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2014 Novara Randonee: $600. Is this a complete no-brainer?

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2014 Novara Randonee: $600. Is this a complete no-brainer?

Old 03-09-15, 06:29 PM
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2014 Novara Randonee: $600. Is this a complete no-brainer?

I visited the local REI store today on a completely non-bike related errand (pick up a waist/fanny pack for short hikes). While I was there I ran into the manager of the bike department who is an acquaintance and while shooting the breeze about bikes with him, I mentioned that I was thinking of selling my Yeti ASR 5 (he wants it!) since at my age and skill level (old and very rudimentary, respectively) and possibly getting a touring bike. (NOTE: I've never gone bike touring in my life--but I met someone on road ride who's close to my age who's done a lot of touring and, well, who knows--N+1 and all that). The REI guy said they had a Novara Randonee on clearance and showed it to me. It was marked down from an original $1,200 to $718. That piqued my interest so I went to the register and asked them to print out a data sheet on the bike. There we discovered that it had been marked down AGAIN and was for sale for $600, or half-price. Yikes! My bike lust went into overdrive and he offered to hold it for me for a day while I researched this.

Here are the high points, taken from the inventory data sheet:

Model: Novara Randonee-2014

Size: Large for riders 5' 9" to 6'. (Measurements/geo not on the data sheet.) I'm 6' and it seemed to be close to a good size for me, although we just checked standover clearance.)

* Classic touring frame accommodates front and rear racks and fenders. Rear rack provided (front rack and fenders sold separately)

* Reynolds 520 chomoly frame.

* Shimano Deore LX crankset and front derailleur

* SRAM bar end shifters and X7 rear derailleur, make up the 30-speed drivetrain (so 3 X10?)

* SRAM rear derailleur accommodates up a to 36t rear cogfor an ultra-low gear option

* Tektro linear-pull brakes. Wide brake arm spacing allows ample room for fenders

* Robust Mavic A3019S 36-hole rims and puncture-resistan Continental Touring Plus Reflex tires have the durability needed to log long miles; tires also have reflective sidewall ()

* Riveted leather saddle (looked kind of cheap to me, but I have an unused Brooks Professional in the parts bin...)

* Randonee's fork features a cable guiede braze-on for easy upgrading to a dynamo front hub; also includes spoke holders on the drive-side chainstay

* Pedals sold separately

* Crankset 44/32/22

* Rear cogs: SRAM PG-1050, 11-32, 10-speed

* Brakes Tektro RX6

* Front and rear hubs: Shimano Deore LX, 36h

* Handlebar FSA Wing Compact

* Stem and seatpost: Kalloy (????)

* Saddle Velo VL-1221

* Headset FSA Orbit

* Weight: 28.1. (I had them weigh it while I was there, with pedals--it was right around 29 lbs)

Now, I've never toured a day in my life and I do have a tendency to buy things just because they are such a great deal. I'm really tempted by this bike, but don't know if I will pull the trigger or not. Of course that's my decision. I thought I would post here in hopes of getting some feedback on just how good a deal this is---or not.

I've been taking my time thinking, reading about touring bikes and until today my plan was to keep looking for an '80's "vintage" touring bike to try out. I'm especially interested Doc Cannondale's "resto-mod" bikes and that may turn out to be the way to go.

Another possibility is that if I decide not to get it, but there is someone who is dying to get one of these, I could facilitate in getting it. Build up some good bike karma....

So there you have it. All comments, pros/cons, etc. welcome.

STP
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Old 03-09-15, 06:38 PM
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I was looking at those the other day. If it's your size and you think you might ride it, go ahead and get it.
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Old 03-09-15, 07:03 PM
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You can't go wrong. If you don't like it you can sell it for more than you paid for it. Just make sure it fits.
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Old 03-09-15, 07:17 PM
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If you have an REI credit card, that gives you 5 percent back on REI purchases, including sale items. It is added to your next dividend, the REI staff can explain it if you need more detail. Elsewhere 1 percent.
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Old 03-09-15, 07:18 PM
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Originally Posted by Porschefan
I visited the local REI store today on a completely non-bike related errand (pick up a waist/fanny pack for short hikes). While I was there I ran into the manager of the bike department who is an acquaintance and while shooting the breeze about bikes with him, I mentioned that I was thinking of selling my Yeti ASR 5 (he wants it!) since at my age and skill level (old and very rudimentary, respectively) and possibly getting a touring bike. (NOTE: I've never gone bike touring in my life--but I met someone on road ride who's close to my age who's done a lot of touring and, well, who knows--N+1 and all that). The REI guy said they had a Novara Randonee on clearance and showed it to me. It was marked down from an original $1,200 to $718. That piqued my interest so I went to the register and asked them to print out a data sheet on the bike. There we discovered that it had been marked down AGAIN and was for sale for $600, or half-price. Yikes! My bike lust went into overdrive and he offered to hold it for me for a day while I researched this.

