GMC Denali Road Bike Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Putting it together:
The bike came with the typical assembly needed for a bike shipped in a cardboard box. Attach the steering column, front tire, seat, pedals, reflectors. Then adjust brakes and fine tune gears. No big deal. Several different size allen wrenches, open end wrenches, pliers, and a screwdriver were needed. It was not hard, but if you've never put a bike together before it might seem like a lot of work, and you still might wind up at a bike shop for proper gear and brake adjustments.
Initial thoughts:
It is a nice looking bike and since road bikes are pretty much only sold in bike shops, most people will assume it cost a LOT more than it really did. A friend asked if I spent "over $1,000" on it.
I have no problems with build quality. The welds look good, the bike seems solid, the seat tube fit fine. I was surprised how well the frame fits my 6'0" size.
The Good Things:
> Nice looking bike
> Could pass for a much more expensive bike
> Lightweight
> Great gears, I hit 38.5mph on a downhill with some gear remaining, and managed 32.4mph on level ground with a tailwind (measured using handlebar mounted GPS receiver). I can cruise overall in the 16-20mph range for the first hour.
> Seat post clamps down nicely and is plenty long enough
The Bad Things:
> Seat angle does not appear to be adjustable and since I am male I will have to purchase an adjustable seat due to the high front angle
> No top pull brake levers, have to move hands into the drops in order to operate brakes
> Brakes are marginally effective, I've had cheaper toy bikes with better brakes. Am going to try different pads.
> To reach higher gears, the left gripshift turns toward you, but the right gripshift turns away from you.
> Considering the frame size would fit an average 6' tall person, they should have made the handlebar stem an inch or two longer for proper ride height adjustment.
> Due to the handlebar mounted twist grip shifters, there are very limited mounting positions available for accessories. I had to fabricate custom mounts for both my gps receiver and my headlight.
> The pedals are too narrow. I will have to purchase wider pedals. Considering the frame size of the bike, it would be reasonable to provide slightly wider pedals.
Parts Availability:
I bought this bike with the thinking that for the price if it wore out in a year I could buy 5 more for the price of a single entry level road bike at our local bike shops.
That thinking got tested sooner rather than later. Against my better judgement, I allowed a relative to ride the bike just a few days after I purchased it. He proceeded to ride into a longways crack in a sidewalk which abrubtly closed up locking the front tire and causing him to rotate over the front of the bike. He is fine (scraped up), but the bike did not fare as well.
The front rim sustained deep grooves and the entire braking area of the rim was scraped up from the side of the concrete. The tire was ripped and the tube was punctured, both in several places. The grip shift mechanisms were gouged by the concrete. The rear derailer was bent, knocked sideways, and the spring was knocked off.
Of course, none of this is the fault of the bike. Actually I was able to reattach the spring and fix the derailer, so all I really needed was a new front tire (rim, tire, tube, liner). Easier said than done!
None of my 3 local bike shops stock 28 x 700c tires.
But the bigger concern was with the manufacturer, Kent. All the phone numbers on the bike and in the manual refer you to them. I have still been unable to obtain parts from them, almost a month later. They are nice but just keep saying they are "waiting for parts".
In the meanwhile, I ordered another same model bike from Amazon and have already received it and have been using it.
Interestingly, the latest bike has much beefier tires (still the same size). The older model (by a couple of weeks) had very smooth tires with no real tread depth. The new bike's tires have more meat around the shoulder area and look like they will hold up a lot better. The newer tires seem to be of significantly higher quality.
I plan to keep the other bike for spare parts and will continue calling Kent so that hopefully someday I can get a new front tire.
Final Thoughts:
Overall I am very pleased with the bike. You just can't beat the price. I could buy 5 of these bikes including shipping for the price of the cheapest bike from my local bike shop. Obtaining OEM parts may be hard to do. The bike is lightweight, has very good gearing, and can be very fast. It goes better than it stops. Replacing several key components will improve the bike significantly. It is not perfect, but when you factor in the price, it is a great deal.
It is sold at the price of what bikes in a toy store sell for. Just keep that in mind and realize you aren't buying a professional model bike, and it should meet or exceed your expectations.

