| Title: | Bicycling |
| Notice: | Bicycling for Fun |
| Moderator: | JAMIN::WASSER |
| Created: | Mon Apr 14 1986 |
| Last Modified: | Fri Jun 06 1997 |
| Last Successful Update: | Fri Jun 06 1997 |
| Number of topics: | 3214 |
| Total number of notes: | 31946 |
I am interested in buying a bike for pleasure and exercise. I went
to a shop and I was shown a 1986-1987 12-speed "Bianchi" Sports SX
model which they have in stock. The price has apparently been marked down
and is currentlyat $325. I was told that the 1989 model costs about $500.
I would like to seek your advice regarding whether this is a good deal or
not. It rides quite well. I am a total novice and I cannot tell
a good deal if it walked past me. I know this is a good brand of
bikes, but does this particular price and model make sense?
They told me they will throw in a water bottle. They said that it
is a semi-racing, semi-touring bike which can be used for weekend racing
kind of stuff. They will also change the tires to the normal ones
(700x30c). What it now has is real thin, suitable for racing. It has a
Suntour alpha 5000 deraileur (sp?). However the 1989 model has a
Shimano deraileuer.
My main interest is mostly touring which I guess in start will be
around 15-20 mile rides. By the end of this season I want
be able to do around 50-60 miles.
There was also a TREK model 330 for $350 which they showed me. How
is this bike, and how does this compare with the above mentioned?
Both are 25 in. frame models if that matters.
Thanks for your time!
best regards
-gopal-
| T.R | Title | User | Personal Name | Date | Lines |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1174.1 | SAMPLE - SAMPLE | WMOIS::C_GIROUARD | Mon May 22 1989 13:32 | 12 | |
25" frames are BIG frames. You must (or better be) in the 6'3" -
6'5" height range or the frame is going to be way too big.
The rest sounds like you're on track. Pleasure and exercise will
fit nicely within the amount of money you want to spend and the
equipment. Good deal? Can't say for sure. My advice would be to
hit a few more shops and don't be bashful about letting them know
about the deal already offered you.
HAVE FUN.
Chip
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| 1174.2 | <Sports SX> | OTOFS::DONELY | Tue May 23 1989 15:28 | 15 | |
I bought the Bianchi Sport SX in April 1988 (1988 Model). The one I have has the Shimano SIS System. I've put about 700 Miles on it since then and no problems to report (My tires should last till the end of the Season!). I also stepped my tires up a size which helps when travelling on rougher road. The price sounds good. I paid $450(Canadian) for it last year and recall the American Price was about the same (Even before the exchange). I believe my frame is 23 inches which is about right for my size (5'10"). Check the notes out around mid-April last year..I had an entry around that time . cheers,Greg | |||||
| 1174.3 | Pretty good bike for the money | HPSCAD::CANFIELD | Tue May 23 1989 17:57 | 21 | |
My wife currently owns the 1987 models with the components you
mentioned. I think it is a great entry level bike for racing,
and might meet your needs for rec. riding for a long time. I
would, however, suggest that you go with the wider tires since
you won't be racing. They will protect the rims much better
then the stock tires. After a season of racing, her wheels need
to be unlaced and retention because the will not stay true anymore.
The components are pretty good (very good for $325) and should
hold up pretty well. Also, the crank is drilled for a triple set
of chain rings which might come in handy for longer (or hillier)
rides.
You might also think about getting a new saddle, because the one
that the bike comes with is not very comfortable (ie. like sitting
on a brick).
I am not a big Suntour fan but the component seem to work quite
well.
Good luck,
Quinn
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| 1174.4 | Ihave a Trek 330 | ODIXIE::PENN | Thu May 25 1989 23:32 | 19 | |
I have a Trek 330 which I like but, I am also one of these riders
that has a hard time being able to tell very much difference from
one bike to the next. I don't race but do intend to use my Trek
for centuries and time trials. I don't intend to set any speed
records. The only record I want to break is my own. I looked at
other bikes in this price range and I feel that all bikes in this
range are about the same. I went with the Trek because I liked the
people at the Trek shop better than the other shops I looked at.
And for the riding I do the Trek suits me fine. I try ride about 125
to 175 miles a week. If this is about what you intend to ride I
would think the Trek would be fine and I don't know if the Bianchi
is a good deal since it's two years old maybe, maybe not. I also
bought what I could afford. Nobody else is going to pay for my house
and Hobie Cat
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