Windsor Willow bikes?

[Asphaltgirl]

Me and Maverick (MTB) have been happily blazing the rail trails until I decided that I needed speed, so the boys at the LBS (absolutley drooling with excitement) put these skinny little tires on the bike and--whoa--a whole new biking experience! So now I'm thinking of "moving up" but don't want to spend alot of money until I'm sure that this is the direction I want to go. So (to make a long story short) I found at "bikesdirect.com", a women's specific bike for $459 including shipping. However, I've googled, and searched but NO ONE else carries this bike nor can I find any reviews about it. The price is right, the size is right(short) but am I crazy to spend money on a no-namey bike? It's a real pretty bike-purple or pink (hey, when you're over 55 it's okay to wear purple!). Definately not going out for century rides but a few half centuries wouldn't be out of the picture. Any thoughts? Suggestions?

[Irulan]

things to consider...
-does the bike fit?
- what kind of component package
- dealer support, is there any for fit and component adjustments?

IMO, you might want to go to your LBS with your budget and do some comparing

~Irulan

[admiral finch]

I have to agree with Irulan. Regardless of how pretty the bike is, if you can't find any information about it, ask the LBS guys if they know the bike.

I'd think twice before buying something if you're not positive it fits.

Make sure you know what material it's made out of, who made it, what's on it, etc. Some of the women's specific frames are too cramped for me, even though I'm supposedly the ideal body shape/type for them.

Choosing a road bike is a very personal experience and I while I drool over some of the bikes I see on Ebay, I'd never get one unless I'd test ridden that bike a few times, over at least 20 miles--or on a trainer--to know if it fit.

LBS is going to be your best bet and if they can't help you, they should know where to send you.

a.f.

[Asphaltgirl]

Thanks! I did, but the guys were trying to fit me to the bike instead of fitting the bike to me. Tried a few other shops in my area, but they tend to be for serious roadies and they tried not to snicker at my "modest" budget! You know, for the price, I should just get the darn thing and then modify the heck out of it, over the winter.

[Irulan]

first why don't you ask here for a good bike shop in your area.

second... I worry this bike will cost you more in the long run. What if the deraillers need adjusting? What if you need to change out a stem? What if it comes not put together properly? Alll of these things will cost you more in the long run.

just my 2¢ of course - do what you want.

~I

[Asphaltgirl]

We've got some great, top notch LBS in my area but my hope was to get an "intro" road bike without having to spend $800 plus for one. It may be that it's not possible to do that, and if so, then I'll just continue to swap the wheels on the mtb whenever I go on the road. Thanks, all, for the input--evidently I need to consider this purchase further.

Barb (MA)

[fultzie]

Bicycling mag just had a great article in September on "Great Bikes for All Budgets"... you might want to check out the copy at your local library (if you don't subscribe ) check other back issues too, because they listed some good deals a few months ago (sub $600 for a decent road bike-- can't remember the brand)
you could also ask your LBS or any local bike clubs for postings about used road bikes... that's how i got mine.
but i'd definitely agree with the other posters here... ride it first!!! and then take it to a mechanic before you buy!!!
good luck, and happy riding

[Rhonda]

My husband bought a Windsor Knight road bike (his was right around $700 I think) just over a year ago from bikesdirect.com, the only thing he's done is add aero bars, it also was his first road bike and has been a great bike. I've went to several rides with him and have never seen another Windsor, but like I said he really likes it and has no regrets.
I had been riding a 04 Giant Cypress (hybrid/comfort bike) but when I started getting 30+ mile rides in my husband wanted to get me a road bike, like you I didn't want to invest a lot of money up front, we lucked into a new 03 Fuji Sagres at a LBS for $300, great deal for a beginner roadie I think. At that price I won't mind upgrading in a couple of years.
Good luck and have fun riding.

[Asphaltgirl]

Thanks everyone! Made a few additional phone calls and found a Fuji Ace that seems about the right price, but the size might be an issue-I'm stopping after work to check it out. Rhonda-thank you for the comments about your husband's purchase of a Windsor and bikesdirect. It's good to know that he has had a positive experience with the brand. I checked the specs, on the Willow, and it doesn't seem that bad and if I have to upgrade a part or two, heck, I do that all the time on the mtb!
Barb (MA)

[dogbooty]

I just ordered a windsor willow for my girlfriend. The bike that I bought cost 465, shipping included. I did quite a bit of research on the willow before I bought it. As far as I can tell, I'm getting a bike that would cost about 700 in a lbs for 465. I even went so far as to look up most of the components online to determine how much they would cost individually. This is what I came up with for comparable quality or identical parts:

$60 cromoly fork
100 kinesis frame
140 sora shifters
40 crankset
15 sora front derailleur
25 sora rear derailleur
25 sora cassette freewheel
12 chain
90 wheels
25 tires
15 brakes
15 saddle
10 seat post
15 hubs

total: $590 (w/o lbs markup)
+100 lbs markup (local bike store)
690 + 8% tax = $745

Even if I'm off by 150, I've still saved about 140 dollars. Any thoughts?

[dogbooty]

I should also say that the customer service where I bought the windsor willow is garbage. I emailed them with a question and they never responded. I guess I'm taking a risk in that department, but I'm taking the bike back to europe for my girlfriend, so I wouldn't have the advantage of an lbs anyway. I've chosen not to buy in europe at an lbs because the dollar is so weak right now. way too expensive.

[lyca]

Another thing to consider is how the bike will be shipped. Will it come assembled already, or will you need to assemble it yourself? Maybe you're super savvy and can put a bike together. (I know I'm not. )

[dogbooty]

Thanks for your response. Yeah, I thought about that. I really don't have much choice since I'm going to check it on the airplane out of NYC. It has to be broken down for the trip. I do have a lbs over there that I use to work on my cannondale r800 and my specialized langster. they are not snobby and are really cool about working on bikes that they didn't sell. I live in belgium, and about half of the city bikes over there are older than the guys who own the lbs, so they can't be too picky about whose bikes they service. I think I'll take it up to them and ask them to assemble and adjust.

[Asphaltgirl]

Wow, I forgot how long the Windsor Willow (loving known as the Purple Peaple Eater) and I have been together. She is still going great and is a terrific basic bike for the value. My DH and LBS have tweeked her to match my riding style/size and LBS guys even went out and found purple Candies pedals for her. I ride every day, usually 20 to 25 miles and longer on the weekends and the bike is extremely reliable. At the time that I purchased her, there were very few budget choices available for the small size that I needed, but that has changed alot over the the past years. If the guilt doesn't get me, I'll probably upgrade next year and retire the PPE to a quiet corner of the attic. Maybe........
Asphaltgirl

[mimitabby]

well, Asphaltgirl, thanks for the info. Where's the picture? you have a bike that none of us have seen, and we'd like to see what it looks like!

please please?