[QUOTE=Tohtruck;13841500]
I'm starting to think maybe I should save a lil bit of cash and get the Phat Cycles Phixie instead of the Felt Brougham.
I'd hold off on that idea until things have settled a bit.
So I'm basically stuck between the Phat Cycles Phixie, Felt Brougham, and the Novara Buzz One.
If the Fixie from Phat Cycles costs more than the Brougham, and you don't like the looks of the Buzz One. I'd say, that pretty much shortens your list for you.
The Phat Cycles Phixie feels similar to riding the Felt Brougham. It looks nice. But I worry that the quality and durability of the bike and the components may not be very good. It doesn't have a front wheel brake. There aren't many reviews on this bike. I only managed to read one fairly in depth review, where the writer replaced a bunch of the stock components anyway. Although since this will be my first/road/urban/commuting bike, maybe it is suitable that I go cheap.
The words "cheap" and "bicycle", should never be used within the same sentence, if you can help it. Just because a bicycle costs less than another doesn't necessarily make it "cheap".
The Felt Brougham felt similar to riding the Phat Cycles Phixie. It looks the coolest out of all the bikes. I've been reading positive reviews on it. The store offers free brake and gear adjustments for life, as well as less expensive tune-up costs than REI. But it is the most expensive bike I am considering.
If the Felt Brougham is at the top of your list in terms of having the entire package, then yes, it will be worthwhile. If it's not at the top of your list then it will not be worth the extra cash.
It will probably take a little bit of time getting used to riding the Phixie and/or the Brougham. But I can see myself getting used to it, especially once my fear of street riding with NYC automobiles and crazy cabbies simmers down.
This phenomenon can only be adapted to, it can't be taught. My advice is to meditate every morning, just before you take off, just to center yourself and gather your nerves.
I don't anybody ever really adapts to NY cabbies!
The Novara Buzz One was a very comfortable ride. The REI Satisfaction Guaranteed warranty is awesome. However, while I don't think it's hideous, I do find it to be the least attractive. I dislike the handlebars and if I want it replaced I will probably go through another headache of finding the right handlebar and then either doing it myself or taking it back to REI (not a big deal, but I will probably go crazy finding the right handlebar). After tax it will be about $50 less than that of the Brougham. After finding the right handlebar, and adding cost of labor (or doing it myself), it will come out to just slightly less or the same price as the Brougham. Spray painting it or getting a custom paint job on the bike if I decide to will also add to the cost and headache and might void the REI satisfaction guaranteed warranty.
Voiding the warranty due to painting is a fact that I overlooked. That's a common practice within the industry, this voiding the warranty due to painting. REI most probably will be no exception to this practice.
If that's the case, then just forget about the Buzz One altogether, because that's your sole reason for considering REI in the first place. Furthermore, one of the worse things you could ever do, would be to purchase a bike that doesn't look good to you. That's something about vehicles that are the wrong color, they just don't ever really grow on you. It's sorta like having to marry some girl that you feel deep down inside, that she's really ugly....Yuck!!! Just like the girl, you won't be riding your bike too much either!
So that narrows the choices between the Phat Cycle Fixie and the Felt Brougham.
I say, at this point, get the Brougham. It comes with a lifetime warranty. Felt is a better known company. The Brougham looks cooler! Get the Brougham, unless the price difference is too great!
- Slim