Originally Posted by
cjohnson487
Oh! good point I see that now. Thanks for the ranking!! No LBS seems to stock the comp, only the sport.... so I''ll just test ride the sport and pretend it has a carbon fork
that seems like the biggest difference between the two codas
The fairfax does seem like the best buy! I just keep going back and forth between Jamis v Marin, steel v aluminum, carbon fork v normal......
I WILL ride both tomorrow and make a final decision!
The other thing (probably irrelevant) is I could ride the coda sport out of the door but the fairfax I'll test ride at REI and then order online and take it into a LBS for assembly. Not sure if i'll get the same level of service bringing in a box of parts as opposed to buying a new bike from my LBS but I'm thinking that should not be a consideration in my purchase, right?
Since online bikes arrive 90% assembled already, I would suggest that you seriously observe the video below and attempt to assemble the bike yourself, as best as you can. Next, take it to the LBS in order for them to "adjust the derailleurs". Of course, they will go over everything, before they return it to you. However, you'll just be paying for a "derailleur adjustment". As long as you can manage to do most of the assembly, the shop shouldn't mind making minor adjustments. That said, you should make a few extra purchases while there. Such things as a patch kit, an extra tube, a lock, a helmet, a water bottle, cycling gloves, etc... Would all make for partial compensation for their service.
www.bikesdirect.com/instructionhelp.htm
Make certain that the brakes work perfectly, before taking it to the LBS. Also, make certain that the pedals have been installed properly...
It's so nice when relatives buy bicycles for their loved ones...
If you have a bicycle co-op nearby, then just go there for everything...