Would you ever consider purchasing a roadbike for racing that fits, performs and handles really well is at a really good price but the catch is that it is a lesser known brand that doesn't have the boutique image? It just doesn't have much of a "bling" factor but could be a really good workhorse of a bike.

Of course. Some of them are even made by the same plant, just not labeled. It all depends on quality, of course.

I'd have a look at the length of the frame warranty, the issue with no name frames is sometimes the after sales support if you have a problem with the frame. A lot of importers give you a lifetime warranty but you know full well they could drop this brand of frame next year leaving the purchaser with problems on the warranty and dealing with an overseas manufacturer (if you could even track them down).
On the other hand, manufacturers such as Trek, Cannodale and Giant will be around for a long time, but they have already charged you indirectly for the warranty in higher price of the products.

Theres where the catch comes in. If the frames are made by the same plant, how do you know which ones are quality, and which ones arent? Wouldnt they have the same QA, and same workers, etc?

How about the Novara Team Trionfo at REI? I have talked to a few people who have ridden them and are amazed at how they ride for the money! It seems the Team Trionfo is not cutting edge but "blue chip" meaning the AN6 tubing with the Columbus Muscle fork and rear triangle is well proven being comfortable, durable yet stiff and fast.

In a way I feel like I would be a rebel of sorts being the only one that I know of racing a Novara Team Trionfo in the district verses everyone else spending more money on their team bikes. The money saved could be used for racing wheels and help cover other racing expenses. It's nice to be riding something a little different than everyone else and it would be fun to get podium finish with it though I do worry about it's resale value.

That's the part I don't know enough about. One is which brands share a plant with a major brand and which are made in Joe Rider's backyard. Another thought is that some houses could send the "seconds" to the no name sellers, and the good ones to the brand name.

Miranda, I have heard plenty of good things about Novara, but I also hear comments on how heavy they are (not sure myself). Things to consider when buying almost anything.

1) Sometimes you pay for quality
2) Sometimes you pay warranty
3) Sometimes you pay for advertisement

If the quality is the same but you're saving $ by not paying for the label, you're smart to get better wheels and use the rest on race expenses.

Like Motobecane vs Fuji.

GASP, now I've done it ... flame away

^ I dun get it. Are Motobecanes made in the Fuji plant? Or Fujis made in the Motobecane plant?

Neither, they're made in the Kenisis plant.

Miranda, do you still own the team?

i heard fuji is the retail brand that the manufacturer sells the bike with and it is not a matter of fuji being one company buying from a different manufacture. like FSA is the retail brand but the manufacturer is Tien Hsin Industrial Group. Not sure how accurate that is.

I'm not at a point where I care all that much about brand. I'm more about the ride and personal fit to be honest. Maybe in a few years when its time to upgrade.

Resurrection threads are awesome! At least they were using the search function

Yes.

Well, it'd be harder to get me on one now because I love my road bike, and am perfectly happy with it. But I'd be all over a better commuter whether it had a brand name or not.

REI has a satisfaction guarantee. If you don't like the bike, they'll give you your money back for it. Honestly, that removes the one worry that's reasonable for "brandless" bike items.

I have a Novara Element cyclocross bike. I got mine used, because its previous owner decided to use that guarantee I told you about. Mine was about half price because of this. It's heavy and a little sluggish, but otherwise a great bike. In honesty, though, I'd be very happy to trade it for a lighter, more responsive commuter ( see my previous reply ), but that has nothing to do with it being a Novara.

Sure: I bought a PedalForce.

More people ask me about it than my Cervelo R3sl. Not that I care about that but others might. I think the all-black stealth look is what does it.

depends on price....if its a significant discount.. yes. but if its within $100... I would just pay a little more for the name. at least I would have an avenue to get back to the mfg is something happened, and would have more of a chance that someone else on the BF would have the same bike and could answer any questions if they arose...

If you have the kind of personality that doens't need the affirmation of complete strangers, aren't seduced by the latest "thing" and are satisfied with such things as you have, and can commit to the long term use of the bike, then buy an off brand and have done with it. You'll save money on the front end, which is of greater value.

Doing that consistently across all of your purchases, and you'll save quite a bit over 30 years. My two cents...