Relative cost / priceiness / value of bike brands

[mprelaw]

What kind of wheels does that one have? Alex 500's?

Rims	Alex ALX 200, CNC, 20 Hole Front 24 Hole Rear
Front Hub	Alex ALX 200 wheelset 24/28 Hole
Rear Hub	Alex ALX 200 wheelset 24/28 Hole

[billyymc]

I considered a lot of brands, and finally realized that, for what I was getting, GT gave me the best value for the dollar. Including a frame from Taiwan, and not mainland China.

Here you go---MSRP $1,210, with full Tiagra components, whereas Spesh gives you SORA for the same price, on a Chinese frame. I'm betting that if there's a dealer around you within reasonable driving distance, you can get it for somewhere in the $1000-$1100 range.

Attachment 247721

You have 3 dealers listed right in the Binghampton area---two American Cycle Express outlets and BC Bicycles, and another in New Milford PA. One each in Ithaca and Syracuse.

Thanks..I'll check out GT. But their dealer list is misleading I think. American Cycle Express...no idea wtf that even is, and BC Bicycles is a weird little shop -- when I went in there the other day the guy had no idea what a cyclocross bike even is.

SF - I'll check out REI too, but again we don't have one close. I need my wife to ride before we buy...otherwise if it's not right it'll be my fault!

I really intended this thread to be more general, and not necessarily specific to my own current search for a bike for my wife. But the comments have been helpful, and I think will facilitate our search this Friday at out of town shops.

[Paul Barnard]

Rims	Alex ALX 200, CNC, 20 Hole Front 24 Hole Rear
Front Hub	Alex ALX 200 wheelset 24/28 Hole
Rear Hub	Alex ALX 200 wheelset 24/28 Hole

That's where they saved the money on that bike. Still for $170 shipped from Jenson you could have a set of Mavics, and when you look at it that way it stands out as a very good value.

[Seattle Forrest]

SF - I'll check out REI too, but again we don't have one close. I need my wife to ride before we buy...otherwise if it's not right it'll be my fault!

Well, don't get a Novara Element. Harshest ride I've ever had. Somebody told me it's hard to get a disc brake compatible fork right, it has to be stronger because the braking force is applied near the bottom, and they tend to just be too stiff. The guy could have made it up, though. Anyway, ask when their next "scratch and dent" sale is; at full price, they're probably just another big box store with a bike department.

[dtrain]

I think you are right about Kona offering a better value. When I shop, for whatever reason I am drawn to comparing drivetrain parts. But more important than that to me are the wheels to include the hubs. Be sure to compare the wheelsets. A lot of manufacturers spec low end wheels or decent wheels with Formula hubs. You'll find a lot of house brand bars, stems etc. and as far as I am concerned, at that price point you won't find a discernable difference. If you are averse to ordering online, there will be a shop somewhere that has a good deal on a new non-current. You might have to make some calls and burn some gas to find one though. Always ask the sales staff if they have any non-currents not on display.

I agree - but that's a challenge with Fuji. I have very little idea how to evaluate the Oval wheels on recent models.

[IcySmooth52]

I think you need to put more attention to how she's going to fit, and how she's really going to ride before considering value.

Q: Is she petite in build? Not all women need women's bikes, but if she's of a small build a women's bike will be far better for her. (I'm not just talking about being short here).

Q: Where/how is she going to really ride? I notice a lot of new riders like how a cyclocross bike handles because its very stable, they're not use to a road bike. (In short it's closer to the flat bar'd hybrid or mountain bike they had before.) Even if they're never going to race, a plush or touring bike will do them so much better once fitted right.

If she's going to be riding club rides or just for fitness on the road I would recommend;
-Felt's ZW series (covers almost every budget and a fine value on components)
^The ZW95 is the cheapest in-the-drops shifters real bike on the market!
-Giant's Avail series (not an amazing value, but better than other big brands and would stay local for you)
-Cannondale's Synapse Alloy 6 & 7 (going above those 2 models you can get a better value with other brands)
-Jamis Ventura Race Fem. (A bit over your budget I bet, but a relaxed geometry bike with Shimano 105 and carbon where it matters most for that price!?)
-Jamis Satellite Comp Fem. (Will handle similarly to the cyclocross bike, but cheaper, meant for the road and women)
-Fuji Finest 1.0 (A great choice for $1200, 2.0 & 3.0 aren't as competitive to other brands)

All have a better value than that cyclocross bike and I would be willing to bet would serve her so much better.

[billyymc]

I don't think she'd need a WSD but she's only tried one WSD road bike. She's 5'8", not petite - athletic, an ex-Div I swimmer.

[EdgewaterDude]

I'll add another vouch for Jamis. I've got one and I think it's a pretty good value.

[IcySmooth52]

I don't think she'd need a WSD but she's only tried one WSD road bike. She's 5'8", not petite - athletic, an ex-Div I swimmer.

In that case, I recommend considering the men's version of all those bikes too (Fuji Newest 1.0, Giant Defy, Felt Z series, etc.) Now that you've brought up athletic I have to ask, do you think she'll be pushing herself while riding? A different style of rider? More 'zesty' in handling, which is further from the cyclocross, but I would try to help her see the benefit once she gets use to it.

If so, these are a different approach of a bike with great values too:
Cannondale's CAAD8 series (Frame isn't the newest. But if good enough for racers back then, not good enough for us?)
Felt F AL series (Best frame in this price range. Tapered head tube, same geometry as the carbon models)

Stay away from Kona's road line. Poor value until you get to their carbon lineup.

[RyKnocks]

Have you considered the Specialized Vita? Does she NEED/WANT drop bars? If not, then the Vita would be perfect.

