doing it all by yourself, and you haven't worked on bikes before, I would strongly advised you to buy a new, wholely assembled bike.
Last edited by SlimRider; 10-02-11 at 12:49 PM.
10-02-11, 12:52 PM
#33
Senior Member
Never really worked on bikes before, but I'm guessing I could figure it out (with google's help). I looked at a couple of bikes on BikesDirect and they seem to have similar entry level parts like the ones at the lbs. Could you give me a suggestion of which bikes you are talking about with the much better components?
Would you recommend this over the Trek PDX? https://www.bikesdirect.com/products/...tte_x_disc.htm
Would you recommend this over the Trek PDX? https://www.bikesdirect.com/products/...tte_x_disc.htm
In reality, it depends on what kind of setup you are looking for. Personally, I am big fan of having drop bars on a commuter. You can flatten out if there is wind, ride on top or on the hoods- in my opinion more comfortable than the one position allotted by drop bars. But then I've always been a fan of road bikes because of how they ride. It also gives you the option of putting smaller tires and doing longer road rides. Overall they are much more versatile than the cafe type hybrid bikes. Cyclocross bikes give you the performance of a road bike but with clearance for fenders, racks and bigger tires. If you price limit is firmly around $600 and you wanted to go the cyclocross route, you might consider this bike: https://www.bikesdirect.com/products/..._cross_cx2.htm
It has solid Sora and Tiagra components which are on the lower end of Shimano's road line. When I say they are on the lower end, I mean they are on the lower end of Shimano's good components before you drop off into the cheaper department store level stuff. They are good quality components that will give you many years of good service. They are however much much better than the components on the bikes you were thinking about, some of which are department store quality components (i.e. the Tourney front derailleur on the Trek).
This is just my point of view on the subject of commuter bikes, others might see it otherwise.
You could also check out Performance bike shop- there are several in Portland. They might still have some of last year's bikes on closeout. Their entry level x-330 cyclocross bike is similar to the one I mentioned above except that it has a carbon fork as well. I previously owned one that was stolen and if they have any of the old ones on closeout they can sometimes be had for around $600 and you wouldn't have to worry about assembly and they will do tuneups and whatnot free. The only thing I didn't like about that bike was the geometry didn't leave quite enough room for panniers on a rear rack and I had a fair amount of heal strike on my panniers.
If you live in or near Beaverton, I'd be happy to help you assemble the bike if you go the BD route.
Last edited by matimeo; 10-02-11 at 01:03 PM.
10-02-11, 12:59 PM
#34
Senior Member
Hi there Hacksaw!
If you've never worked on bikes before or haven't done many things mechanical before, then don't try to embark upon the bicycle assembling project, unless you live near a bicycle cooperative, or a friendly neighborhood bicycle mechanic, or something.
Assembling a bicycle for the first time, takes much more time than you might think, if you're going it alone. The hardest part, is installing the crank. That's something that has to be done, absolutely correctly. If you strip the threads, it's going to be costly. I don't know if Nashbar or Bikesdirect.com ship bikes that already have their cranks installed or not, but if they don't, that's not something to do by yourself for the first time!
If you've never worked on bikes before or haven't done many things mechanical before, then don't try to embark upon the bicycle assembling project, unless you live near a bicycle cooperative, or a friendly neighborhood bicycle mechanic, or something.
Assembling a bicycle for the first time, takes much more time than you might think, if you're going it alone. The hardest part, is installing the crank. That's something that has to be done, absolutely correctly. If you strip the threads, it's going to be costly. I don't know if Nashbar or Bikesdirect.com ship bikes that already have their cranks installed or not, but if they don't, that's not something to do by yourself for the first time!
It is true that it might take you some time, but like I said before, you'll learn a lot and potentially save a lot of money in the future by being able to do your own adjustments and routine maintenance. It can get spendy to pay the bike shop to do that kind of stuff. Plus Portland does have a lot of bike co-ops you could use and you have the internet for crying out loud. There ain't much you can't figure out how to do on the internet.
10-02-11, 01:37 PM
#35
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Hi there Hacksaw!
If you've never worked on bikes before or haven't done many things mechanical before, then don't try to embark upon the bicycle assembling project, unless you live near a bicycle cooperative, or a friendly neighborhood bicycle mechanic, or something.
Assembling a bicycle for the first time, takes much more time than you might think, if you're going it alone. The hardest part, is installing the crank. That's something that has to be done, absolutely correctly. If you strip the threads, it's going to be costly. I don't know if Nashbar or Bikesdirect.com ship bikes that already have their cranks installed or not, but if they don't, that's not something to do by yourself for the first time!
