What to buy?
 

I'm looking at getting a new bike. I have a mtb and would like a road bike. I have an opportunity to purchase a Redline Conquest Tour for a pretty good price. Does anyone have any opinion or experience on this bike? Seems to be spec'd decently and it will fit my $500-$800 budget.

I saw your other post in the "Beginner good bike" thread. I looked at the Redline site but they don't have a lot of details about the bike nor do I have any experience with Redline bikes. That said, I'd suggest you take a tape measure to the bike you want to buy and do some measuring. You want chainstays in the 17.5" to 18" range and a wheel base that is approaching 42" for a good touring bike. There are other factors but these are probably the most important. Also ride the bike. Does it ride well? It should have a neutral ride and not be twitchy. You don't want a Ferrari, you want a Coupe d'Ville. And, if it fits in your buget and is the right color, you'll probably be happy with it. (If it's that great red color, I'd take it just for that! I'm tired of dull touring bikes!)

Stuart Black

Thanks for that info. The lbs owner already told me that saddle was garbage and that I needed a shorter stem. You didn't find anything on Redlines website because they discontinued the model which is a good reason why I"m getting a good deal on it. I"m not going to be doing much touring just mostly faster recreational riding with some charity rides on the side. I'm mostly just trying to get the most bike for my buck and this seems to be on the top of my list so far.

Is it red? Please say it's red.

Stuart

Yeah, it's the same frame as the one on their website. A darker red. Just test road it today. It's got some brake levels on the top bar of the down bars which I'm not keen on, but besides that it road very well

Sweet!

Those levers are fairly easy to remove. Maybe the bike shop will do it for you. Or you might keep them, some people like them after they get used to them.

Stuart Black
"Keep the shiny side up."