fastbartender

Hi people,

I'm selling my car and buying a bike for the commute. I'm basically trying to get the most bang for my "around" 500 bucks. I've been researching the redlines--mostly right here--and was about to commit before I stumbled upon the Masi steel Speciale Commuter. Now I'm not entirely sure and I thought I'd pick the more experienced brains on this forum.

Are the components significantly better on either bike?

I believe the redline has a more relaxed geometry, will this translate to a notable speed difference between the two?

Could somebody who has experience with both brands give me the 411?

Thanks in advance!

camashtorcal

You probably should have just stuck with your first inclination. Because there are more than several options in your price range and even more if you add 100 or 200 bucks. Look at the "Show us your bike" thread and take a look. And whatever catches your eyes, start from there and start a list. Figure out what fits and doesn't fit in your price range. Cause none of these bikes are going to explode on you. And unfortunately in the bike world 500 bucks is going to buy you a cheap starter bike, or a decent frame and fork. Just change the stock tires of whatever bike you get and you should be good to roll for a while. People have gotten hundreds and thousands of miles on the cheapest bikes on this forum, so I imagine you'll be ok. In the end my advice is to choose the bike you like to look at the most and that you can afford. Fast bikes are fast cause of the rider not the bike.

nightfly

I bought a Redline 925 a few years ago after having had a cheap conversion, a Bianchi Pista and another super sweet 1970s Italian frame with columbus steel and chromed lugs conversion. I like the Redline best because it fit me the best. It's very comfortable and versatile and I've put hundreds of miles on it. I thought I'd take off the fenders right away but it turned out, fenders rock. I bought it during a rainy spring and the fenders stayed on and kept me from getting soaked many times.

I would buy whichever fits you better. The components on the Redline aren't great but they don't suck. They are good to go and you can change as needed. For me I've basically kept everything but the seat, stem, bars, tires and pedals. I'd actually like to replace the cranks with something sexier but the Veros it comes with are pretty good.

Only downside of the 925 is that it's a bit heavy. I would love a frame with similar geometry that weighs less.

markaitch

i ride a fixed gear earlier model 925.
over time i took off the fenders & changed the bars, lever, seat, cranks.
i beat the hell out of this thing & it just begs for more. it is the most versatile bike i have ever owned. i commute 30 mi round trip 2-4 times a week, take it on epic weekend rides, occasional touring with a rack & bags & i even throw on cx tires to ride it off-road on some of the very same mtb trails where i take my stumpjumper. yeah, it's not the lightest, but not too bad & i value the sturdiness. the geometry works really well for my many purposes.
fastbartender...what do you plan to use your bike for?
my buddy has a masi special commuter, i just helped him gear it. it has built-in derailer hanger & cable bosses so it was very easy to add the gearing. his masi does look kinda sexy, i like the horizontal tt & drop bars.
of course i am prejudiced but i still like my my 925 much better. i think the new model looks pretty classy for the price. it has a cool sparkle paint job, neat curved handlebar & interesting brake levers. plus 925s do come with fenders & chainguard if you like that stuff.
if this is a poll, i vote redline...

TejanoTrackie 

Congratulations.

Scrodzilla

fastbartender

wow thanks guys...balloons and everything! more helpful than I expected from a bunch of bicycle riding wierdo's...... I'll post some pictures when I pick it up.

Lilcphoto

I'm thinking a run of shirts is in order... I'd definitely sport a Tejano shirt!

JesusBananas

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA

New favorite image. Although it is a tossup between this and the JesusBananas picture...

puppypilgrim

Redline 925? Congrats! Ride it. Tweak it, modify it once parts wear out. Love it.

I got a Kilo TT in chrome at 47cm. Fit is very very good and I've been trying different things on it and loving the bike. If you get a frame that fit you well, you'll have the same experience with the Redline.

Ultraspontane

shoulda got a bonocog