Bike's Direct question
07-13-12, 10:53 AM
#26
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However, the advantage of a BD bike is that it is NEW and you have more options of size etc. I see pro's to both sides of the choice.
My trek a few days after purchase...
Last edited by magohn; 07-13-12 at 10:57 AM.
07-13-12, 11:48 AM
#27
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Haha I just linked to this page yesterday in the commuting forum... It seems that almost anything on the page would probably be a good choice for you. The Kensington seems like an outstanding bike, though a bit above your price. (I wish they made one in my size, but no dice.)
I've been watching Craigslist for a couple of months with no luck for something for my short sister. One issue I have is traveling so I am rarely in the same area for more than a few days and I have been in rather isolated areas so the pickings have been poor. Very poor. And often overpriced.
07-13-12, 11:56 AM
#28
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W/respect to where you live here's an example of what I referred to in my post: https://nashville.craigslist.org/bik/3136023155.html A lbs would box and ship it UPS for around 50-70.00.
07-13-12, 11:59 AM
#29
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This is a great point. Last year I picked up my "commuter" on craigslist, a Trek Fx 7.3 Disc that is fully-loaded (rack, fenders etc) with less than 100 miles on it. The bike was literally new but a victim to the usual loss of interest from its owner - I paid $300 for it and have many, many, many trouble-free miles on the bike. Trek is a higher quality build than a BD bike - usually.
However, the advantage of a BD bike is that it is NEW and you have more options of size etc. I see pro's to both sides of the choice.
My trek a few days after purchase...
However, the advantage of a BD bike is that it is NEW and you have more options of size etc. I see pro's to both sides of the choice.
My trek a few days after purchase...
07-13-12, 12:44 PM
#30
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07-13-12, 01:34 PM
#31
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I believe it's possible to change the axle. (QR's are hollow) + buying a QR. Looks like $11 for the axle, $13 for the QR Then Maybe $10 to install so $35 to change this.
07-23-12, 09:08 PM
#32
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I was excited about a Bikesdirect bike but I thought that I should consult my sister. After all it would be her bike. We looked at the online offerings and looked at the LBS's in the area. I favored the bottom end Specialized Vita, which could be had for $450. But my sister favored a Bianchi that was more of a comfort bike design. It also was less expensive at $400, with a few things tossed in. I rode the bike, it rides and shifts nicely, and is lighter than a lot of comfort bikes I've ridden. A good choice. So Bianchi Cortina Dama it was.
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07-29-12, 03:00 PM
#35
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My sister just called--she did a 15 mile ride today and loved it. I am impressed! She just may outgrow this bike. 
07-30-12, 08:40 AM
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My brother got in a motobecane elite adventure over a week ago, and we built it up. He had assembled most of it before I got home from work, but we still had a few things to do. MOST bolts were tighted fine, however the front brake caliper was loose!!! (disc brakes). The front derailleur was not straight to the crank, and was set too high on the frame. Limit screws on both derailleurs were a mile off, but those are super simple adjustments for me, ive set up a few bikes...
The Elite Adventure is comparable to $800-1000 trek/specialized bikes, and was $400 shipped to our door. Even has $70 worth of tires on it, far better tires than what I see on the brand name bikes.
Bikes direct is a great way to save money, but only if your good at wrenching on bikes. You need to have wheel truing/tensioning experience, because they are machine built wheels, which are always out of true/tension from factory. I still need to get his wheels into my truing stand...If you can handle all of that, do it! Heck my brothers bike would have been worth buying and having a shop build up, so much was saved!
The Elite Adventure is comparable to $800-1000 trek/specialized bikes, and was $400 shipped to our door. Even has $70 worth of tires on it, far better tires than what I see on the brand name bikes.
Bikes direct is a great way to save money, but only if your good at wrenching on bikes. You need to have wheel truing/tensioning experience, because they are machine built wheels, which are always out of true/tension from factory. I still need to get his wheels into my truing stand...If you can handle all of that, do it! Heck my brothers bike would have been worth buying and having a shop build up, so much was saved!
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