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Permalink Reply by Melissa Ferguson on September 23, 2011 at 1:41pm

I have a bikesdirect bike (Motobecane Messenger) as my daily commuter, and it's similarly outfitted component-wise.  I have not yet replaced the saddle, but the *very* first thing I did was upgrade the pedals.  If you know basic maintenance, you should have no problem making sure it's set up properly... and if you don't, your LBS should be willing to give it a go-over for a reasonable price.

 

I also run 700x32s, though I don't use fenders (and really haven't ever).  I had no issues with the 48 16 gear ratio (and I sometimes pull a 50lb kid in a trailer), but I also have massive thighs.

I still buy tools, accessories and components from my LBS and they are just as kind to me as they are to their other customers.  Or maybe kinder because I know what I'm talking about.  *shrug*

 

(edited to add that I've been riding this particular make/model bike for 2+ years now -- FWIW)

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Permalink Reply by zerofivenein on September 23, 2011 at 4:02pm

the draft probably wont cut it when it comes to "light" weight.. they run about 26 pounds if i recall correctly... if anything is added to it, it'll probably be inching toward 30 pretty easily.

 

but although the draft is a brick and has crappy components, it can usually be had for less than $300 (at least online and in milwaukee) and it's definitely sturdy. it should pretty much stand up to any normal abuse you can manage, and can fit tires over 35mm wide.

 

the dudes at armitage are great. they're the first shop i went gone to, and were always helpful and knowledgeable when i came in with silly upgrade ideas. so they're the only one i bother going to in chicago.

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Permalink Reply by Ringo Bonham on September 24, 2011 at 3:15am

If you are thinking about buying online, consider having a LBS order an older model bike for you.  Ex: I recently bought a 2010 Jamis Sputnik (which I friggin' love, BTW) from Rapid Transit.  I had them special order it from Jamis' old stock.  Since it was overstock, I paid way less than it originally listed.  All RT did was call the order in and building the sucker.  You still get LBS service, tune-ups etc. but a "discount" price so to speak.  In the case of the Sputnik, it's actually a better bike than the 2011 or 2012 model (and the SE Lager or Draft, IMO)

You have to do a bit of research on older models (Bikepedia is great for that.) And find a shop that is willing to place the order (again, props to RT.)  And, of course, the company has to have the overstock bike you want in your size...

Check it out!

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Permalink Reply by Billy Poore on September 24, 2011 at 12:48pm

You can pick up a cheap Fuji, SE, and maybe even a very basic Mercier for $300-400 from a local bike shop.  Try The Bike Lane, Armitage Bike Shop, and I'm sure Johnny Sprokets up on Bryn Mawr probably has a budget SS bicycle that will be more than enough for your commutes, and much lighter than your Record.

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Permalink Reply by Matt T on September 26, 2011 at 4:48am

Thanks, everyone, for your awesome and detailed recommendations!

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Permalink Reply by Adam Kitzmann on September 26, 2011 at 6:28am

Kilo TT all the way, everyone I know who has one loves it. Solid frame for the streets. I'd go with that and then upgrade parts as you see fit. IRO also makes some pretty decent starter frames/bikes, I'd check them out too.

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