[QUOTE=sausageballs, post:10, topic:437288]
So, I like this bike and think it’s a good deal - disc breaks in this price range isn’t super common.
The components aren’t for big downhill bombing runs, but no one would think they were at this price.
I think the components are plenty adequate for casual XC racing, but YMMV.
One caveat to keep in mind, however, is that you’ll have to assemble it yourself. It’s not hard, but for a little more you can may be able to get a comparable bike from a local shop, professionally assembled. And often they will throw in a few free tuneups with the purchase of the bike, so you can break it in worry-free.
If assembly and maintenance isn’t a concern to you, I’d jump on this.
[/quote]
Those Tektro Novella brakes are almost the worst brakes I’ve ever worked on. They’re spec’ed on a lot of low-end name-brand bikes. Considering that this bike comes unassembled, un-tuned, and without any support from an LBS, this is exactly the price-point where I’d expect to see these brakes.
Novellas provide slightly worse braking power than run-of-the-mill V-brakes. However, since the mounts are already on the frame, it would be possible to upgrade to some Avid BB7s (however, if this has nylon brake levers, it’s hard to get much power from your hand to the calipers). Of course, by the time you get BB7s and a decent pair of levers, you might be looking at an additional $150 dollars.
Because this is an aluminum frame with a 1-1/8 headtube, this is a good starter platform that can be gradually upgraded over time and leave you with a pretty decent bike. The wheels are probably a little heavy, but they are double-walled, which is NOT often seen at this price.
If you are comfortable setting up a bike, this is a good deal. If you are not sure, it wouldn’t be a bad idea to take it to a reputable shop and have it checked over. However, a basic tune-up (adjustment & Safety check) might run you $50. Many shops aren’t going to cut you any breaks if you bring in an internet bike, either. A good shop isn’t going to shaft you, but they will very likely charge you full price (whereas with a new bike from them, they’ll very likely do these adjustments for free for as long as you own the bike).
As others have said, though, you’d be hard-pressed to find an aluminum bike for this price. It’s still probably in the ~30lb range, which isn’t too terrible for a 250 dollar bike.
![[Preview 1]](http://d3gqasl9vmjfd8.cloudfront.net/e43cb207-338d-482e-a33f-76f8b0d1549a.jpg){kind=link}
![[Preview 2]](http://d3gqasl9vmjfd8.cloudfront.net/98ca17d2-89a1-4225-b0f4-514b16585492.jpg){kind=link}
![[Preview 3]](http://d3gqasl9vmjfd8.cloudfront.net/57396893-4868-4d43-a293-cfa42b9506fb.jpg){kind=link}