Now having said that. If you can get your friendly LBS to assist you with detailed information, you might be alright provided that you let them install the crank. All of the other installations are simple enough, that you could use alternative sources, to get correct installation information. First of all, you have your computer internet video search mode. There you can type in the search box anything you would like to install, and there's most probably a video related to your installation. Next, there's the public library. There you can either find bicycle repair and installation videos or books related to whatever installation or repair job you're about to perform.
You can already see that this is going to consume your time.
Now what would be good is if you could locate a bicycle cooperative in your area. Something like "The Bike Kitchen" would be perfect. There, you could just assemble your bike under the watchful eyes of well-seasoned bike mechanics.
Personally, I think learning how to assemble a bike should come from at first owning a bike and then just from adjusting and replacing components over a period of time, you become familiar with the bike in time (say like about a year).
What you're about to do is very stressful, expensive, and time-consuming. I don't suggest it at this time!
Buy new from a reputable bicycle shop. Then just start adjusting parts and replacing them whenever they wear out. That's good enough at first. Maybe when you have time, you can take a bike repair course at a LBS or something.
- Slim
PS.
If you do have a really good bicycle cooperative nearby, then by all means go for it! However, if you're doing it all by yourself, and you haven't worked on bikes before, I would strongly advised you to buy a new, wholely assembled bike.
If you've never worked on bikes before or haven't done many things mechanical before, then don't try to embark upon the bicycle assembling project, unless you live near a bicycle cooperative, or a friendly neighborhood bicycle mechanic, or something.
Assembling a bicycle for the first time, takes much more time than you might think, if you're going it alone. The hardest part, is installing the crank. That's something that has to be done, absolutely correctly. If you strip the threads, it's going to be costly. I don't know if Nashbar or Bikesdirect.com ship bikes that already have their cranks installed or not, but if they don't, that's not something to do by yourself for the first time!
Now having said that. If you can get your friendly LBS to assist you with detailed information, you might be alright provided that you let them install the crank. All of the other installations are simple enough, that you could use alternative sources, to get correct installation information. First of all, you have your computer internet video search mode. There you can type in the search box anything you would like to install, and there's most probably a video related to your installation. Next, there's the public library. There you can either find bicycle repair and installation videos or books related to whatever installation or repair job you're about to perform.
You can already see that this is going to consume your time.
Now what would be good is if you could locate a bicycle cooperative in your area. Something like "The Bike Kitchen" would be perfect. There, you could just assemble your bike under the watchful eyes of well-seasoned bike mechanics.
Personally, I think learning how to assemble a bike should come from at first owning a bike and then just from adjusting and replacing components over a period of time, you become familiar with the bike in time (say like about a year).
What you're about to do is very stressful, expensive, and time-consuming. I don't suggest it at this time!
Buy new from a reputable bicycle shop. Then just start adjusting parts and replacing them whenever they wear out. That's good enough at first. Maybe when you have time, you can take a bike repair course at a LBS or something.
- Slim
PS.
If you do have a really good bicycle cooperative nearby, then by all means go for it! However, if you're doing it all by yourself, and you haven't worked on bikes before, I would strongly advised you to buy a new, wholely assembled bike.
I know you're trying to be helpful and all, but if why go into a rant about installing cranksets when you have no clue how a bicycle ships (with the BB and crank installed)?
Unfortunately, the new members you're attempting to mentor don't realize that you don't know what you're talking about.
10-02-11, 01:49 PM
#36
Banned
We just moved to Portland, so I will be riding in a lot of rain. I'm guessing disc brakes would be a better option.
to wear those brakes out.
Sturmey Archer offers a Dynamo Drum, Front Hub. And an option of a 3, 5 or 8 speed
IG hub , Drum brake combo.
Shimano offers a disc /dynamo combo front hub. and some IG hub Disc combo's ..
long, dark, wet season you will need lights, why not generate the electricity
to run them, while you ride. ?
Thick, external cogs on IG hubs, last longer than derailleur stuff , that is thinner.
And a very good lock , any place , that moves a lot of 2nd hand bikes ,
takes some of them from their Owners.
Last edited by fietsbob; 10-02-11 at 01:52 PM.
10-02-11, 01:52 PM
#37
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I know you're trying to be helpful and all, but if why go into a rant about installing cranksets when you have no clue how a bicycle ships (with the BB and crank installed)?
Unfortunately, the new members you're attempting to mentor don't realize that you don't know what you're talking about.