Here are the high points, taken from the inventory data sheet:

Model: Novara Randonee-2014

Size: Large for riders 5' 9" to 6'. (Measurements/geo not on the data sheet.) I'm 6' and it seemed to be close to a good size for me, although we just checked standover clearance.)

* Classic touring frame accommodates front and rear racks and fenders. Rear rack provided (front rack and fenders sold separately)

* Reynolds 520 chomoly frame.

* Shimano Deore LX crankset and front derailleur

* SRAM bar end shifters and X7 rear derailleur, make up the 30-speed drivetrain (so 3 X10?)

* SRAM rear derailleur accommodates up a to 36t rear cogfor an ultra-low gear option

* Tektro linear-pull brakes. Wide brake arm spacing allows ample room for fenders

* Robust Mavic A3019S 36-hole rims and puncture-resistan Continental Touring Plus Reflex tires have the durability needed to log long miles; tires also have reflective sidewall ()

* Riveted leather saddle (looked kind of cheap to me, but I have an unused Brooks Professional in the parts bin...)

* Randonee's fork features a cable guiede braze-on for easy upgrading to a dynamo front hub; also includes spoke holders on the drive-side chainstay

* Pedals sold separately

* Crankset 44/32/22

* Rear cogs: SRAM PG-1050, 11-32, 10-speed

* Brakes Tektro RX6

* Front and rear hubs: Shimano Deore LX, 36h

* Handlebar FSA Wing Compact

* Stem and seatpost: Kalloy (????)

* Saddle Velo VL-1221

* Headset FSA Orbit

* Weight: 28.1. (I had them weigh it while I was there, with pedals--it was right around 29 lbs)

Now, I've never toured a day in my life and I do have a tendency to buy things just because they are such a great deal. I'm really tempted by this bike, but don't know if I will pull the trigger or not. Of course that's my decision. I thought I would post here in hopes of getting some feedback on just how good a deal this is---or not.

I've been taking my time thinking, reading about touring bikes and until today my plan was to keep looking for an '80's "vintage" touring bike to try out. I'm especially interested Doc Cannondale's "resto-mod" bikes and that may turn out to be the way to go.

Another possibility is that if I decide not to get it, but there is someone who is dying to get one of these, I could facilitate in getting it. Build up some good bike karma....

So there you have it. All comments, pros/cons, etc. welcome.

STP
If you have no touring plans and don't wish to make them, this bike might not be for you. The bike itself isn't anything great but for the price it is reasonable. I don't want to be a "Negative Norberta" and I am all for buying more bikes (in certain cases) but you should really think about it for a while. It took me quite some time to pull the trigger on my Surly Disc Trucker and I am glad I took that time.

My main issues are just with adding more gears in the back because it creates thinner more breakable components throughout but especially chains. Also I am never really a fan of mixing Shimano and Sram on the drive train, yes it can work but I would have kept it all Shimano (admittedly I do have SRAM brake levers and some ZIPP and Avid stuff). There are also some parts upgrades I might make but nothing so horribly major that would prevent me buying this bike if I were interested in buying it. The price is reasonable enough so you could potentially buy it and see how you like it without losing a ton of money.
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Old 03-09-15, 07:19 PM
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I agree with these two, you're getting a new bike for used price. Buy it if it fits. They work well as a commuter bike as well as touring. I wouldn't deliberate too long.

