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#1
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Opinions on two different makes of bikes
I'm looking to buy a new bike in the future (probably next year) and
am particularly interested in two brands: Waterford and Independent Fabrication. I like steel bikes and really like the styling of these two. I have a bit of a flexibility problem due to a four disc spinal fusion and would have to have something with the bars at least at saddle height. I do like drop bars because of the different positions available and also because they just look right on a road bike. I would want it set up to take at least a 28mm tire with fenders (and 32mm would be nicer). Rack mounts would also be appreciated in case I ever decide to tour long distances with it. Right now it would only be overnight trips with a saddlebar and bar bag. The IF bike would have one significant advantage: I have a dealer about fifty miles away (I'm way out in the boonies and for me that's local) while I would have to go 175 miles to St. Louis to find a Waterford dealer. I've also dealt with the IF dealer in the past (they sold me my Lemond) and we have a good relationship. Does anyone have any experience with either of these brands? What are your likes and dislikes? Would you buy one again? Thanks in advance for any and all feedback. Smokey |
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#2
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Opinions on two different makes of bikes
On Sep 22, 12:09 pm, wrote:
I'm looking to buy a new bike in the future (probably next year) and am particularly interested in two brands: Waterford and Independent Fabrication. I like steel bikes and really like the styling of these two. For my money, I'd go for a Gunnar Sport, which is a tremendously smart and nice frame, also made by Waterford folks, but no lugs and less fancy finish. It's got a sloping top tube, and with a few spacers on the fork--you can get those bars up where you need them. Long reach brakes and eyelets for your other needs: http://www.gunnarbikes.com/sport.php $750, frame only |
#3
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Opinions on two different makes of bikes
On Sep 22, 12:49 pm, landotter wrote:
On Sep 22, 12:09 pm, wrote: I'm looking to buy a new bike in the future (probably next year) and am particularly interested in two brands: Waterford and Independent Fabrication. I like steel bikes and really like the styling of these two. For my money, I'd go for a Gunnar Sport, which is a tremendously smart and nice frame, also made by Waterford folks, but no lugs and less fancy finish. It's got a sloping top tube, and with a few spacers on the fork--you can get those bars up where you need them. Long reach brakes and eyelets for your other needs: http://www.gunnarbikes.com/sport.php $750, frame only Hey, thanks for the suggestion. Nice looking frame with good clearances and bar/saddle relationship and I really like that Gunnar blue color. Best of all, my local dealer carries them. Smokey |
#5
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Opinions on two different makes of bikes
I realize this is not one of your suggestions but what about a
Rivendell. All their bikes have the bars at seat height without spacers, have hardware for racks, are handmade steel, will take quite wide tires and fenders, and Grant will answer the phone. I don't know how much adjustment you would have to do with a mail order bike though. Ted. |
#6
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Opinions on two different makes of bikes
On Sep 22, 10:13 pm, Ted wrote:
I realize this is not one of your suggestions but what about a Rivendell. All their bikes have the bars at seat height without spacers, have hardware for racks, are handmade steel, will take quite wide tires and fenders, and Grant will answer the phone. I don't know how much adjustment you would have to do with a mail order bike though. Ted. I've considered a Rivendell (probably the A. Homer Hilsen), but would like to give the business to my local shop. Also, maybe it's just me, but their bikes seem pretty high priced for what you get. Smokey |
#7
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Opinions on two different makes of bikes
On Sep 22, 10:18 pm, wrote:
On Sep 22, 10:13 pm, Ted wrote: I realize this is not one of your suggestions but what about a Rivendell. All their bikes have the bars at seat height without spacers, have hardware for racks, are handmade steel, will take quite wide tires and fenders, and Grant will answer the phone. I don't know how much adjustment you would have to do with a mail order bike though. Ted. I've considered a Rivendell (probably the A. Homer Hilsen), but would like to give the business to my local shop. Also, maybe it's just me, but their bikes seem pretty high priced for what you get. Yeah, but you get all that great prose on their site to reinforce your purchase decision and make you feel like a smart buyer, even though you *did* pay ~$2800 for a $1500 bike. And got some weird, hard-to- find-parts-for wheels and tires in the bargain |