Unfortunately, the new members you're attempting to mentor don't realize that you don't know what you're talking about.
Jeff, apparently, you didn't read it well...
- Slim
PS.
BTW- I've built many bikes before, Jeff. I've also assisted novices who became so frustrated about the proper installation of components, that they no longer desired to ride bikes anymore. This is especially so in the case of one female in particular. She needed to commute to her new job by bicycle on Monday morning. I had to assemble her bike for her, late on the previous Sunday night.
Last edited by SlimRider; 10-02-11 at 02:00 PM.
10-02-11, 01:52 PM
#38
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@matimeo. The disc brakes are pretty awesome. On my test drives yesterday it was a little wet out and the disc brakes on the PDX were night and day compared to the Trek Monona. When I locked up the Monona the rear end would slide out, but not with the pdx...just a fast, clean stop.
I'm a bit nervous about ordering a bike without a test ride. I like the looks of that Fantom CX but it looks like it sits quite a bit higher than the bikes I have been testing out. Being a novice rider, I want to ride something I feel comfortable on (around this busy city). Thoughts?
I'm a bit nervous about ordering a bike without a test ride. I like the looks of that Fantom CX but it looks like it sits quite a bit higher than the bikes I have been testing out. Being a novice rider, I want to ride something I feel comfortable on (around this busy city). Thoughts?
10-02-11, 01:53 PM
#39
Bicycle Repair Man !!!
I go to Portland pretty regularly and am central there... you can add me to the list of people you can hit up for help if I happen to be there and have some extra time.
10-02-11, 02:13 PM
#40
Senior Member
@matimeo. The disc brakes are pretty awesome. On my test drives yesterday it was a little wet out and the disc brakes on the PDX were night and day compared to the Trek Monona. When I locked up the Monona the rear end would slide out, but not with the pdx...just a fast, clean stop.
I'm a bit nervous about ordering a bike without a test ride. I like the looks of that Fantom CX but it looks like it sits quite a bit higher than the bikes I have been testing out. Being a novice rider, I want to ride something I feel comfortable on (around this busy city). Thoughts?
I'm a bit nervous about ordering a bike without a test ride. I like the looks of that Fantom CX but it looks like it sits quite a bit higher than the bikes I have been testing out. Being a novice rider, I want to ride something I feel comfortable on (around this busy city). Thoughts?
10-02-11, 02:30 PM
#41
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@matimeo. The disc brakes are pretty awesome. On my test drives yesterday it was a little wet out and the disc brakes on the PDX were night and day compared to the Trek Monona. When I locked up the Monona the rear end would slide out, but not with the pdx...just a fast, clean stop.
I'm a bit nervous about ordering a bike without a test ride. I like the looks of that Fantom CX but it looks like it sits quite a bit higher than the bikes I have been testing out. Being a novice rider, I want to ride something I feel comfortable on (around this busy city). Thoughts?
I'm a bit nervous about ordering a bike without a test ride. I like the looks of that Fantom CX but it looks like it sits quite a bit higher than the bikes I have been testing out. Being a novice rider, I want to ride something I feel comfortable on (around this busy city). Thoughts?
My thoughts are as follows. You are new to all of this...
Buy your brand new bike and enjoy it! Don't make it a science project unless you have the time to properly devote to the challenge of assembling a brand new bicycle. If you indeed have the time, then there will be no other more enjoyable feeling in the world that will make you feel more accomplished and independent than assembling your own bicycle. Apparently, you have bicycle cooperatives there in and around the Portland area. That's great! You can use them to assemble your bicycle!
However, if it were me, just beginning without adequate time needed to properly assemble a bicycle, I would just purchase the new bicycle and enjoy riding it. I would let the LBS explain to me how various parts work on my bicycle, so that I could do my own repairs, adjustments, and replacements. After owning your bicycle for a certain period of time, you'll find that things aren't so mysterious anymore. In time, you can become a very knowledgeable and independent cyclist.
Most brand new bicycles come with manuals to read. You can read about their construction and the proper care for the bicycle. You can also take bicycle repair classes at LBS and at bicycle cooperatives. You also have the option of actually taking your new bicycle to the cooperative so that you can completely inspect your bicycle under the supervision of an experienced bicycle mechanic.
Personally, I think this new experience is causing you some unnecessary stress. You like the Trek PDX. Then buy it, ride it, and enjoy it! Learn how to properly repair and care for it. That's it!
There will be plenty of time for learning another day. You'll learn a little bit each day, everyday.......
