quote:
I can't remember the model, but it's a hybrid bike. I've had it for 4 years. Thing only weighs 13 pounds or so. But from what I remember it was somewhere between $600-800

13lbs is a big big stretch.

I ride a Specialized Venge Pro. Watch the Tour De France today and you will see several. I think I’m about 16 lbs including computer and crap/heavy Shimano wheels.

As for the OP, I’m partial to Specialized but the question is highly price dependent. I dislike Scott after a frame crack which they didn’t warranty. In some categories ALL manufacturers are going to be a basic bike so go for components and fit.

quote:
Trek isn’t as shiny as it once was before Lance Armstrong had his fall from grace. But it is a good American company if you like mom and apple pie stuff.

I’m not sure any of their bikes are made in America anymore, sadly.

This post was edited on 8/29/20 at 11:53 am

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Posted by Obtuse1

Westside Bodymore Yo

Member since Sep 2016

25579 posts

Posted on 8/29/20 at 4:01 pm to ELLSSUU

quote:
I’m not sure any of their bikes are made in America anymore, sadly

The last US built frames were in 2017. For over a decade before that the only frames built in Wisconsin were the very top level. Even then all the components were made in either Japan, China, Taiwan or Italy (Campagnola may have been making some in other parts of Europe then).

Outside of the small independent frame builders almost all framesets are built in Taiwan or China. Certainly all of the mega-brand bikes (Trek/Specialized/Cannondale).

Even a lot of the true premium brands from Europe outsource frames to China and Taiwan. That $8500 Pinarello Dogma XLight frame every dentist slobbers over is made by Carbotec in Taiwan. Look and Colnago still build frames in Europe as well as a few others like Focus and Orbea. It is probably impossible to buy a bike where the frame isn't made in China or Taiwan for less than $5k.

That said the Chinese make some incredible bikes and especially wheels. Hambini just reviewed a set of Winspace Hyper X wheels direct from China and based on his testing they beat all the other big name wheels he has tested in aero. For $1100 you get a tubeless ready clincher 50mm filiment wound carbon wheelset that weighs 1350g with ceramic bearings and carbon spokes shipped to your door. To get a wheelset comparable in general specs from Lightweight you would spend $7,000. Sure the bearings and freehub might not be as durable but you can buy 6 pair with money to spare and they will be just as fast or faster. I just ordered a set to replace the trashed Mavic Ksyrium PRO UST on my training bike which are the same price and are alloy low profile wheels that weigh more.

Winspace

Hambini's review note it is NSFW and even has language not safe for tOT

Youtube

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Posted by ELLSSUU

Member since Jan 2005

7322 posts

Posted on 8/29/20 at 4:19 pm to Obtuse1

Thank you. Bookmarked the Winnspace site.

While I'm jonesing for Rovals, COVID climate has me attempting to save some coin until this blows over and jobs solidify. For the interim I ordered up some SuperTeam 50's. Damn things are stuck in Singapore.