Aluminum Road Bike / Commuter Shimano 21 Speed Bicycle 700c

CUSTOMER REVIEW



Got the bike today and it was easy to put together. The component parts (brakes) are cheap but I expect it to be for the price. The frame is worth the $150.00 price tag. So I'm fine with it. The wheels are good like the other post claim. It would be wise to buy better tires because I can tell that the tires are cheap and one rock will pop right through it. So invest in new tires as well ( I bought Vittoria Zaffiro 700x25c tires. Note that it doesn't come in pairs. So you gotta order two.) Just had to make minor adjustments like tighten the brakes. This bike is use as a secondary bike to lock up at the beach to go to the shops and take to play basketball. I have a cannondale R900 that is expensive and is never going to leave my sight. This is where the commuter bike comes in. So yes I'm happy with what it provides. I also put a rack on it which the screw/nut looks like it blocks the first small gear which I wont ever change to that gear anyways. So if you plan on putting a beam rack. (Keep note you might run into the same problem.)



I also bought a pump and bag. All in all with the upgrades that were made to this bike. You can probably just buy a Schwinn Men's Prelude Bicycle here on amazon with free shipping for $250.00 without having to upgrade any cheap parts. That would be ideal. But I need something that will get scratch and beat up so no one wont steal at the beach. lol



There is a User pic of the bike I put up. If anyone wants to see what it looks like put together. It was taken on my phone. Sorry it wasn't that great of a picture because can barely see the beam rack on the back. There is a cargo net to carry back pack or a basketball.



UPDATE: As of 8/03/2012 I now have put over 200 miles on this bike. Here is what I've notice. The seat is uncomfortable for long 40 mile rides. (Replace the saddle for a comfort long ride or buy a gel seat cover.) The brakes don't have enough stopping power. So upgrading to dual pivot brakes is a good idea. The cheapest I've seen here on amazon is $25 for front and back. Which will do the job compared to the one this bike comes with. It is important to have better brakes when riding on the road next to cars. It is important to keep yourself safe. The bike chain makes noise. While I'm at the beach people can hear me riding from behind so they walk out the way. lol Which is a good thing because don't have to let anyone know I'm on their left or have to buy a bell. I got use to it so it doesn't bother me. Just want people to know in case their expecting a quiet ride. Going uphill is a breeze. So after all the add on accessories to this bike and upgrading the parts. I'm happy with it. Lock it up for the first time and enjoying the beach.



Full list of upgrade parts and accessories:



Upgrade:

Tires replace with two Vittoria Zaffiro II Wire (700x25c)

Going to replace brakes with Pyramid Dual Pivot front and rear brakes for better stopping power

Going to replace the brake levers with Tektro R341 Ergo Brake Levers

Avenir Regular Schrader Valve 700c Tube (700x25-35 27x1-1/4) (Extra tube in case of a flat and have to change on the spot)



Accessories:

Ultra Bike Club (Lock the frame and back wheel together)

Avenir Tightrope Cables (12mm / 7 feet; Wrap front wheel, frame and friend's bike together to a tree, post or bike rack.)

Master Lock 187XD Titanium Padlock (Use with tightrope cable)

RavX Belly X Aluminum Water Bottle Cage

Bicycle Triangle Frame Bag by IBERA (Holds all the accessories and more.)

Avenir Rear Road Bike Rack (Black, 700c) (Holds basketball, backpack & shopping items.)

Pyramid Bicycle Bungie Cargo Net, Black (Use with bike rack)

Avenir Flo Dual Mini Pumps (Silver/Black)