Click Here to see more reviews about: GMC Denali Road Bike

The GMC Denali 700C 21-Speed Road Bike is built around a lightweight aluminum road bike frame for racing or commuting. You'll stop on a dime with the alloy calipers and brake levers, and the high-profile alloy Vitesse racing rims look as good as they perform. The Shimano derailleur and Shimano Revo shifts make it easy to change gears quickly and smoothly, and the high-performance 700c tires are up to the challenge of rigorous street racing. Lastly, this road bike will help you stay hydrated with the included alloy water bottle cage.
Specifications:
Frame: Aluminum 7005 straight gauge
Fork: GMC Series 7000 steel
Chain: KMC Z 51
Crankset: Prowheel Alloy 335P6 28X38X48 170mm
Front Derailleur: Shimano FD-TZ 31 Index
Rear Derailleur: Shimano RD-TZ30GS 7SPD
Shifters: Shimano Revo SIS L2/R7
Brake levers: Promax BL-250AP Aluminum
Brakes: Promax 501A Alloy Caliper Brake
Rims: Vitesse Alloy black 700CX14GX36H
Tires: Kenda Black With Grey Band 700X28C
Stem: Aluminum black EXT:100mm 0D.
Handlebar: Maesbend W: 430mm D:22.0mm
Saddle: Cionlli Black
Seat post: HL Aluminum Micro Adjust 27.2 X 300mm
Pedals: VP-990S plastic body with steel cage
Weight: 29.0 lbs

Amazon.com Bicycle Buying Guide Finding the Right Bike To really enjoy cycling, it's important to find a bicycle that works for you. Here are some things to keep in mind when you're in the market for a new bike:
The Right Ride In general, bikes are broken down into three major categories:
Road and Racing Bikes--As a general rule, road and racing are built for speed and longer distances on paved surfaces. Thinner tires, lightweight 29-inch (700c) wheels and drop bars that allow for a more aerodynamic position are the norm. Most road bikes, regardless of price, offer many gears for tackling both hilly and flat terrain.
Mountain Bikes--With their larger tires, hill-friendly gearing and upright position, mountain bikes are very popular for all types of riding, both on pavement and off. Mountain bikes that are designed specifically for rugged trail use typically feature a suspension fork. Some may have rear suspension, as well. A quick change of the tires on any mountain bike--even one that you use regularly on trails--adds to its versatility and makes it a worthy street machine.
Comfort/Cruiser Bikes--For tooling around on bike paths, light trails, or for cruising a quiet beach-side lane, comfort/cruiser bikes are the ticket. With a super-relaxed riding position, padded seats, and limited or no gearing, these bikes are made for enjoying the scenery and having fun with the family.

The Right Price A bike's price boils down to three essentials: frame materials, bike weight, and component quality and durability.
Entry-level--You'll find a wide range of comfort and cruiser bikes in this category, as well as some lower-end mountain bikes and road bikes. Most will have steel frames and components that are designed to last for several years with frequent use.
Mid-range--Bikes in this range may feature a lighter aluminum frame with mid-range components that keep performing after miles of use. If you're looking for a quality bike that is relatively lightweight and will stand up to abuse, this is the "sweet spot." Most serious commuter and touring bikes fall into this category, as do mid-range mountain bikes with a decent front suspension.
High-end--Racers and serious enthusiasts who expect lightweight, high-performance components will want to stick to this category. For road bikes, exotic frame materials (carbon fiber, titanium) and ultra-lightweight components can add thousands to the price tag. Mountain bikes in this class often feature advanced front and rear suspension technology, as well as components designed to handle lots of rugged trail action.

The Right Size Fit is crucial for comfort, control, and proper power and endurance on a bike. Here are some basic bike fit tips:
Stand-over Height--To find out if a bike's overall height fits your body, measure your inseam. Next, determine how much clearance you'll need between your crotch and the top tube of the bike. For a mountain bike, you'll want three to five inches of clearance. A road bike should offer between one and two inches of clearance, while a commuter bike should have two to four inches. Compare the stand-over height for a given bike to your measurements (inseam + clearance) to determine the right bike height.
Top Tube Length--You can measure your torso to get a good estimate of proper top tube length. First, make a fist and extend your arm. Measure from the center of your fist to the end of your collarbone (the part that intersects your shoulder). Next, measure your torso by placing a book against your crotch with the spine facing up. Measure from the spine to the bottom of your throat (the spot between your collarbones). Finally, add the two measurements (arm length + torso length), divide the number in half and subtract six inches. This is your approximate top tube length. Compare this number to a bike's posted top tube length. You can allow for about two inches longer or shorter, as most bikes can be adjusted via stem length/height and saddle fore/aft position to make fine adjustments to the fit.
Bikes for Women--Proportionally, women tend to have a shorter torso and longer legs than men. Bike makers design women's bikes that offer a shorter top tube and many comfort/cruiser bikes built for women may also provide more stand-over clearance.

