[Equackasous]

What do you think about this bike?

http://www.rei.com/product/812640/gt-series-2-bike-2011

I am about to pull the trigger on it unless someone sees a glaring issue with this bike. When looking or offering other suggestions, there are two things that I would like you to consider:

1. I will be buying the bike from REI only (I have a gift cards, etc.)
2. This is about the price point that I want to spend.

Thanks!

[uchetrip]

Don't see any glaring issues but I'd probably get the Cannondale Synapse Alloy 5 for the same price.

http://www.rei.com/product/811553/ca...pact-bike-2011

[inhitoemits]

Not much between the two bikes at all, but I'd probably lean to the Cannondale as Quantumdefect says. Both great bikes for the money.

[Equackasous]

Why the Cannondale?

[uchetrip]

I'm guessing you're getting this bike to churn out the miles on so the taller headtube on the synapse would offer more comfort on the bike, plus the curved stays take out some of the road buzz.

For a swing in the other direction, the RS10 wheels are a good entry level set on the Cannondale, but I'd probably take the 32h mavics on the GT if the wheels were side by side.

Ultimately, I'd still take the synapse as there are a lot of amazing reviews on both the alloy and carbon varieties.

[dodadaxia]

I imagined you more as a single speed kind of guy.

[AllAdobeOEMSoftDownload]

I am not a road biker, but I do have a GT bike (Force 3.0). Overall great quality and value for the money.

[Equackasous]

I'm guessing you're getting this bike to churn out the miles on so the taller headtube on the synapse would offer more comfort on the bike, plus the curved stays take out some of the road buzz.

For a swing in the other direction, the RS10 wheels are a good entry level set on the Cannondale, but I'd probably take the 32h mavics on the GT if the wheels were side by side.

Ultimately, I'd still take the synapse as there are a lot of amazing reviews on both the alloy and carbon varieties.

http://www.urbandictionary.com/defin...rm=Road%20Buzz

I do not understand most of what you wrote there.

[uchetrip]

Short version: The Cannondale has a specific geometry and build to be fast but still comfortable over long distances e.g. in excess of 30 miles.

[Lkemybab]

Short version: The Cannondale has a specific geometry and build to be fast but still comfortable over long distances e.g. in excess of 30 miles.

i.e a girls bike. Go with the racing geometry.

Seriously though, I would test ride it first, buying a bike of that value without having sat on it is a bit of a gamble, sometimes you'll sit on something and it just doesn't feel right.

[Equackasous]

Seriously though, I would test ride it first, buying a bike of that value without having sat on it is a bit of a gamble, sometimes you'll sit on something and it just doesn't feel right.

My mother tells me this all the time.

When you buy at REI there is an satisfaction guarantee. I have like 30days to return it if I do not like it, I am not worried about that.

[Lkemybab]

My mother tells me this all the time.

When you buy at REI there is an satisfaction guarantee. I have like 30days to return it if I do not like it, I am not worried about that.

As a man it's in built into your genetics that you will unlikely return an item and admit you've made a mistake

[Equackasous]

Also, this is a bike for transportation and the occasional triathlon. I am not a racer. This is to challenge me against myself, not some douche bag with a tight shirt.

I want something that is quality because I will be using it very often. 20+ miles a ride will not be uncommon, hell I will even ride up to 100 miles on certain occasions.

I spent a lot of last summer on a PoS bike riding into work (20 miles round trip) a couple times a week, did a few "races" and a lot of joyriding.

[Lkemybab]

Also, this is a bike for transportation and the occasional triathlon. I am not a racer. This is to challenge me against myself, not some douche bag with a tight shirt.

I want something that is quality because I will be using it very often. 20+ miles a ride will not be uncommon, hell I will even ride up to 100 miles on certain occasions.

I spent a lot of last summer on a PoS bike riding into work (20 miles round trip) a couple times a week, did a few "races" and a lot of joyriding.

Nothing wrong with a tight shirt, getting that wind resistance down is one of the most important aspects of fast riding.

[arcalmanard]

i actually just got back into biking myself, trying to get back in shape.

i nabbed

http://www.trekbikes.com/us/en/bikes...ess/fx/7_5_fx/#

seemed like it had pretty good components for the money, but i wanted something a little more comfortable to ride then a pure road bike, not like im going to be racing anytime soon.

Ive had pretty good luck with Trek over the years, and there is a dealer local to me.

Good luck in your bike search [thumbup]

[Dfvgthyju]

http://www.urbandictionary.com/defin...rm=Road%20Buzz

I do not understand most of what you wrote there.

I think he's referring to the vibration transmitted through the frame to the bars and seat from road irregularities. That link refers to something I've sometimes heard being called a "Patsy".
Been thinking of getting another bike myself, but it's bloody dangerous with the roads and drivers here, besides, most cyclists seem to be lycra clad wankers - I was more a jeans and T shirt guy.

[inhitoemits]

, besides, most cyclists seem to be lycra clad wankers - I was more a jeans and T shirt guy.

Try and do 100 miles in jeans and t-shirt. You can say 'goodbye' to everything between your legs. Problem with wearing lycra is that you instantly look like a ******, so everyone thinks you are one. Except me, I am actually a ******.

[Equackasous]

Try and do 100 miles in jeans and t-shirt.

Done it. Skateboard shorts and a T-Shirt. Multiple marathons as such too. Suck it.

I still have not bought this yet... I am leaning toward the Cannondale. Any other votes?

[inhitoemits]

Done it. Skateboard shorts and a T-Shirt. Multiple marathons as such too. Suck it.

You have done a 100 mile cycle in skateboard shorts? Sure you have. No really.

edit: actually, it's not that out-with the realms of possibility, however it would be for me.

[Equackasous]

You have done a 100 mile cycle in skateboard shorts? Sure you have. No really.

Yup. 89 miles, United Way Charity event August 27, 2010.

Technically they were not normal shorts because they had padding (perhaps this was your contention?). No Chamois butter either (I regretted this).

But, yeah, I do not lie about my excursions. Really.

I did a biathlon without any special gear either (Top 1% finisher). I am sorry if this offends you and your 3K Euro "biking outfit".