Circulate

Guys I need some simple advice. I'm buying one of these two and I'm hoping you can tell me which to buy and why. They are both 3-speeds, even though performance bike has it listed as a single speed..

Here are the links to the 2 bikes:

1)https://www.performancebike.com/bike...400316__400316
(I can get this one for 339 at performance bicycle)

2) https://www.amazon.com/Framed-X300-Sp...pr_product_top
(I can get this for 299 at the house outdoor gear)

I'm only 5'8 with a 30.5" inseem, I can only find that framed x300 in 56cm, if I lower the seat, will this be a problem? I was told a 53cm is what I should shoot for. The SE tripel only comes in 52/55.

metz1295

the performance link doesn't work.

my first impression of the amazon bike is that it just looks cheap. you won't be able to try it out before buying it. and it just looks cheap.

although i'm more LBS than performance bike, at least you'd be able to try the bike and get some tech support when you purchase and need assistance down the road.

Circulate

Fixed the link.

Please keep in mind my very limited budget. Why's it look cheap? You don't like the rims i bet.

gregjones

Yes.

There's more to sizing a bike than reaching the pedals.

Circulate

So would a 56cm be just completely out of question for someone with my measurements? also, opinions on the bikes?

Circulate

So do you like the SE tripel? or do you hate them both?

gregjones

Yes

Circulate

My mistake, i found a 52cm of that framed bike

ClarkinHawaii

Note that the Amazon bike is also available in 52 for $330.

Circulate

I can get it for 299 elsewhere but the link was wonky

a1penguin

I recommend purchasing a bike locally rather the purchasing online. Especially for low end bikes. You'll get a bike that fits you properly and the store will help with minor adjustments. Often bikes that are purchased online have issues and you'll be paying a local bike store for work. And if you decide to return a purchased-online bike, you may be paying the shipping charges and/or restocking fee. If you purchase locally, the bike will be assembled correctly and if you have problems with it, you can easily return for free adjustments.

Booger1

I'd pick door #1

Steel frame AND FORK (best reason right there)
Better looking bike
It has a STEEL FORK!
Performance has actual shops,you can test ride it...If there's one near you.

Door #2 says it has an alloy fork.....Alloy forks are all fine and dandy I suppose (not for me) but I'm not sure I want to test drive a cheap one.....
Where is that Amazon shop again?
And it's U.G.L.Y.....Maybe it's just the picture......NOPE.

Circulate

I went with the SE! Thanks guys, rode it at a LBS, found it 100 bucks cheaper online (280!) and told the guy I did that, and we set up a tune up time! happy campers.

Thanks guys

TransitBiker

Welcome aboard! If you have any questions about your bike, feel free to shoot me a PM, as i may be able to help you without starting a new thread.

- Andy

acidfast7

that SE looks like it has the same frame that I have.

hi-ten frame and fork.

mine also has the option for adding a 3-speed and people seem to run a Nexus 3 with a trigger shifter, which I'll upgrade to what the rear wheel is worn out.

the components should be fine for many 1000s or miles, however, I would ensure that the assembly was done correctly.

i decided to try drops in my instance and I'm about 1500 miles in and have only needed tires (crap like the Kendas on the amazon bike) and tubes.

https://www.bikeforums.net/commuting/...term-test.html

Robert C

If you are going mail order, I would recommend that you look at the subject of another thread here.

Save Up to 60% Off Town Bikes | Classic, Stylish Three Speed City Bikes | Urban Bikes | Commuter Road Bikes | Windsor Oxford from bikesdirect.com

They have several other styles; but what I linked to is a basic three-speed for $350.

metz1295

I don't know much about those types of bikes. if they suit your need and want, then I can't judge.

I love amazon. I use them for about 90% of my purchases over the course of a year. however, I would not buy a full bike from them. it's not likely to be assembled meaning you will have to do it yourself and make sure everything is properly tensioned and fit to your size and riding style. I get the sense this isn't a strong suit for you, and that's ok.

go to performance and get the bike properly fit and assembled. they may have a better option you've yet to find. trust their experience and expertise.

since you asked, I'm indifferent about the rims. not my style, but if you're just toolin' around town or a college campus I can see where they would be pretty cool.

Leisesturm

Personally I hate them both. Hipster bait. Coaster brakes? Really? And the Performance Bike version is plain confused. Somewhere during the production run they decided to nix the 3-speed idea but you still have the 3-speed grip and the cabling? Or should they be picturing a different bike in the illustration. On the "you may also like" on the Performance Page is a Diamondback Insight 1. I don't know anything at all about that bike but I also didn't know anything about mass production messenger bikes. Look at the Insight and tell me it isn't better value than the Tripel. I triple dog dare you to.

H

fietsbob

Both use same Shimano 3 speed hub.. flip a coin ..

noglider 

You did well. It is the better bike from a better company. Having the local guy tune it up immediately after purchase is a smart move for you. It's good that you know to do that with an online bike. Too many people don't.

Are you thinking of putting fenders or a rack on it? Lights? Anything else?

ThermionicScott 

Just for future reference, it's somewhat rude to do your shopping at a real bike shop and turn around and make your purchase online. Kudos to your LBS for staying cool and doing what they can to keep a customer.

metz1295

I agree with this 100%. your LBS did all the work for you, then you ditched them. I don't know what they charge for the tune up, but it probably would have been included if you had bought the bike there.

I-Like-To-Bike

Lots of LBS love on this thread, though it appears to be somewhat incestuous.

Circulate

Let the hate consuuuume you haha I'm jk. Thanks for your opinion though, friend! I talked to 2 LBS that don't even stock that bike and they both said they are wonderful for what they are, tough, stylish commuting and fun machine. People throw around hipster so often. Really, it's just a nice looking bike to my eyes that's in my price range. Cya!

Circulate

Thank you! I am going to purchase a tune up, light, lock, telemetry device, etc from my favorite of the LBS's