The Right Accessories When you make a bike purchase, don't forget these crucial add-ons:
Helmet (this is a must!)
Seat pack
Lock
Hydration pack, or water bottles and bottle cages
Spare tubes
Portable bike pump
Gloves

Click here for more information about GMC Denali Road Bike

Read More...

GMC Denali Women's Road Bike (20"/50cm Frame) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I bought this bike to do my first sprint triathlon. Of course it is not as good as most of the $1000 bikes that the rest of the riders had, but it was a great beginner bike. After a quick tune-up it has ridden perfectly.

Click Here to see more reviews about: GMC Denali Women's Road Bike (20"/50cm Frame)

The GMC Ladies Denali Road Bike delivers higher performance at a lower price. At the heart of this Denali Road Bike youll find a high quality lightweight, step-through aluminum frame for a stiff, responsive ride. The 21 speed drivetrain is equipped with Shimano shifters and a Shimano derailleur. In fact, this unique design features twist/grip shifters located on the top portion of the handlebars. Alloy caliper brakes and brake levers stop on a dime while the 700c hi performance tires ensure a smooth ride. This attractive road bike offers safety, security and power in one, lightweight package.

Get 9% OFF

Click here for more information about GMC Denali Women's Road Bike (20"/50cm Frame)

Read More...

GMC Denali Girls' 24-Inch Road Bike Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)This is the only road bike we found designed for 9-12 year old girls. With one limitation, this is a great transition from a 20" child's bike.
Our oldest daughter was outgrowing her 20" child's bike. Both of her parents are traditional road bikers as compared to cheap mountain bike riders. She wanted gears and a freewheel, and we determined 24" was the desired wheel size. Bike shops and the Trek monster only offer mountain bikes as the next size up after a 20" child's bike. The geometry options were terrible. They forced the young riders to be too stretched out in length. It may not be as bad for larger boys, but definitely incorrect for smaller girls. Additionally, these mountain bikes have value added marketing destroying any other potential. Shocks are added which add weight and bulk, making them hard to maneuver. The shocks are ridiculous since few children are heavy enough to activate them. The bulk, weight, and poor geometry hinder the ability of young children to ride the common 24" bikes. In short, most bikes for this age group are built to sell and not to ride.
Then we finally found two options. LL Bean offered a mountain bike specifically designed for 9-12 year old girls. This was a fine choice although we preferred traditional drop handlebars and road geometry and gears. This Denali 24" girls bike is perfect. The 19" bar height allows a safe stop and start. While it comes with lower end Shimano grip shifters, they work smoothly and are appropriate given the aggressive pricing of this bike. The frame is a nice 7005 aluminum and the other fine components offer a decent weight.
I wrote Terry bikes to suggest they consider this age group as potential future customers, but Terry never responded.
Our daughter is a small 9 year old weighing only 51 pounds. She is also on the shorter side of girls her age. It took only a day for her to get familiar with the handling and shifting. She is riding faster and longer distances than she ever could with the 20" child's bike and we are enjoying our times together. I fully expect this bike to last her for many years.
The only negative was the brakes. The traditional brake levers, under the drop bars, are too low and need a wider hand to reach than our daughter has. The brakes took too much strength to pull given the grip width and position. The solution was easy. We added inline break levers on the top bar. This was not ideal given the bar shifters are in the same location we wanted the new brake levers. I needed to move the shifters inwards to make room but in the end, the new brake levers works. If Danali would consider adding the shifters as standard, this bike would be perfect out of the box.
In summary, we are grateful to Denali as a bike manufacturer for considering this age transition as important for creating long term riders. This is a great bike for 9-12 year old girls and was a great price on Amazon. I wish our local bike shops would consider carrying this type of product.

