Why is this bike...
 

so cheap?


http://cgi.ebay.com/NEW-TRACK-ROAD-R...QQcmdZViewItem

Ok take it easy on me guys, I'm new to the fixed gear thing....MERCY :eek:

cheap components.
this was discussed a few days ago.

Yeah. Dude, this is still on the main page.

http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=148528

The Windsor and the Motobecane ebay auctions strike me as very odd and suspicious. That said, my friend just bought one of the Windsors last night as a back-up bike to his Steamroller, so in that situation, for the money, there isn't as much of a risk.
He isn't counting on it or expecting it to be anything other than a secondary bike.

Thanks Chicago...got it!

I got a windsor and it rides ok. I ride it every day.

nah sportymama's legit. guy i know bought the mercier from her/them and some of his crew bought them too, none with any issues. i think they're just dirt-cheap bikes, period.

Good to know.
Nevermind then.

I don't think the bikes are a bad deal, but I do think there are some suspect aspects of the eBay posting...to suggest that this bike has anything except ten letters in common with the classic French maker (winner of the "Tour d'France," whatever that is) could be seen as misleading. And none of the glowing praise listed has anything to do with this bike.

My favorite part:

"THE COMPONENTS INCLUDE A MUCH BETTER WHEELSET THAN FOUND ON MOST TRACK BIKES -- PRECISION SEALED BEARING HUBS"

Unless people are running suicide setups on their track bikes, I have a hard time believing this.

That said, I think they're fine, good deal for the money, etc. It's cheap because no one would buy it if it were $50 more.

all the parts are trash incl the frameset.

If you go to the Road Bike forum and search for Bikes Direct you will find TONS of info(both pro and con about them)

Basically an American Company bought the rights to use the names of former well respected European bicycle manufacturers and now have bikes produced under those nameplates in Taiwan. Since they are the manufacturer and only sellers they have high MSRP's with low sale prices. There is some discussion whether they have some tie to Fuji.

those frames are exactly the same as Fuji. i like my track frame. the wheels sucked. so i got new ones.

It's a solid cro-mo frame with trackish geo. It takes a standard thread bottom brack and standard fork. It has 120mm rear spacing, with track ends. What more can you ask for?

my neighbor has had one for a long time with no problems, but he rides it as a singlespeed, NOT fixed. the frame is a rebadged fuji track, and its cheap because it comes with cheaper components. the price on ebay is almost $150-200 cheaper than a stock pista, fuji track, langster, or rush hour. you can use that $ saved to buy a new rear wheel or hub, which is what often goes out first. if you want better quality off-the-shelf components, get an IRO. regardless, you WILL end up getting upgrade-itis. . . who doesn't??

i bought one of the yellow windsors and i would consider the price to be a great bargain. nothing on the bike is super great but i don't drive and commute everyday on the bike and after a year the only problem i've had is i broke a spoke. i repack everything every 2 months or so and i think that plays a big part. honestly..if you maintain the bike then it will treat you well.

"TRACK ROAD RACING BIKE FIXED GEAR SINGLE SPEED"

LOL It's a mountaibike and a car at the same time as well, right?
Who's gonna believe a word of what they say below? Could be a decent bike for the money anyway, just ignore the text...