Average Reviews:
(More customer reviews)The aluminum frame was excellent. The triple crank is great as you hit those steep inclines. Be sure to have your shimano front derailleur "stops" adjusted properly to reduce the chance of chain slipping off the chain ring when shifting from larger ring to a smaller ring. Mine came off when I shifted from "granny" ring to middle ring when chain didn't seat correctly because low stop was off a tad - all bikes need to be adjusted properly to prevent this. Also all riders need to anticipate the incline and shift in advance of placing pressure on the crank/chain which keeps pedaling smoother and reduces the chance of chain slippage or worse - chain breaking. The bike included road pedals (no toes straps) but most riders will want to upgrade to clipless pedals and shoes, i.e. Look (or why are you riding a bike like this in the first place?) The bike has only one size and is designed for someone 5' 8" to 5' 11'. This bike will introduce you to shifters that are integrated into the brake levers - a great value at this price as these shifters alone start around $200!
One disappointment, which I rectified, was that the seatpost is not a standard 27.2 cm. So when I went to upgrade to a carbon seatpost I learned about this problem. I was able to order a spacer to reduce the tube to 27.2 cm over the internet. So I can grease the seat tube and use special carbon fiber lubrication only on the aluminum spacer. The larger seat tube provides more stiffness/strength so in the long run it will be a better value. I also discovered that the fork is not aluminum - is some kind of steel (unknown grade). Seat is reasonable - but every rider has his or her preferences there as with clipless shoes and pedals. Before making too many changes get some miles under you first. As I
said it is a great bike for the price to slowly upgrade as deals come along - I added lighter/aero wheels/rims and upgraded the tires. Later I switched out the fork to a carbon fiber one to match my seatpost - including carbon fiber spacers for a cool look - then upgraded my stem to a Thompson. I later added aluminum pulleys to my derailleur. The bike is quick and stiff for climbing and the changes I made absorb road energy, although I haven't rode on the cobblestones in France yet!
So if you can't afford a $1500 bike then start with this bike for under $400 for training and slowly upgrade it to your preferences.
Click Here to see more reviews about: Forge CTS 1000 Road Racing Bike - Graphite Blue (19")
Designed for road performance, the CTS 1000 combines high quality components, creative design and affordability. Forge CTS is a road performance bike that is in a class of its own. Shimano Sora 24-speed front and rear derailleurs with Shimano Total Integration (STI, integrated shifters within break leavers), Tektro brake levers on top of handle bar, Truvativ triple-crankset, alloy rims and Kenda Kontender 700x25C tires enhance performance while the compact road design frame allows for superior speed and handling. 19" frame stands over 29.7H" fits most riders 5’6" to 5’10". Note: Frame size is determined by measuring the distance from the center of the bottom bracket (the bolt that locks in the crank) to the top of the seat tube. Stand-over height is determined by measuring the distance from the ground to the top tube. A bike that you ride only on paved surfaces and never take off road should give you a minimum stand-over height clearance of 2", a bike that you ride on unpaved surfaces should give you a minimum of 3" of stand-over height clearance and a bike that you ride off road should give you a minimum of 4" of stand-over height clearance.
Click here for more information about Forge CTS 1000 Road Racing Bike - Graphite Blue (19")
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