Originally Posted by
CliffordK
It looks like a decent bike for $800 or $850 depending on the size/color.
I'm not sure why they are using horizontal dropouts???? Single speed compatibility?
One thing, however is that the discount bikes inevitably cut corners somewhere. It simply lists aluminum hubs and straight gauge spokes. One can do better if one is doing a custom build.
But, even scrounging, a quality groupset or partial groupset is expensive, so I'm impressed with the Shimano 105 build. No doubt BikesDirect gets their parts at much lower prices than I can get anywhere.
The wheels are typically of poor quality on inexpensive bikes. I don't doubt that this bike is no exception. If properly adjusted and lubricated, you'd get serviceable use for at least a season. Beyond that, the lack of seals, wear, etc would probably force a reconsideration of their continued use.