Originally Posted by
robcor2
I bought my wife the Coda Femme 3 weeks ago while I was looking for a vintage french road bike for myself......after looking at many vintage bikes and watching her ride the Coda, I just went and bought one for myself. I have already put about 200 miles on it and I love it! Very comfortable and reasonably light. The components are better than other bikes I looked at in this price range too. I put fenders, lights and a rack on it all for under $600.00 and under 28 pounds. I am about to do a 200 mile trip on it in two days time and I will update you on how it went.
I think how the bike works out for you will depend a lot on how it is set up by the dealer too. Although I love my bike guys, the spokes needed tightening, the headset was on a little crooked and loose, and the handlebars were not tightened down sufficiently....this caused me some problems on a big climb. I understand because they gave me such a great deal on the bike.
Good Luck
Robert
I trust my dealer that I generally use, But I do my own repairs once I leave their shop (unless I feel it is something they caused/factory defect). I have truing stand, Park tension meter, Park pcs-9 workstand and I get more tools as I need them, but have most all I need, even a inexpensive torque wrench to at least get bolts where they should be! So, that part is no big deal as I will retension and true my wheels before any big rides. As much as I trust them, my girlfriends bike needed brake work, front brakes were NOT toed in properly and squeeled like a stuck pig! but her bike has not needed a single bit of tuning otherwise.
No matter the deal they gave you, loose spokes, loose headset and loose handlebars could have injured you. I would have brought it back to them, and demanded proper set up. I wasn't too mad about my girlfriends bike, I have a certain way I set up v-brakes and have proven myself that it works the best. and it still stopped just fine when we bough it, just squealed.
Only one question, for CODA owners ONLY: How is the riding position? Looks to be fairly upright compared to say...a mountain bike or road bike. I dont want too bent over, or too upright. I imagine riser bars could be added if i needed a little more upright...might look goofy tho