- Slim
10-02-11, 04:03 PM
#43
Senior Member
Here's the Fuji I was talking about from performance: https://www.performancebike.com/bikes...6#ReviewHeader
They will ship it to store for free if they don't have it in stock. You could ask them if they would be willing to assemble for you once shipped.
I'm personally not a fan of the geometry on this bike, but it comes with rack and fenders and specified for commuting: https://www.performancebike.com/bikes..._20000__400319
They will ship it to store for free if they don't have it in stock. You could ask them if they would be willing to assemble for you once shipped.
I'm personally not a fan of the geometry on this bike, but it comes with rack and fenders and specified for commuting: https://www.performancebike.com/bikes..._20000__400319
Last edited by matimeo; 10-02-11 at 04:08 PM.
10-02-11, 04:42 PM
#44
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I ride a 2010 PDX. Over the years I've replaced the grips with ergons, FD with XT, RD with LX and am looking into replacing the brakes with avid BB7s. It was what I could afford at the time and using the upgrades overtime has made it a significantly better bike.
I absolutely love the bike though, it is fast, nimble, and fun to ride. I've been able to keep up with cars on the road and take it off road on light trails, I even use it for grocery shopping using the axiom journey disc rack and grocery panniers. Definatly look into at least getting better grips though, I use ergon gc2 and it's night and day. The extra hand position is a must.
The disc brakes, at least on my model, are kind of crappy though. Riding in the rain SUCKS, they squeal like nothing else and don't provide a fast stop. Which might be a factor of those slick 28s, they are great for going fast but when it comes to stopping in the rain they just have no grip at all.
This was my first real bike and I've used it to teach myself pretty much everything. I'd be confident putting a bike together now where as before I wouldn't have known where to start. Barrel adjusters? How do they work? Attach derailleur to seat tube and adjust the lower limit screw when the chain is on the two chain rings closest to the frame? Wha? I had no idea what any of those things where, let alone what they actually did, let alone how to set them up properly. I'm with SlimRider on this one, buy the bike you like, ride it, have fun, and use it to learn the basics. In a year or two once you've wrenched around on it a bit and know how a bike works inside and out consider getting a better bike in a box. Then you'd also be able to determine what you would like to be different/same.
I absolutely love the bike though, it is fast, nimble, and fun to ride. I've been able to keep up with cars on the road and take it off road on light trails, I even use it for grocery shopping using the axiom journey disc rack and grocery panniers. Definatly look into at least getting better grips though, I use ergon gc2 and it's night and day. The extra hand position is a must.
The disc brakes, at least on my model, are kind of crappy though. Riding in the rain SUCKS, they squeal like nothing else and don't provide a fast stop. Which might be a factor of those slick 28s, they are great for going fast but when it comes to stopping in the rain they just have no grip at all.
This was my first real bike and I've used it to teach myself pretty much everything. I'd be confident putting a bike together now where as before I wouldn't have known where to start. Barrel adjusters? How do they work? Attach derailleur to seat tube and adjust the lower limit screw when the chain is on the two chain rings closest to the frame? Wha? I had no idea what any of those things where, let alone what they actually did, let alone how to set them up properly. I'm with SlimRider on this one, buy the bike you like, ride it, have fun, and use it to learn the basics. In a year or two once you've wrenched around on it a bit and know how a bike works inside and out consider getting a better bike in a box. Then you'd also be able to determine what you would like to be different/same.
10-02-11, 05:51 PM
#45
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You guys are making me want to order a bike-in-a-box from bikes direct, and try slappin' one together.
10-02-11, 06:05 PM
#46
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So I pulled the trigger on the PDX. I think it will be a great starter bike for me, I really like the look/feel of it and the disc brakes. I had them throw on the fenders as well. I will let you know how she holds up after a Portland winter. Thanks for all the suggestions everyone.
10-02-11, 06:24 PM
#47
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Nice Job Hacksaw35!
Mission Complete...10-4
- Slim
Mission Complete...10-4
- Slim
10-02-11, 06:59 PM
#48
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10-02-11, 07:39 PM
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This was a great thread...so thank you all. I, too, am looking for more of a commute road bike..and live here in Eugene. I was able to get out and look and test ride a couple of bikes. I am looking at the Trek 7.2FX WDS. I am off to check out the Jamis CODA Sport FEMME tomorrow. Have a great week.
10-02-11, 07:45 PM
#50
Senior Member
Yeah, it is pretty ridiculous, although from time to time you find a good deal. Good theory to explain the out of this world prices.