Click Here to see more reviews about: GMC Denali Girls' 24-Inch Road Bike

Sized for the smaller rider, the GMC Denali girl's 24-inch road bike is perfect for kids who are still growing or who are stature-challenged but still want a high-quality ride. The frame size is 16 inches, while the stand-over height is 21 inches, giving it all the strength, durability, and style of the full-size Denali but in a proportional size. More significantly, it's outfitted with a full array of elite alloy components, including a sturdy triple-chaining alloy crank set, precision brakes, easy-to-grip handlebars, and smooth- rolling wheels.
Hill climbing is made easier thanks to the sturdy crank set and trusty Shimano TZ40 derailleurs, which round out the drive train, while the Shimano Revo 21- speed twist shifters provide precise, hassle-free shifts. Other details include a lightweight 36-spoke wheel set with V-profile rims, Kenda tires with color accent trims, and a lifetime warranty on the frame and fork.

Get 1% OFF

Click here for more information about GMC Denali Girls' 24-Inch Road Bike

Read More...

GMC Denali Pro Road Bike (56cm Frame) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I am an avid cyclist who also owns a Denali Limited, which is the higher level bike of the same brand, so I have a basis for comparison. I bought this bike so I would have a spare wheelset and spare parts. But as it turns out, its a pretty good bike in its own right. At the time of writing, another site has it cheaper than Amazon, so it is the cheapest road bike available with integrated shifters/brakes (brifters). Out of the box, the Pro is about 4 lbs heavier than the Limited. It is essentially a Chinese version of the Taiwanese Limited. The wheelset is heavier, especially the rear wheel, but it seems sturdier with 36 spokes instead of 32 spokes. Other components that add to the weight are the old-fashioned quill stem, the 8 speed freewheel(not cassette like in the Limited), the steel fork (not carbon fiber in the Limited), the all alumninum frameset (not carbon fiber stays in the Limited), the solid bolted rear axle (not quick release as in the Limited), and the heavier saddle. The gearing is wider at the low and high end than the Limited- 53F/11R high and 39F/28R low. This is versatile gearing for hilly rides.
The frame and riding position is good and quite rideable. I ridden over 300 miles at the time of this writing and taken it through its paces on city roads, serious rides, and on rollers. It rides similar to the Limited, except the handlebars are a smaller diameter and due to the steel fork, the front end is 1.75" taller than the Limited. Therefore, it feels more upright. The wheelbase and frame geometry is the same as the Limited. The stiffness/suppleness of the frame/fork is comparable to the Limited. This is likely due to the extra heft. However, the extra heft is definitely noticeable during acceleration. The Limited is a significantly quicker bicycle. The brakes are identical to the Limited and are excellent in terms of modulation and stopping power. The cable housing from the lever to the front brake was 3" too long. It must be shortened 3" or else 1/2" of the initial braking stroke is ineffective. The kickstand is high quality and works well. It also comes with a nice bottle cage. Unlike the Limited, the frame and fork will accept wider 700C tires. Since this is the case and the frame is alumnimum with a steel fork, it is suitable for cyclocross. Like the Limited, it comes with toe-clip pedals. These are difficult to use and should be upgraded to clipless pedals. This upgrade is typical for road bikes of all price ranges.
The Microshift drivetrain, after some modifications, is almost as smooth as the Shimano Sora groupo on the Limited. The cable house from the brifters come about 3" too long, so they kink at the downtube stop. This housing must be trimmed 3" or else shifting is rough and imprecise. The brifters are nice and an interesting idea. Its a variation of Campagnolo, SRAM, and Shimano brifters. The brake lever does not rotate, but there are two buttons below the lever. Consequently, the Microshift brake lever feels more secure than Shimano, since the Shimano brake lever can get a little rotational displacement while braking. The front derailleur requires a super long throw to upshift. Shimano brifters are better for the front derailleur.
I changed the rim strips and the tubes to presta. The rim strip is cheap and the tube will eventually punture the strip through the aero wheel holes and cause flats. The schrader tubes are more difficult to pump up to 100 psi due to air leakage upon releasing the valve. The tires are the same cheap Kenda ones as the Limited. They are 90 psi maximum, low performance tires. At this low pressure, they are susceptible to snake bite flats. Upgrade them to sturdier and smoother 115 psi tires such as the Continental 4000's when the stock tires wear out.
The bike is very good looking, and people have mistaken it for an expensive bicycle. The Pro is made much more attractive if you take off the ugly and unnecessary black spoke protector in the rear wheel. The picture on Amazon does not do the bike justice. What gives the Pro away as a cheap bike is the ugly steel spider and pants protector on the crankset.
In conclusion, this bike is ideal as a second road bike for an avid cyclist. Since the geometry is similar to a typical road bike, you can switch back and forth between the Pro and a higher-end road bike without re-acclimation. If you train on a 27 lb bike, you will be very fast on a typical road bike like the Limited. Also, the low price means you can bring it anywhere with no anxiety in case it gets stolen. The wheels are sturdy and will take a pounding.
This bike is not good as a primary bike for the serious rider because of the following:
1. The quill stem is not easily customizable. The Limited uses a threadless headset, so stems of different lengths can be obtained.
2. The bike uses a freewheel and not cassette. It will be difficult to change the gearing or replace the freewheel on this bike, since freewheels are hard to remove and procure. Eventually all cogs wear out. I took the freewheel off and greased it heavily to make it easier to replace later.
3. The bolted rear wheel makes it harder to change flats on the road. You need to bring a wrench. You can get a hollow 3/8" x 26 tpi axle and quick release skewer for $30.
4. The welded in kickstand bracket makes it a real pain to remove the rear wheel. Most road bikes do not have a bracket, so there's no such problem.
5. The shifting system will not deliver in serious fast and demanding riding. Because it is a brifter system, it is much better than Revo on the Denali base model though.
If you are not an experienced bike mechanic, I highly recommend you have your local bike shop mechanic assemble and make the crucial modifications to this bike. Otherwise, you will not be happy. The build from China wasn't nearly as good as the Limited. Frankly, it was pretty sloppy. Shortening cable housing, adjusting the hubs, adjusting the brakes, truing the wheels, changing out the rim strips, and untangling the cables were all necessary and not beginner mechanic-friendly.
In conclusion, unless this is a second bike, or there is no chance you would get serious, its better to pay a little more and get the Forge road bike from Target. The Forge does not have the shortcomings above, but with an alumnimum frame and steel fork, it is questionable whether you would want to upgrade it. If you want even better performance than the Forge, you should get a higher end road bike. I suggest you get one from a LBS or from Bikesdirect.