[chasm54]

OP, I'll add my voice to those saying that at a given price point, it is difficult to say that one major bike brand offers better value than another.

Having said that, $1250 sounds a lot for a Tricross sport. I could buy one of them over here for the sterling equivalent of about $1000, and as a general rule bikes are no cheaper here than in the States.

And while it is not strictly a question of value, I agree with you about Kona. I have a Paddy Wagon (their FG/SS bike) and it is well made and was a very competitive buy when compared with other options of similar quality. And I like Kona's style - their bikes tend to have a bit more individuality than some of the bigger makes. Purely subjective, of course, and merely shows that what seems like value is often as much about personal preference as about any measurable difference in components etc.

[pweller]

The general rule is that the lesser known brands are better values. Basically, all of the advertising, sponsorships, and other wasteful spending done by 'known brands' just adds to the cost of the bike. Plus, you are looking at big brands all using the same form of distribution (i.e. brick and mortar local shops), so you shouldn't expect much difference in terms of value. Basically, they're all doing the same thing, so their prices are also about the same.

So, the best value will be a lesser known brand from an internet dealer, in most cases. Personally, I bought a GT road bike and assembled it myself. Anything through bikesdirect.com, or bikeshopwarehouse.com (where I got mine), will probably beat a local deal on a known brand.

You can't really rely on the dealer lists on the manufacturer's websites either. One local dealer is listed as a Felt dealer, but I didn't see even one Felt in stock last time I was there. They are basically just a 'special order' dealer.

If you do some research on exactly who is doing the manufacturing, it will also blur the lines for you between a 'well-known' and a 'lesser-known' brand. For example, a lot of Colnago bikes are made by Giant. In fact, I think Giant is making bikes for some of the other companies mentioned in this thread.

[aztimm]

Evidently I got a really good deal when I got my Specialized TriCross. Picked it up during a December sale 2-1/2 years ago for $600. It has Tiagra components, which seem decent enough.

Heck if it wasn't so far to get it to you, I'd sell it to you

When does she need the bike by? This is the peak season for buying, shops know it, and discounts or sales are rare (I just bought a new bike a few weeks ago).

[billyymc]

aztimm - we're actually looking to pick up a bike for her in the next week or so. She wants some good solid ride and training time before an early august triathlon.

I have no issues assembling a bike myself. I've ordered mountain bikes and frames online both for myself and the kids. But I'd really like my wife to have a chance to ride a bike before buying.

[SlimRider]

You might wanna checkout the Jamis Nova Race, the Jamis Satellite Comp, the Jamis Bosanova, and also, the Schwinn Fastback.

Good Luck!

[bikerjp]

Have you considered the Specialized Vita? Does she NEED/WANT drop bars? If not, then the Vita would be perfect.

Along those lines, I know where she could get a WSD Quick w/105 and carbon fork/stays for $750. That's a good deal in my opinion. If it was my size/gender I'd consider picking one up.

It's not in Mass, though.

[billyymc]

It's not in Mass, though.

Neither am I.

Going to stick with a drop bar bike...she already has a converted steel mtb that she's riding on the roads -- and in her mind it won't be much of a change to move to something like the Vita.

Thanks for the Jamis suggestions those who threw them out. I like the look and spec on those. Will have to see if I can find a close dealer that has some in stock.

[bikerjp]

Neither am I.

Sorry. Read the wrong post.

[bikemig]

I am a big fan of cross bikes and I think it is a great choice. There is a lot to be said for the combination of a racing frame with fat tires. The bike will be more comfortable than a similarly spec'd road racing bike. Insofar as brand goes, most folks will tell you to get what they own cuz that's what they like. So I own a 2004 fuji cross, love the bike, and think it is good value for money. Other brands I'd seriously consider are the Soma and Surly cross bikes. They're steel so they'll weigh a bit more than an aluminum frame/carbon fork bike but they are also well made and dependable. Frankly, rather than worry too much about the make of the bike, I'd find a store I want to do business with and go with a brand they sell. You want someone good putting your bike together and taking care of it.

[FrenchFit]

Ok...I guess I didn't' ask my question well, or didn't think it through well. I was really trying to get thoughts on what brands seem to provide "better value" at any given price point. After reading some responses I think that's too vague and probably varies by type of bike, price point, etc.

So let me ask this then -- I really like my local shop that carries Specialized and Cannondale. I bought my parents each a Globe bike there last year. I buy some of my parts there (although I tend to buy more online and do all my own work except wheels). And I like the owner and the staff. I'd like to give them more business. And I'm really staying away from buying online for my wife...I want her to be able to ride and feel the bike before we buy. I would buy online for myself without hesitation.

So - to be more specific...the Tricross Sport with mostly Sora spec'd components -- does it seem pricey to you in comparison with other brands at that price point? I'm really kind of leaning toward the Kona Jake the Snake, even if it goes a bit over budget. It seems like I'm getting more for my $ with Kona than with Specialized.

If we had a Performance shop anywhere nearby I'd check out the Fuji bikes as well. And while I'd be ok with BD for me...I'm not so much for her. She wouldn't like if I had to swap parts to get the fit right after we bought it. She also really hated SRAM shifting style (double tap) and we wouldn't' have known that if we hadn't ridden bikes at the LBS.

The only thing that matters is which bike she likes. You are thinling penny smart and pound foolish.

If you makes you feel better, I built up a TriCross frame with my own components, love the bike. I supect I'll feel the same way 5, 10 years from now.

[billyymc]

The only thing that matters is which bike she likes. You are thinling penny smart and pound foolish.

Good point, and one I haven't overlooked. But I still think a sora equipped bike for $1,250 is high. And it's worth it to me to take a short road trip to see what else there is outside my immediate area.

Thanks for all the comments here.