just a reminder: the cheap stuff is really good these days...

AngryScientist · #1 02-01-2018, 10:23 AM

A lot of times on this forum, (and i'm guilty also) i think we get wrapped up in thinking that the serious cyclist "needs" top level gear.

had the opportunity to get a few days of riding in the hills last week and decided to rent a bike as opposed to bringing my S&S. Aluminum Specialized Allez kitted with Tiagra running gear, praxis crank, cheap oem spec. wheels and no-name brakeset.

the bike performed brilliantly. shifting was spot on, no sloppy chain skipping or anything. cheap-O brakes worked fine with no drama on some twisty technical 50mph descending and the wheels were heavy-ish, but competent.

since it's a rental bike i assume it sees a fair amount of use.

overall, i'm quite impressed with how GOOD this bike, which is likely the cheapest Spec. road bike you can buy. the fit for me was spot on too.

if this were my only road bike, life wouldnt be too bad.

anyway, just wanted to make a note that you dont need a bunch of high dollar equipment to enjoy some real fun on the road.

Also like to add - InCycle in SanDimas - excellent LBS.

Cicli · #2 02-01-2018, 10:25 AM

Cool. Looks like a nice ride.
I have an uncle in San Dimas.

ChristianWong · #3 02-01-2018, 10:34 AM

Well-maintained (or new, in this case) 'cheap' equipment will out-perform shoddy expensive stuff most days of the week.

I should take note as a few of my bikes are in need of some maintenance.

charliedid · #4 02-01-2018, 10:35 AM

I agree with your sentiment but I think that bike is a notch above the 'cheap stuff '

AngryScientist · #5 02-01-2018, 10:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by charliedid

I agree with your sentiment but I think that bike is a notch above the 'cheap stuff '

agreed charlie.

probably, the absolute low low end walmart quality is too low for serious riding, but i think most folks on this forum would consider a mix of oem brand house and tiagra kit pretty "cheap".

fiamme red · #6 02-01-2018, 10:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AngryScientist

Aluminum Specialized Allez kitted with Tiagra running gear, praxis crank, cheap oem spec. wheels and no-name brakeset.

So how much is the list price on this bike? I'd guess around $800 to $1,200?

Try riding a $200 bike from Target or a $100 bike from Walmart. Not really good.

jtbadge · #7 02-01-2018, 10:48 AM

How's the high school football, though?

Clean39T · #8 02-01-2018, 10:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AngryScientist

agreed charlie.

probably, the absolute low low end walmart quality is too low for serious riding, but i think most folks on this forum would consider a mix of oem brand house and tiagra kit pretty "cheap".

Yes, yes I would..

The other consideration though is that the lower end components simply don't perform as well over time or last as long as the upper-end stuff...specifically when it comes to the intricate parts like shifters/derailleurs/brakes and hubs/BBs. And I think that is why it is worth it to pay up for the good stuff in those areas if you're going to put serious miles in...and if you need to save some scratch, do it in the cassette and chain. Honestly though, not that much room to save there either...

And with the second-hand market being as good as it is, why save $100 to buy a lower-end model frameset that's going to depreciate twice as fast (assuming initial depreciation has already occurred) as the top end model?

I guess what I'm saying is...if I only had $1K to spend on a bike...or $500...I'd spend it on a used/vintage ride with upper-end parts any day over a new bike off the showroom floor.

I'll stop preaching to the choir now.

rnhood · #9 02-01-2018, 11:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by charliedid

I agree with your sentiment but I think that bike is a notch above the 'cheap stuff '

Agree, even a cheap Specialized is knocking on the door of the top tier. And I'd rather be riding Tiagra than most anything Sram or Campagnolo make.

bigbill · #10 02-01-2018, 11:05 AM

I compare and contrast quite a bit. My cross bike has 7400 series 8 speed Dura Ace and my gravel bike has new Ultegra 11. I thought the Dura Ace was good............

My road bikes are campy, other than the shape, the shifting has been good since the late 90's.

DreaminJohn · #11 02-01-2018, 11:29 AM

As a lifelong cost/benefit advocate I concur with your contention.

As an aside, that might be the most serious Road Closed gauntlet(?) I've ever seen.

54ny77 · #12 02-01-2018, 11:35 AM

I thought the same thing. WTH is that?

Quote:

Originally Posted by DreaminJohn

As an aside, that might be the most serious Road Closed gauntlet(?) I've ever seen.

chiasticon · #13 02-01-2018, 11:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jtbadge

how's the high school football, though?

rules!

Clean39T · #14 02-01-2018, 12:22 PM

Also, those pics are making me want to live in LA...is there anything better than a deserted one lane road headed into the mountains?

AngryScientist · #15 02-01-2018, 12:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Clean39T

is there anything better than a deserted one lane road headed into the mountains?

yes.

when that one lane road is definitely closed to cars - as in the picture. there was zero concern as i was riding that i was going to get buzzed by a sport bike or jackass in a tesla tearing up the road. glorious.