Last edited by Shifty; 03-09-15 at 08:10 PM.
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Old 03-09-15, 08:02 PM
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Originally Posted by Tourist in MSN
If you have an REI credit card, that gives you 5 percent back on REI purchases, including sale items. It is added to your next dividend, the REI staff can explain it if you need more detail. Elsewhere 1 percent.
Yep...I figured that into the $600 price. We have 7% sales tax here in NM, so 5% rebate just about covers the tax. Bike is at $598 and change + tax = ~$640, less the rebate = ~$610.00.

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Old 03-09-15, 08:17 PM
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This bike is like a Toyota Corolla. Some cars are legendary for being cheap, others are legendary for being super reliable, or fast. This bike is legendary for being decidedly middling; not bad at anything, not particularly amazing.

It's a good bike for the following:

- Touring
- Commuting
- Grocery Shopping
- Long-Distance Riding
- Adventuring
- Experimenting (Try different tires, fenders, handlebars, racks, etc).
- Trail Riding
- Casual group rides, parades, etc.
- Exercising and Enjoying Life

It's not a very good bike for the following:

- Training/Going Fast
- Off-roading and Mountain Biking
- Group Rides (debatable, I would get frustrated on my century rides not being able to keep up without strain)(My 28 pound bike puts me here anyways).
- World-Tours (I wouldn't trust some of the components in Rural Russia, doesn't mean they're bad. Right tool for the job).
- Handing down to your children as a family heirloom (Reynolds 520 is nothing super special).



One last thing: The REI sales are very common. The REI bikes routinely go on "clearance" to make way for next year's model. If you said no now, you would almost definitely find the same bike at the same price at least twice over the next year or so.
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Old 03-09-15, 08:35 PM
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buy it, i have no doubt it is worth the money, and touring can be very rewarding.

plus... it will make be feel soooo much better about buying that new tent that i absolutely don't need.
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Old 03-09-15, 08:40 PM
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Originally Posted by hueyhoolihan
buy it, i have no doubt it is worth the money, and touring can be very rewarding.

plus... it will make be feel soooo much better about buying that new tent that i absolutely don't need.
Anything to help a pal out....
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Old 03-09-15, 09:16 PM
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I never really thought of bike size in terms of 69-72 inches, sounds wide, but maybe it isn't. As everyone else has already said fit is key. If yo have bikes and a sense of what they fit like you should be able to transfer the cockpit seatpost and height length. Beyond that it is a case of reach. Compact bars seem like a bad idea, but maybe you are already comfortable on them from you road riding.

The issue is:

- price is obviously right. though in my case there probably isn't a single part I have paid for in the past or would pay for in the future, except I have had good service with LX hubs. So in my case it would be a good price for stuff I don't need.

- to outfit for touring (and you can sidestep that if you want, some people just go), you will buy a lot of other stuff, and spend a lot of other money. Tents, racks, panniers, clothes, etc... At the end of spending all that would you have rather bought a different bike? Not necessarily, but this is like spending an initial amount of money that creates an obligation to spend a lot more (unless you own all that stuff). If you look at the whole nut, will this money be a savings, and will this bike be the quality you normally buy.
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Old 03-09-15, 09:32 PM
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Thanks to all who have chimed in so far!

Originally Posted by mdilthey
This bike is like a Toyota Corolla. Some cars are legendary for being cheap, others are legendary for being super reliable, or fast. This bike is legendary for being decidedly middling; not bad at anything, not particularly amazing.
Good analogy.

It's a good bike for the following:

- Touring:
Something I'd like to try, for sure. I don't think I'd want to try it on my own, but maybe an opportunity to get into it on an easy gradient will appear. "If I buy it, it will come...."

- Commuting:
NA. Commuting days are over, thank God!

- Grocery Shopping:
Mmmm...good idea!

- Long-Distance Riding
- Adventuring:
See "touring" above.

- Experimenting (Try different tires, fenders, handlebars, racks, etc).
Good one!

- Trail Riding:
Well, I have the ASR 5 now...but that is probably way too much mountain bike for my age/skills. If that goes, this might be something fun for the easy trails in the foothills here.

- Casual group rides, parades, etc.:
Pro'lly not.

- Exercising and Enjoying Life:
Yes! Along these lines, the devil on my shoulder is saying: Great bike to "commute" to the gym and back...strap gym bag to the rack...down the MUP to the YMCA!

