Caffe Latte or Insight 1
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Caffe Latte or Insight 1
Hey guys,
I am new to cycling and I am trying to decide on my first purchase. I don't really understand cycling hardware, terms, value for money, etc. Should I buy a Motobecane Cafe Latte or the Diamondback Insight 1? Both are $400 and my budget is fixed. I have a mobile bike service that will assemble/tune/fit the bike.
Links for Specs: https://www.bikesdirect.com/products/...fe_latte_x.htm
https://www.diamondback.com/2012-insight-1
Thanks a bunch!
I am new to cycling and I am trying to decide on my first purchase. I don't really understand cycling hardware, terms, value for money, etc. Should I buy a Motobecane Cafe Latte or the Diamondback Insight 1? Both are $400 and my budget is fixed. I have a mobile bike service that will assemble/tune/fit the bike.
Links for Specs: https://www.bikesdirect.com/products/...fe_latte_x.htm
https://www.diamondback.com/2012-insight-1
Thanks a bunch!
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Hey guys,
I am new to cycling and I am trying to decide on my first purchase. I don't really understand cycling hardware, terms, value for money, etc. Should I buy a Motobecane Cafe Latte or the Diamondback Insight 1? Both are $400 and my budget is fixed. I have a mobile bike service that will assemble/tune/fit the bike.
Links for Specs: https://www.bikesdirect.com/products/...fe_latte_x.htm
https://www.diamondback.com/2012-insight-1
Thanks a bunch!
I am new to cycling and I am trying to decide on my first purchase. I don't really understand cycling hardware, terms, value for money, etc. Should I buy a Motobecane Cafe Latte or the Diamondback Insight 1? Both are $400 and my budget is fixed. I have a mobile bike service that will assemble/tune/fit the bike.
Links for Specs: https://www.bikesdirect.com/products/...fe_latte_x.htm
https://www.diamondback.com/2012-insight-1
Thanks a bunch!
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The Diamondback Insight is one of the best-looking bikes I have ever seen. That alone adds tons to the value in my opinion. The Cafe Latte looks really ugly to me and I would hate riding it.
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I agree with the comment on looks. I saw the insight in person and it looked way better than the pictures online.
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Sora went to 9sp about 3yrs ago. The only Sora item on that motobecane is the rear dérailleur. Most of the components look junky. Also, the msrp of $900 is a joke. It's a stretch to call that a $400 bike. A Trek 7.2 is a better spec'd bike and is only $560.
Get a Trek 7.1 or similar from a known and reputable LBS brand. You can test ride it, you'll be sold the size that fits, you won't need a mobile handyman to set it up, and you'll have a much better warranty and service should an issue arise. You'll also have a frame that's worth an upgrade if you wish, and the bike will retain some value should you decide to sell it at some point.
The Insight looks good in pictures, but a freewheel? Sold at dick$, amazon, rei, etc. Another dept store bike for a very small savings over the LBS.
Get a Trek 7.1 or similar from a known and reputable LBS brand. You can test ride it, you'll be sold the size that fits, you won't need a mobile handyman to set it up, and you'll have a much better warranty and service should an issue arise. You'll also have a frame that's worth an upgrade if you wish, and the bike will retain some value should you decide to sell it at some point.
The Insight looks good in pictures, but a freewheel? Sold at dick$, amazon, rei, etc. Another dept store bike for a very small savings over the LBS.
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Well, what is it from the 7.1/7.2 FX that really stands out to you vs. the Insight? (The 2011 Insight 2 model to be specific.)
Last edited by luxo; 06-06-12 at 01:01 AM.
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Well, what is it from the 7.1/7.2 FX that really stands out to you vs. the Insight? (The 2011 Insight 2 model to be specific.)
The Trek 7.1FX can't touch it!
PS.
...The 7.2FX comes close, but not quite.
Last edited by SlimRider; 06-06-12 at 03:24 AM.
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Well, what is it from the 7.1/7.2 FX that really stands out to you vs. the Insight? (The 2011 Insight 2 model to be specific.)
The 2012 Insight 2 has slightly downgraded components. Common issue. In fact, it looks like you need to step up to the 2012 Insight 3 to get the same spec as last year's Insight 2.
Didn't mean to disparage the new Insight 1, either. But the spec list is really getting down there. Hi-ten steel fork which is heavy and cheap. Freewheel vs cassette. Riveted chainrings preclude ring replacement. Other low/bottom end components. Just not a great value.
The 2011 Insight 1 was a bit nicer, though, with alloy fork.
Differences between 2011 Insight 2 and 2012 7.2 FX aren't drastic. If you're not abusing it, I'd prefer the alloy fork on the Insight, though. Keeps the front end weight down a bit. I prefer subtle over bold graphics, so I give the nod to the FX there. That's subjective matter, though. Trek dealer will probably be more help with getting you fitted to the bike. Trek's warranty is excellent, so that could matter. The Trek should hold its value a bit better in the event of resale. Not a landslide either way. And it probably won't be your last bike, either.
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