Originally Posted by
ingenuitor
Hello Guys, Thanks for the replies, I feel the 8.6 will still be the best balance I can find for me. In the past most items in general are marked up and way over priced.
Seemly in the bike world, I'm now finding that is not always the case, so I tired to shop hard just to save a hundred and I'm fairly happy with the deal I'm now getting.
A semi LBS is being fair on costs and offering great customer service, surprising as they also have many others store locations. The trade off, is lack of service from this LBS as they are not that close, oh well.
I will be taking ownership of an 8.6 next week unless the test ride fails, thanks again.
From a guy who had the same issue as you 2 months ago:
Not sure if you really need the 8.6 if your worried about cost. i bought my first bike 2 months ago.. the 8.3 and absolutely love it. I ride with groups and by myself on the road and hit trails that are close to where i live... Not sure i would be any better or happier if i was riding a 8.6. the one cool thing i see on it is the remote lockout but i dont have too much trouble using the manual one on mine.
Anyway, one thing I learned is the cost of the bike is not all you will pay. I paid $700 for my bike plus about another $600 in accessories. These were necessary parts too (not competition stuff): taillight- $200 (i bought a very high quality one b/c i feel its the most important thing when riding on road), bike CPU-$275 (you could def get a much cheaper one.. bout $40-$80), and about another $125 on tire pump, bottle cage, bike shorts (you will want these on longer rides), head light, helmet, saddle bag and bar ends (got all these cheap at Academy sports and Amazon). And i plan on buying more parts as i get better.
Long story short, even if you plan on riding for just commuting and light fitness like myself, the money you put into the bike wont stop at the purchase of the bike... especially if you fall in love with cycling like myself (which it sounds like you will if youre willing to buy such a good bike).
Hope this helps..
From one newbie to another