It's not a very good bike for the following:

- Training/Going Fast:
Have the Trek Domane for training. Going fast hasn't happened yet.

- Off-roading and Mountain Biking:
See above.

- Group Rides (debatable, I would get frustrated on my century rides not being able to keep up without strain)(My 28 pound bike puts me here anyways).
- World-Tours (I wouldn't trust some of the components in Rural Russia, doesn't mean they're bad. Right tool for the job).
- Handing down to your children as a family heirloom (Reynolds 520 is nothing super special).:
Not to worry about any of these. Although the grandkids are sure to be sorely disappointed. Wait, I'll bequeath the '89 Circuit to them!
Best justification is as a low-cost experiment. Figuring it would sell for $500 for at least a year here in ABQ, without much hassle. I should be able to easily get $100 worth of fun/education out of it.

One last thing: The REI sales are very common. The REI bikes routinely go on "clearance" to make way for next year's model. If you said no now, you would almost definitely find the same bike at the same price at least twice over the next year or so.
Good point. Always another deal coming down the pike.


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Old 03-09-15, 09:37 PM
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Originally Posted by MassiveD
I never really thought of bike size in terms of 69-72 inches, sounds wide, but maybe it isn't. As everyone else has already said fit is key. If yo have bikes and a sense of what they fit like you should be able to transfer the cockpit seatpost and height length. Beyond that it is a case of reach. Compact bars seem like a bad idea, but maybe you are already comfortable on them from you road riding.

The issue is:

- price is obviously right. though in my case there probably isn't a single part I have paid for in the past or would pay for in the future, except I have had good service with LX hubs. So in my case it would be a good price for stuff I don't need.

- to outfit for touring (and you can sidestep that if you want, some people just go), you will buy a lot of other stuff, and spend a lot of other money. Tents, racks, panniers, clothes, etc... At the end of spending all that would you have rather bought a different bike? Not necessarily, but this is like spending an initial amount of money that creates an obligation to spend a lot more (unless you own all that stuff). If you look at the whole nut, will this money be a savings, and will this bike be the quality you normally buy.
More good points. My reckoning (and I still haven't made up my mind) is that I'd be spending $100 (or so) for the experiment. If I already knew I was committed to touring, or any other use for which this style bike would be a good fit, it would definitely NOT be the bike I'd be looking for. That said, it might provide some good learning material in identifying what I would like in a more permanent solution.

STP
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Old 03-09-15, 09:39 PM
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Originally Posted by veganbikes
My main issues are just with adding more gears in the back because it creates thinner more breakable components throughout but especially chains. Also I am never really a fan of mixing Shimano and Sram on the drive train, yes it can work but I would have kept it all Shimano (admittedly I do have SRAM brake levers and some ZIPP and Avid stuff). There are also some parts upgrades I might make but nothing so horribly major that would prevent me buying this bike if I were interested in buying it. The price is reasonable enough so you could potentially buy it and see how you like it without losing a ton of money.
Thanks. More aware of the technical components now.

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Old 03-09-15, 09:58 PM
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Originally Posted by MassiveD
I never really thought of bike size in terms of 69-72 inches, sounds wide, but maybe it isn't. As everyone else has already said fit is key. If yo have bikes and a sense of what they fit like you should be able to transfer the cockpit seatpost and height length. Beyond that it is a case of reach. Compact bars seem like a bad idea, but maybe you are already comfortable on them from you road riding.
I found a little more data on the sizing:

The Randonee is sold in five sizes: 47” (XS), 52” (S), 55” (M), 57” (L), and 59” (XL), so the Randonee will fit most anybody.

I'm not an expert on sizing, but I'm getting more of a feel for what's "right." My Trek Domane is a 58cm. I'm right between a 56 and 58 in Trek sizing and decided on the 58 as being the better overall compromise. I have an 80 cm stem on it, partially due to inflexibility and not being in great condition yet, and partly because I need it. This bike is an "L," so apparently a 57--which might be good. If I move forward I'll definitely be taking a good test ride on it. I already have a bike that doesn't fit (the Schwinn Circuit) and don't need another!

BTW, the sizing info is part of a review I found HERE, if anyone is interested.

