So the Swobo bikes performed poorly when you gave them a test-ride? Because I didn't get to actually ride one, but they look cool. I know I wouldn't want to call something I'd never personally ridden a "pile of vomit." Perhaps you could give us a run-down of what makes the Swobo bikes "pile[s] of vomit" from your in-depth testing?

I wouldn't get too upset about this. Think about it, once someone charges for a service or product, they are in the business of making money. Selling bikes or iPods or corn on the cob - all need to make money to sustain their business. Some may put more heart & soul into a transaction but in the end, it's about making money. Nothing wrong with it and in fact, I find it helpful. Companies go out of business when they stop making money.

People, you must calm down on swobo.......I like them and bought their Otis because it was a bike that transcend'd mediocrocy. It is different...it does not shout look at me on my expensive bike. It is built as well as any other decent bike for the money....decent welds, aluminum 7000 series, truvativ crank, SRAM i-motion system, avid bb5's disc up front, etc. I do not care about the bottle opener under the seat, but is different.
I do not worship swobo, never will....but they had a bike that fit my criteria of being minimalistic, well made, simple to operate and would never win a beauty contest.
Their clothing is top notch quality.

Was I missing the part where Trek started as a non-profit? 'Cause that would be rad.

And everything Surly sells is made in Taiwan. Is it okay if they do it, because they sell some stuff that you like?

I like my Otis. Makes an awsome polo bike. The coaster brake/disc combo rocks. You use the basically maintenance free coaster for most stopping,but you still have a front disc for panic stops. Nice smooth ride,even with an alloy fork. Only complaint is the 3 speed here in hilly DC. I can spin 3rd out too easily on most hills. Thinking about relacing the rear with a 7sp. The 3sp wheel is easy to change though. My 7/8sp Nexus hubs run the shifter cable around the hub which takes a bit of fenagling to get on/off. The i-Motion just uses a hook release like on a V brake noodle.

This will be great come winter. There's clearance for at least 2" wide tires(or whatever the max that will fit under a Freddy ATB-width fender). Full rear fender fits no prob,but I used a MTB fender with homemade extended mudflap up front because there's no eyelets.

Man, this Swobo thread AND the Trek Soho S thread? Isn't a thirst for profit what makes a company successful? If you're so adamant about refusing to be a part of "big companies,' then pack up your computer, throw it out the window, and use 2 paper cups and string to communicate.

Cycling is cycling. If companies market the new trend then more people will do it...and what's wrong with more people riding bikes?

Why must irrational hippy-logic and SS bikes go hand in hand!? Why!?

I hate how poor people whine about the bike industry. As if it wasn't driven by profit seeking 20 years ago. Please.

You mean... Motobecane wasn't a non-profit organization?

Huh.

I got to take a good look at the Sanchez at my lbs, its cool. I really dig the unfinished frame. The price is a bit steep, and even though I am in the market for a fixed gear bike, whether to convert or buy a complete, the price is out of my budget. if i had the money, I would consider it.

I don't like the clear coat over the "unfinished" surface...

I agree about the brake - our LBS is selling / demoing this bike brakeless with platform pedals. At the least, sell the thing with a front brake and let people take it off if they want.

Yeah Trek is crap...unless you're out to win the Tour de France or something. And I think the Pinarello I was checking at my lbs has parts made in taiwan as well, so it must be garbage...


haha what a fool.

ok i know this thread is a couple months old but i just stopped by my LBS today and rode the Sanchez for a while and loved it. The welds look solid, the bike is fairly light, the wheels look cool. I'm in the market for a new bike and i think i may get it. Is anyone riding one now that would advise me not to?

I did ride a Sanchez, bought a Otis. The sanchez really was a nice ride. Not a Colnago but can hold with the best of any single speed.
You will not be disappointed.

I almost bought a Sanchez, but decided to go for a Surly Steamroller complete. I made the right choice.