Click Here to see more reviews about: GMC Denali Pro Road Bike (56cm Frame)

Looking for a nice road bike but don't want to break the bank? Turn to the GMC Denali Pro road bike, the little brother to the popular Denali LTD. Built with the same pride and attention to detail as GMC trucks, the Denali Pro features a high-quality, handcrafted, lightweight 22-inch aluminum frame that delivers a stiff, responsive ride. The 16-speed Microshift drivetrain, meanwhile, is equipped with integrated brake/shift levers, so you can both brake and shift without moving your hands from the handlebar. And thanks to the dual-pivot brake system, the bike stops on a dime should the terrain get rough. Other features include aluminum rims with stainless-steel spokes, 700c x 25 tires, an alloy crank, and a steel fork. The recommended height range of the Denali Pro is 5' 9" to 6' 1", and the standover height is 31.5 inches.
Amazon.com Bicycle Buying Guide Finding the Right Bike To really enjoy cycling, it's important to find a bicycle that works for you. Here are some things to keep in mind when you're in the market for a new bike:
The Right Ride In general, bikes are broken down into three major categories:
Road and Racing Bikes--As a general rule, road and racing are built for speed and longer distances on paved surfaces. Thinner tires, lightweight 29-inch (700c) wheels, and drop bars that allow for a more aerodynamic position are the norm. Most road bikes, regardless of price, offer many gears for tackling both hilly and flat terrain.
Mountain Bikes--With their larger tires, hill-friendly gearing, and upright position, mountain bikes are very popular for all types of riding, both on pavement and off. Mountain bikes that are designed specifically for rugged trail use typically feature a suspension fork. Some may have rear suspension, as well. A quick change of the tires on any mountain bike--even one that you use regularly on trails--adds to its versatility and makes it a worthy street machine.
Comfort/Cruiser Bikes--For tooling around on bike paths, light trails, or for cruising a quiet beach-side lane, comfort/cruiser bikes are the ticket. With a super-relaxed riding position, padded seats, and limited or no gearing, these bikes are made for enjoying the scenery and having fun with the family.