STP
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Old 03-09-15, 10:01 PM
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That was the way I did it with my first touring bike in the new millennium, but at probably more like 300. Way back when I used to do this stuff, you bought it, resale was the church basement bulletin board. Here it is. as you say, not that much to cycle the product. So the further case is that if you bought a 1200 dollar bike, would you be more inspired, or in the case you have maybe one route in mind, get it out of your system, all for spending the extra, with your marginal total being 200 or 300.

The other minor point is if you have your eye on resale you want to buy the thing people are actually looking for, like maybe an LHT, or whatever people crave at this point. People do sorta know Windsor and REI are the cheap end of the spectrum. And if they know it only cost 600 (check out the thread after thread here), and if they imagine the parts may already be smoked in your hands, your in out might be similar, but you road a lessor bike. No idea, but that is how it works in this kind of thing, if you pick the wrong side. There are certain bikes people are praying for to come up second hand, like LHT, Bike Friday, etc...
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Old 03-09-15, 10:16 PM
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Almost twenty years ago I walked into the Denver REI store and they were selling last year's Randonee for $350, half off list price. I didn't even try it on for size, I just bought it. The brifters alone cost over $200 off the shelf that year, and I had my eye on them--they were still pretty new back then. But the frame fit fine and I'm still riding it, somewhat over 50,000 miles later. Two sets of wheels and pedals and a couple of saddles and BBs, but same frame, fork, bars, components. Hasn't missed a single shift. But I haven't won any races, nor have I crossed Siberia with it.
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Old 03-09-15, 11:06 PM
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Originally Posted by Porschefan
More good points. My reckoning (and I still haven't made up my mind) is that I'd be spending $100 (or so) for the experiment. If I already knew I was committed to touring, or any other use for which this style bike would be a good fit, it would definitely NOT be the bike I'd be looking for. That said, it might provide some good learning material in identifying what I would like in a more permanent solution.

STP
This is the only touring bike out there that comes stock actually geared for touring. IMO it is on a par with a stock LHT, if not a little better.
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Old 03-09-15, 11:16 PM
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Good deal good Bike if you want one.
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Old 03-10-15, 12:12 AM
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this is a no-brainer if you want a touring bike in that price range. signs point to get it!
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Old 03-10-15, 02:55 AM
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Originally Posted by Doug64
You can't go wrong. If you don't like it you can sell it for more than you paid for it. Just make sure it fits.
+1
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Old 03-10-15, 05:25 AM
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Originally Posted by Doug64
This is the only touring bike out there that comes stock actually geared for touring. IMO it is on a par with a stock LHT, if not a little better.
+1

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Old 03-10-15, 07:12 PM
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I've bought a used Randonee for more than that. Buy it, it's an excellent touring bike.
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Old 03-10-15, 08:33 PM
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It's a no brainer. I'd argue that you would be hard pressed to find a similarly equiped bike for anywhere near $600. Buy it put it in the garage and if for some crazy reason you change your mind you can return it. I have around 8k trouble fees miles on mine and with the exception of the bar end shifters like evening about it. I went back and forth between the randonee and the LHT and in the end felt the randonee had more to offer, if I had to choose between the two again I would still pick the Randonee. Heck if I saw one in my REI for that price I'd have a hard time not buying it even though I already own one.
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Old 03-11-15, 10:30 PM
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Update:

I got busy with work and wasn't able to make it back to REI until this afternoon, when I went to take an "around the parking lot" test drive. The salespersons said the XL would definitely be too big--equivalent to about a 61-62 cm frame--and it looked huge. So I rode the Large around for about 20 minutes. First time ever on a bike with bar-end shifters and they were a little strange, but I could see it wouldn't be any problem getting used to them. I really liked the friction shifter for the front derailleur--very easy to move from ring to ring and the "infinite trim" was really nice. I think the fit is fine since the bike felt very comfortable right from the start. I don't know what it would feel like after a few hours in the saddle, but it definitely has a more relaxed feel than my Domane.

They actually have two of these in size "L" and two in "XL."

It's really is a NICE bike--well-made, comfortable, etc., but I'm still on the fence about whether I should pull the trigger. Financially it's a no-brainer, for sure. Just not sure I would be so interested if it weren't such a screaming deal. I'll decide tomorrow or Friday.

STP
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