Originally Posted by
dynaryder
I'm guessing you're around Georgetown and going to District Hardware,Bike Pro,and Revolution? All good shops,just avoid Big Wheels by the canal.
I personally wouldn't recommend the Raleighs. Both have straight blade alloy forks,and DC's roads suck. I've owned 8spd IGH bikes,and was never really happy with the gear range since DC is also very hilly. The I2X8 has twice the gears,but still has that alloy fork,and that's the only bike I've ever seen with the Metropolis setup,so it's kind of an unknown variable as to how well it will work and durability. I would also advise against the 7.3 and Q5 since they both also have straight blade alloy forks. The 7.4 and Q4 have carbon,which will ride much better.
At the end of the day,the two biggest factors will be how much you're willing to pay,and how the bike feels and fits you. You really need to test ride all of them to see which you like best.
I checked out Revolution and Bike Pro. I can get the Quick 4 for 650, and the I8 for 600. I guess I'll have a ride of both of them and see how they go, I went at closing a few days ago and didn't have a chance to try them out. The guy at Revolution advised that a Carbon fork is uncessary for rides under 20 miles in length, is that true or hold any weight? As I said, I plan on using it to commute from Shaw to the West End area and back, and then maybe some longer trips on the weekends with friends.
Anyway, thanks for the input. As for the components in those two bikes, what are your thoughts on them.
Also, why no on the alloy forks? I'm not questioning your post, I'm just curious because as I said, I have no actual experience with bicycles stateside.