The Right Price A bike's price boils down to three essentials: frame materials, bike weight, and component quality and durability.
Entry-level--You'll find a wide range of comfort and cruiser bikes in this category, as well as some lower-end mountain bikes and road bikes. Most will have steel frames and components that are designed to last for several years with frequent use.
Mid-range--Bikes in this range may feature a lighter aluminum frame with mid-range components that keep performing after miles of use. If you're looking for a quality bike that is relatively lightweight and will stand up to abuse, this is the "sweet spot." Most serious commuter and touring bikes fall into this category, as do mid-range mountain bikes with a decent front suspension.
High-end--Racers and serious enthusiasts who expect lightweight, high-performance components will want to stick to this category. For road bikes, exotic frame materials (carbon fiber, titanium) and ultralightweight components can add thousands to the price tag. Mountain bikes in this class often feature advanced front and rear suspension technology, as well as components designed to handle lots of rugged trail action.

The Right Size Fit is crucial for comfort, control, and proper power and endurance on a bike. Here are some basic bike fit tips:
Stand-over Height--To find out if a bike's overall height fits your body, measure your inseam. Next, determine how much clearance you'll need between your crotch and the top tube of the bike. For a mountain bike, you'll want three to five inches of clearance. A road bike should offer between one and two inches of clearance, while a commuter bike should have two to four inches. Compare the stand-over height for a given bike to your measurements (inseam + clearance) to determine the right bike height.
Top Tube Length--You can measure your torso to get a good estimate of proper top tube length. First, make a fist and extend your arm. Measure from the center of your fist to the end of your collarbone (the part that intersects your shoulder). Next, measure your torso by placing a book against your crotch with the spine facing up. Measure from the spine to the bottom of your throat (the spot between your collarbones). Finally, add the two measurements (arm length + torso length), divide the number in half, and subtract six inches. This is your approximate top tube length. Compare this number to a bike's posted top tube length. You can allow for about two inches longer or shorter, as most bikes can be adjusted via stem length/height and saddle fore/aft position to make fine adjustments to the fit.
Bikes for Women--Proportionally, women tend to have a shorter torso and longer legs than men. Bike makers design women's bikes that offer a shorter top tube and many comfort/cruiser bikes built for women may also provide more stand-over clearance.

The Right Accessories When you make a bike purchase, don't forget these crucial add-ons:
Helmet (this is a must!)
Seat pack
Lock
Hydration pack, or water bottle and bottle cage
Spare tubes
Portable bike pump
Gloves

Get 38% OFF

Click here for more information about GMC Denali Pro Road Bike (56cm Frame)

Read More...

Nirve Fairfax Men's European Style Road Bike (700c Wheels, Alfine Pearl Cream) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Got this in the mail last week. One spoke was broken in shipping, and both wheels were out of true (wobbly, not straight), so I had to leave it at a local bike shop for a week so they could re-true the wheels. I think the wheels can easily be damaged in transit, given the way the bike is packed, so you might want to figure in another $70 to get the wheels re-trued if you order it online.
Broken spokes aside, I'm happy with the way the bike looks. It has a handsome, classic look to it; a look based off of old Raleigh designs. The trouble is: you don't get nearly enough for your money. The saddle and handlebars are cheap-looking plastic. Even the Nirve crest is just a sticker slapped on the front tube. I was able to rip the sticker off, with the help of some Goof-off, so the sticker itself wasn't a problem. I just think the sticker-for-a-crest is emblematic of the disappointing cheap feel of this bike. The internal gear hub and front hub generator are nice features. But on other bikes you can get the internal gear and front hub generator, plus a rack over your rear wheel, plus fenders, plus a real leather and grips, all for hundreds less than this bike.
I thought this would be a nice commuting bike, but the quality of the build and components was severely disappointing. The add-ons included are lacking for a bike in this price range. Overall, this bike feels like a cheap simulacrum of an older, better, design. I'll be selling mine as soon as an opportunity presents. Do yourself a favor and skip this one.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Nirve Fairfax Men's European Style Road Bike (700c Wheels, Alfine Pearl Cream)

Nirve Fairfax Men's European Style Road Bike (700c Wheels, Alfine Pearl Cream)

Get 7% OFF

Click here for more information about Nirve Fairfax Men's European Style Road Bike (700c Wheels, Alfine Pearl Cream)

Read More...

