[Sarah Dots]

It isn’t in the specs, but there’s a mention of throwing racks and fenders on it in the text, so I’d call it false advertising if that wasn’t possible. Not that advertising is honest (ever), but still.

@DismalScientist 96615 wrote:

This might be an informative link: http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/windsor/cyclo.htm

There do appear to be rear rack mounts.

My guess is that bikeshopwarehouse.com (or whatever) is just another cog in the vast bikesdirect network through which it sells its closeouts.

[Sarah Dots]

I think the interrupter comment is because I was asking about bikes in August and said I didn’t like interrupters. The bikes I’ve ridden with them had more stopping power on the interrupters than the brifter brakes–or however you’re supposed to say that–but I ride on the hoods even in the city, so I’ve not been fond of the idea.

Anyway, TA DA! I bought it before it’s gone. It has everything except disc brakes, so I snapped it up. I needed your expert opinions because I only knew 1/2 of the components. So thank you for confirming what I guessed was true.

Of course, I’m buying this when I’m injured and haven’t been able to ride–or move much–since August (nerve damage in my leg) and may not be able to ride for another month or two (so I’ve realized that my stated mileage values in my original question are more end-of-winter than beginning-of-winter numbers–take note, RCannon, the lower values I report when I register for FS15 won’t be sandbagging!). But by Nov/Dec, the weather will be crappy and I’ll need something so I don’t trash my road bike any more. Spending money on this now is called being hopeful not being foolish, right?

[Sarah Dots]

Sorry, DaveK, just saw this. Am injured and off the bike, but back to looking at bike deals because ’tis the season. Anyway, I’m 5’8″, but thanks for offering!

[Sarah Dots]

@vvill 91751 wrote:

Looks like a very decent option for the money. I would prefer newer shifters (that’s the older style of Shimano brifters on there), and better disc brakes (I had a little experience on Lyras as they were stock on my Kona Jake when I test rode but I swapped them out for Avid BB7s upon purchase) but the frame + tire clearance looks good. It does have interrupter levers on it, but you can just ignore them if you don’t want to use them.

I haven’t ever bought a bike from bikesdirect, Nashbar, etc. but I have bought most of my bikes online in some way or another. I’ve bought two from Performance (picked up in store), and another two online from independent vendors. I’m sure a proper LBS tuneup would be good on a purchase from bikesdirect/Nashbar after a few hundred miles, but that is true of most bikes, at least for cable and maybe spoke adjustments.

And as TwoWheelsDC mentioned, if you’re at all open to riding with one gear, you can save both in the initial purchase and maintenance.

How does it compare to this one? http://www.nashbar.com/bikes/Product_10053_10052_547466_-1___204872

[Sarah Dots]

Me too! @ebubar 91725 wrote:

I’ve pondered this for a cheap all-weather commuter: http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/gravity/liberty_cxd.htm

[Sarah Dots]

@TwoWheelsDC 91737 wrote:

I hate cantis with a passion, so I’m with you. However, the problem you run into, given your stated tire width preference of 28-32, is that most drop-bar bikes that can take that width of tire are going to come with cantis. Single or dual pivot brakes (standard road bike brakes) generally can’t open wide enough to fit a size 28 tire. Your other option is discs, but that’s going to limit your options given your budget. Personally, I find 25s (which will fit with road brakes) to be just fine for city riding.

Ah, right, good point. See, I wouldn’t mind 28s or 32s because I have 25s on my road bike and sometimes I’d like to not have to concentrate on whether the pavement is smooth or cracked or worse/there’s a metal plate with an edge that’s going to push me into traffic/etc. I like my 25s, but DC roads are such a nightmare. Sometimes a bit more carefree tire width wouldn’t go amiss. Besides, I can spend more time yelling at cars if I don’t have to watch the pavement. Hee hee. (OK, I yell when I need to even on 25s.) Disc would be ideal so I can slow or stop more easily in heavy rain/snow/slush, but we’ll see.

[Sarah Dots]

And not to turn down cheap labor, but does anyone have experience with BikesDirect? I’ve looked at them and Nashbar, but I hear that mail-order bikes can be sketchy? Is that a lie spread by the big bike companies? Am I a sucker? EBubar suggestd BikesDirect, too. What do you veterans think? @vvill 91677 wrote:

It can definitely be done. You’ll get better value used, probably but even new there’s models like this
http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/windsor/wellington4-xv.htm
You could probably buy Dismal a 6-pack to tune it up for you

[Sarah Dots]

Interrupter! That’s the word I was looking for. See my other post re: crappy braking on previous cyclocross bike tests. As for maintenance, I’d say I’m advanced beginner. Can replace cables but can’t true a wheel. But that’s on a road bike. Have NO clue about disc brakes. Are bar ends really useful in traffic? I go from Takoma/Silver Spring to Dupont Circle, so traffic is hellish for the last (a.m.)/first (p.m.) 4 miles of my commute. No trails for me! @DismalScientist 91555 wrote:

The choice between used and new should be based on competence at maintenance. If you know what you are doing, I would go used. If not, go to the internet. It seems like you want drop bars, brifters, and rack mounts. If new at that price range, you are probably looking at 8 cogs in the rear and 2300 brifters. You will probably pay more for a carbon fork. I would check out the current “sale” at bikesdirect.com. As far as not liking “cross” brakes, you can either not use them, but use the standard levers instead, or simply remove the interrupter levels and sell them to me cheap.

[Sarah Dots]

Didn’t mean cantis, but no, those aren’t my preference, either. @jabberwocky 91553 wrote:

I assume she means cantilevers, which pretty much only come on cyclocross bikes these days (and are generally pretty terrible).

[Sarah Dots]

Um, I don’t know what they’re called. The ones on the handlebar on either side of the stem thingy (no, I don’t know all these parts, clearly). When I have tried cyclocross bikes, those seem to be the only brakes that stop the bike, and I don’t want to have to reach up there to stop. Maybe it’s just the models I’ve tried? (Think, entry-level cheapo bikes.)
@dkel 91549 wrote:

What are cyclocross brakes? Aren’t all brakes just…brakes?

[Sarah Dots]

Never heard of it. Thanks!

[Sarah Dots]

Hey there!

Yeah, I’ve thought about Phoenix Bikes, but I live on the other side of the metro area and don’t own a car, so hit or miss is tough to negotiate. I’ll check out Ye Olde, though!

[Sarah Dots]

How long was eventually? We don’t have showers in my building, either. Maybe if I stopped wearing deodorant, it’d speed my transfer to the big cubicle. I wouldn’t mind having a little elbow room and peace and quiet.
@consularrider 89714 wrote:

In seven years of commuting in the DC area, I have never used the shower in my building. That’s why they [eventually] gave me the big cubicle.

[Sarah Dots]

Proteus posted a great hour-long video on bike fit about two months ago. Check their website.

@mnaqvi1 89214 wrote:

I recently was given a road bike that was handed down to me by a distant relative who can no longer ride due to health reasons. Based on the sizing charts the bike is one size too big for me and I tried to adjust the bike so there is a bend in my knee and elbow while riding but I am still feeling some discomfort and pain. Unfortunately at the moment I cannot afford a proper bike fit at this time from a LBS. Are there any resources for a basic bike fit or will I have to wait to ride the bike until I have enough for the fit?

[Sarah Dots]

I think I just joined. But I don’t have time to get the apps set up. Will get my ducks in a row this weekend. Away we go!

[Author]

Posts