Advice on a new bike
#27
Senior Member

Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 6,431
Likes: 44
From: Minneapolis, MN
Sounds like you may have solved your problem with the above post, but I was writing this so I'll post it anyways.
I know the less expensive 2009 Specialized road bikes have rack mounts, though they're $1200-$1300 (Specialized Allez Sport Compact Double):
https://www.specialized.com/bc/SBCBkM...=39253&eid=115
https://www.eriksbikeshop.com/ride/pr...ffset=2&s_id=0
I haven't checked them out in person, but while you can see the rack mount on the back in the picture, I would be really surprised if they also fit fenders around the wheels - modern road bikes have almost no wheel clearance. :-(
Cyclocross bikes typically have the rack mounts and plenty of clearance for fenders, but the Specialized one I know of is even more expensive (Tricross Sport Triple - $1450):
https://www.specialized.com/bc/SBCBkM...=38443&eid=123
I know the less expensive 2009 Specialized road bikes have rack mounts, though they're $1200-$1300 (Specialized Allez Sport Compact Double):
https://www.specialized.com/bc/SBCBkM...=39253&eid=115
https://www.eriksbikeshop.com/ride/pr...ffset=2&s_id=0
I haven't checked them out in person, but while you can see the rack mount on the back in the picture, I would be really surprised if they also fit fenders around the wheels - modern road bikes have almost no wheel clearance. :-(
Cyclocross bikes typically have the rack mounts and plenty of clearance for fenders, but the Specialized one I know of is even more expensive (Tricross Sport Triple - $1450):
https://www.specialized.com/bc/SBCBkM...=38443&eid=123
#28
FYI,Axiom makes a rack for road bikes that mounts from the brake bolt to the rear skewer:
https://www.axiomgear.com/product/rac...uct.php?id=142
https://www.axiomgear.com/product/rac...uct.php?id=142
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C'dale BBU('05 and '09)/Super Six/Hooligan8and 3,Kona Dew Deluxe,Novara Buzz/Safari,Surly Big Dummy,Marin Pt Reyes,Giant Defy 1,Schwinn DBX SuperSport,Brompton S6L/S2E-X/M6L-X/S12 T Line


C'dale BBU('05 and '09)/Super Six/Hooligan8and 3,Kona Dew Deluxe,Novara Buzz/Safari,Surly Big Dummy,Marin Pt Reyes,Giant Defy 1,Schwinn DBX SuperSport,Brompton S6L/S2E-X/M6L-X/S12 T Line

#29
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 90
Likes: 0
Thanks for all the help and advice!! I think I've made my choice. I'm gonna pick up the Novara Buzz Road bike tomorrow. The people are very nice and are giving me the March discount early! I'll post pics soon!
#30
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 2,745
Likes: 0
From: Chicago, IL
Bikes: S-Works Roubaix SL2^H4, Secteur Sport, TriCross, Kaffenback, Lurcher 29er
#32
Senior Member

Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 6,431
Likes: 44
From: Minneapolis, MN
I hope it's the curly bar version, as I rode the 2008 straight bar version and I assure you "buzz" is a reference to how your hands feel while riding... :-(
#34
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 3,198
Likes: 0
From: Houston, TX
Bikes: 2007 Orbea Onix, 2007 Windsor The Hour, 2008 Kona Jake
#35
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 90
Likes: 0
new bike
Hey everyone,
I purchased the bike on friday and have put about 20 miles on it since. Attached is a current photo.
So far, most things have been great! The only exception was the handlebars (WTB mountain road drop). They were uncomfortable and weird feeling. I went to my LBS and purchased a pair of Ritchey WCS bars that were a screamin' deal (I like them much better than the original WTB mountain drops).
Oh yeah, and I noticed a few paint chips. I don't know if my 20 mile excursion caused them, or if they were caused by lack of care in shipping/assembling the bike.
With all that considered, the bike is excellent! The Shimano Tiagra set-up performs great! I was expecting the shifting to be far less smooth.
I purchased the bike on friday and have put about 20 miles on it since. Attached is a current photo.
So far, most things have been great! The only exception was the handlebars (WTB mountain road drop). They were uncomfortable and weird feeling. I went to my LBS and purchased a pair of Ritchey WCS bars that were a screamin' deal (I like them much better than the original WTB mountain drops).
Oh yeah, and I noticed a few paint chips. I don't know if my 20 mile excursion caused them, or if they were caused by lack of care in shipping/assembling the bike.
With all that considered, the bike is excellent! The Shimano Tiagra set-up performs great! I was expecting the shifting to be far less smooth.
#36
Nice - any decision on pedals, i.e., clipless, platform or powergrips? Anything other than toe clips and (death) straps.
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shameless POWERCRANK plug
Recommended reading for all cyclists - Cyclecraft - Effective Cycling
Condor Cycles - quite possibly the best bike shop in London
Don't run red lights, wear a helmet, use hand signals, get some cycle lights(front and rear) and, FFS, don't run red lights!
shameless POWERCRANK plug
Recommended reading for all cyclists - Cyclecraft - Effective Cycling
Condor Cycles - quite possibly the best bike shop in London
Don't run red lights, wear a helmet, use hand signals, get some cycle lights(front and rear) and, FFS, don't run red lights!
#39
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 90
Likes: 0
road bike
Thanks again everyone for your advice/input on a road bike.
Here's a little update:
So far, I've put about 35 miles on the bike, and the rear derailleur started acting up (i.e., jumping between gears on the rear cassette). I took it into REI and they not only adjusted it for free, they showed me how to adjust it for future problems. AND this adjustment didn't even count as my "warranty tune-up!" I definitely recommend the service at REI.
After the little adjustment, things are going great!
Here's a little update:
So far, I've put about 35 miles on the bike, and the rear derailleur started acting up (i.e., jumping between gears on the rear cassette). I took it into REI and they not only adjusted it for free, they showed me how to adjust it for future problems. AND this adjustment didn't even count as my "warranty tune-up!" I definitely recommend the service at REI.
After the little adjustment, things are going great!
#44
Estrada or Nada
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 45
Likes: 0
From: Herndon, VA
Bikes: 2007 GT Zum 5.0
I had the same problem with the Cannondale Cross bike I picked up for commuting...I ended up buying one of these

and after that I could mount a rack like normal.
It works great, got it from https://www.treefortbikes.com

and after that I could mount a rack like normal.
It works great, got it from https://www.treefortbikes.com
I have recently been experiencing some (very small, but still) buyer's remorse on my new Fuji Roubaix bike (carbon seatstays). One of the things I knew I may want to do was add a rack, since I want this bike to pull dual-duty: commute & road riding. I always thought that I could just get a seatpost rack. But, the way the bike is sized for me, there is not a lot of room on the seatpost! I started thinking that I should have bought a different bike with aluminum seatstays and all that. With this item, my buyer's remorse go bye-bye! Thanks!
#45
All Bikes All The Time
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 2,343
Likes: 0
From: Boise, ID
Bikes: Giant TCR 0, Lemond Zurich, Giant NRS 1, Jamis Explorer Beater/Commuter, Peugeot converted single speed
Great call on the Ritchey WCS bars. I am running them on 2 of my 3 drop bar bikes (and saving to put them on the last one). I love the sharper radius of the outer transition from the perpendicular flat top to the the parallel flat top (just before the hoods). I have not found another bar with such a sharp turn and I LOVE IT.
Last edited by Sawtooth; 02-26-09 at 10:47 AM.
#46
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 90
Likes: 0
buzz
Hey Natoquick,
The bike has been great, aside from the original WTB mountain drop bars, which I couldn't stand. Everything surprisingly smooth and performing great!
The only problem has been with the rear derailleur cable, which stretched out because it was brand new. After a quick adjustment, the shifting was as smooth as butter again.
Feel free to PM me with specific questions and I'll try to get back to you ASAP.
Jon
The bike has been great, aside from the original WTB mountain drop bars, which I couldn't stand. Everything surprisingly smooth and performing great!
The only problem has been with the rear derailleur cable, which stretched out because it was brand new. After a quick adjustment, the shifting was as smooth as butter again.
Feel free to PM me with specific questions and I'll try to get back to you ASAP.
Jon