Victory Vision Men's Road Bike Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I'll get the good out first. This is a great bike for the money; I looked all over in stores for a comparable bike and couldn't find one for under $250. Once assembled, the bike rides fine, the gears shift pretty smoothly and the brakes are decent. The seat leaves something to be desired (it's VERY narrow) but the handlebars are great (there's a good layer of comfort foam). The frame is sturdy and well-painted (any decals are covered with a layer of clear enamel) with the only stickers being of the generic variety, like the standard "warning: always wear a helmet" one. It took me a little while to adjust everything to where I wanted it, but once there everything was hunky-dory.
The assembly, however, is a bear if you've never assembled a bike before (which I haven't). I consider myself decently handy, and if you give me a good set of directions I can usually figure things out no problem. The instruction manual in this case, however, isn't for this specific model of bike; it's a generic that reads like one of those choose-your-own-adventure books that were popular back in the day. My first clue was the warning that "pictures may not match your particular model." As I went on, I encountered a lot of "if your bike comes with this kind of...", which became very frustrating very quickly, especially when I got to the brakes - maybe it's just me, but none of those pictures look like what I was working on.
Since there are no pictures of this bike model in the manual, I had to do a lot of guessing. For example, I found out AFTER I had completed and ridden the bike that the gear shift goes under, and not on, the handlebar, and that was only from looking at the Amazon picture.
I spent roughly one hour and fifteen minutes putting the bike together, and I would say forty-five minutes of that was spent on the front brake. At first, it was set so wide that when you pulled the brake on the handlebar the pads wouldn't even touch the rim. I adjusted it one, but then they stuck in the "closed" position. It took a lot of patience and a lot of work with my adjustable wrench, but I finally got it to a working state. With that exception, everything else pretty much went smoothly.
In short, if you've assembled bikes before or consider yourself pretty handy, this is a great value. If you are the slightest bit intimidated by anything I wrote though, just spend the extra money and get a pre-assembled bike, because this won't be worth your time, and if you mess ANYTHING up, you don't want it to be your brakes.
UPDATE 7/21/2010: Ten days ago I took this bike out for a 66.2 mile ride (the ACS Bike-a-thon in Philadelphia), and have also been riding it pretty consistently since my review, and have some new thoughts.
The handlebars tend to not stay straight, especially if you drop (even gently) the bike on its side. The first 20 miles of my ride were on somewhat bumpy roads, and by the end of it my handlebars were about five to ten degrees off center. The allen wrench included with the bike needs to be inserted in such a way that the handle is actually in the bolt (otherwise it won't reach), leaving you very little leverage to turn it. This problem can probably be solved with a different allen wrench.
Also, the gears need to be adjusted regularly, because after about 10 miles they start to make noise as you pedal. Also, make sure you tighten the bolts around the seat and the post that holds it up, as a bumpy ride will stress them.
On the plus side, the stock tires held up excellently on a ride that saw about one out of every 20 riders get a flat on the less-than-stellar roads. The grips are as comfortable as my first impression, but tend to get a bit slippery with sweat (wearing gloves will negate this effect; I found out when I rested my forearm on them).
Still, for under $200, if you don't mind a trying assembly experience and buying a new seat, this is a good bike.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Victory Vision Men's Road Bike

This Victory Vision Road Bicycle has a light Alloy Men's Frame, Shimano 12-Speed Stem Shifters, complete Shimano Drivetrain, a Comfortable Road Racing Saddle, Alloy Hubs, Double Wall Alloy Rims, and Alloy Seat Post. This bike is meant for speed and strength!

Get 8% OFF

Click here for more information about Victory Vision Men's Road Bike

Read More...