Originally Posted by magohn

Looks like a reasonable starter bike with good reviews. Did the brake simply lock-on by itself causing you to fall? I wonder if the brake itself is loose? I'd start there and check that all bolts etc are nice and tight... My first bike was from BikesDirect ($270)and there's no better way IMHO than buying a budget bike to see if you want to stick with the hobby. I can tell you of at least two people that I know that spent $2000+ and the bike is now gathering cobwebs in the garage. I did eventually spend $2000+ for a Spec. Roubaix but only after riding my BD bike for some time.

Check your machine over - get out there and ride it like you stole it