#8
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Opinions on two different makes of bikes
On Sep 22, 10:25 pm, Ozark Bicycle
wrote: On Sep 22, 10:18 pm, wrote: On Sep 22, 10:13 pm, Ted wrote: I realize this is not one of your suggestions but what about a Rivendell. All their bikes have the bars at seat height without spacers, have hardware for racks, are handmade steel, will take quite wide tires and fenders, and Grant will answer the phone. I don't know how much adjustment you would have to do with a mail order bike though. Ted. I've considered a Rivendell (probably the A. Homer Hilsen), but would like to give the business to my local shop. Also, maybe it's just me, but their bikes seem pretty high priced for what you get. Yeah, but you get all that great prose on their site to reinforce your purchase decision and make you feel like a smart buyer, even though you *did* pay ~$2800 for a $1500 bike. And got some weird, hard-to- find-parts-for wheels and tires in the bargain A quick browse of their site this morning shows that Grant's gone off the deep end. Nothing but 650B and for no reason whatsoever, other than to be contrary. I could respect the guy when he sold a 700c quick all rounder and a 26" heavy duty tourer, but when you move all your main models to 650B to be cute, then you can go **** yourself. |
#9
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Opinions on two different makes of bikes
On Sep 23, 8:05 am, landotter wrote:
On Sep 22, 10:25 pm, Ozark Bicycle wrote: On Sep 22, 10:18 pm, wrote: On Sep 22, 10:13 pm, Ted wrote: I realize this is not one of your suggestions but what about a Rivendell. All their bikes have the bars at seat height without spacers, have hardware for racks, are handmade steel, will take quite wide tires and fenders, and Grant will answer the phone. I don't know how much adjustment you would have to do with a mail order bike though. Ted. I've considered a Rivendell (probably the A. Homer Hilsen), but would like to give the business to my local shop. Also, maybe it's just me, but their bikes seem pretty high priced for what you get. Yeah, but you get all that great prose on their site to reinforce your purchase decision and make you feel like a smart buyer, even though you *did* pay ~$2800 for a $1500 bike. And got some weird, hard-to- find-parts-for wheels and tires in the bargain A quick browse of their site this morning shows that Grant's gone off the deep end. Nothing but 650B and for no reason whatsoever, other than to be contrary. I could respect the guy when he sold a 700c quick all rounder and a 26" heavy duty tourer, but when you move all your main models to 650B to be cute, then you can go **** yourself.- Hide quoted text - - Show quoted text - That is pretty strange. What do you do when you're on tour and need a 650B tube in Bumphuque, Kansas? Smokey |
#10
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Opinions on two different makes of bikes
On Sep 23, 12:00 pm, wrote:
On Sep 23, 8:05 am, landotter wrote: On Sep 22, 10:25 pm, Ozark Bicycle wrote: On Sep 22, 10:18 pm, wrote: On Sep 22, 10:13 pm, Ted wrote: I realize this is not one of your suggestions but what about a Rivendell. All their bikes have the bars at seat height without spacers, have hardware for racks, are handmade steel, will take quite wide tires and fenders, and Grant will answer the phone. I don't know how much adjustment you would have to do with a mail order bike though. Ted. I've considered a Rivendell (probably the A. Homer Hilsen), but would like to give the business to my local shop. Also, maybe it's just me, but their bikes seem pretty high priced for what you get. Yeah, but you get all that great prose on their site to reinforce your purchase decision and make you feel like a smart buyer, even though you *did* pay ~$2800 for a $1500 bike. And got some weird, hard-to- find-parts-for wheels and tires in the bargain A quick browse of their site this morning shows that Grant's gone off the deep end. Nothing but 650B and for no reason whatsoever, other than to be contrary. I could respect the guy when he sold a 700c quick all rounder and a 26" heavy duty tourer, but when you move all your main models to 650B to be cute, then you can go **** yourself.- Hide quoted text - - Show quoted text - That is pretty strange. What do you do when you're on tour and need a 650B tube in Bumphuque, Kansas? Use a skinny 26" tube after drilling out your rim. IMO, I'd much rather tour on 26" wheels if I'm going deep into the heartland. That or 27", as you can still get a 27" tire at the Wally World. Bumphuque! Oh, that's the best spelling ever! |
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