Gavin road bike

minsbang · 11 June 2009

Hi,

I don't know too much about road bikes but thought I'll buy my first one soon. I didn't want to shell out $1k+ for name brands such as Cannondale, Trek, Specialized, Cevelo, etc.... For about $450, I thought it's a good start. Here is the link: http://cgi.ebay.com/NEW-2009-GAVIN-ALUMINUM-ROAD-RACING-BIKE-SHIMANO-STI_W0QQitemZ170341809335QQcmdZViewItemQQptZRoad_Bikes?hash=item27a929bcb7&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=65%3A16%7C66%3A2%7C39%3A1%7C240%3A1307%7C301%3A1%7C293%3A1%7C294%3A50

Does anyone know more about this company? I just wanted to get a second opinion before I make the purchase. I did google for reviews and read a lot positives. Any help/tip is appreciated. Thank you in advance.

-Min

Edit: Oh, I forgot to add that I am currently riding 25 - 60 miles on bike tours with a hand-me-down bike. It's a Raleigh technium road bike. I believe they were made in the mid to late 80's. So I'm sure this Gavin bike is a major step up from my current bike. I'm not planning on participating in a tri-atholon, mostly bike tours.

socalx · 11 June 2009

if you are riding 25-60 miles i don't believe this is the right bike for you.

Different frames for different purposes. Aluminum is the stiffest and you will get the most power to the ground, but it will be the most uncomfortable on long rides. Surprisingly a traditional steel framed bike is really good at being comfortable while offering minimal flex, but the downside is that it is heavy.

Frame materials like carbon fiber and titanium are much better for longer rides as they are comfortable, light and stiff enough that you get the power to the ground.

Personally, i would feel much better for you if you would purchase one of the many lightly used 1year to 2year old trek carbon bikes that are available as an example.

however remember it is MORE important then anything else for a road bike that the frame is the right size for you and the bike is fitted for you. (seat, kneck and bars in proper position). SO before buying anything go to a bike shop and have them tell you the size frame you need. (i'm 6'1 and have a 55cm) that way if you buy used you know what frame size you need (don't compromise) and then you can get the bike fitted for you. (could be different neck, for rise and reach) and seat height adjustment. this is the most important thing.

Jetpilot3 · 11 June 2009

Welcome to road biking!:biggrin:

If I were in your shoes, and I have been, I'd look around at used bike stores and purchase a nice used Giant OCR, Trek, Scott or something equivalent instead.

The component groupo on this bike is the most basic you'll find on a road bike. Try and find something like full Shimano 105 (front derailluer, rear derailluer, brakes) as it will last you a very very long time. It will need less maintenance, shift rapidly, and last alot longer as you will become a fitter rider. Most entry level bikes are made from Aluminum frames so most are pretty good. As socal suggested above if you can find a good deal on a Carbon bike or any bike with at least full 105 or Ultegra components you'll be laughing all the way to your ride!

I started on a bike similar to this Gavin and it lasted me 1 season (hated it). I then didn't want to spend big bucks on another bike so found a nice used Giant OCR3 with full 105 components. That bike with its ergonomics and 105 components lasted me 4 years until I splurged and bought my existing Scott CR1 Team (full carbon fiber).

Honestly, I have been in your shoes and for $399 you will find an almost used Giant, Trek, etc. with full Shimano 105 components. Take a visit to a few bike shops in your area and they will steer you in the right direction. Also, ordering online is hit and miss as a few of my friends have experienced in terms of proper bike fitment. This is THE MOST IMPORTANT part of bike riding as an improperly fit bike will suck every single day you ride.

Wishing you the best on finding your bike! :wink:

minsbang · 12 June 2009

Thanks for the tips. My plan is to stop by at a local bike shop and try out 52cm - 58cm bikes. I'm currently riding this:

This is not my actual bike but it looks exactly the same. I'm thinking that the Gavin bike has more updated parts. But I could be wrong.

If I see one at the bike shop for <$700, I might pick it up. I'll keep you guys posted. I'm hoping to get a chance to stop by either this weekend or the one after.

After seeing the pic of my current bike, should I just keep riding the bike for now and wait until I have $1k? There is nothing wrong with it so I can just ride it for this season. Maybe during the winter time, I can get better deals. I did hear that bike shop owners really don't profit too much from the bikes. It's the accessories. Please correct me if i heard the wrong info.

Jetpilot3 · 12 June 2009

You're smart going into the bike shop to get the proper fitment - paramount. Yes, bike shops don't have the best margins on the bike itself (but don't be fooled they can give a good deal) and make their $ on the parts and servicing.

If you are a keen rider, get out at least 2-3 times, week then try and get the most expensive bike you can. Shimano 105 is the most basic component group I'd go with having ridden for a few years. You won't regret spending a wee bit more and your budget of $700 or less is ideal to start.

The only issue with end of season deals is sometimes the right sizes aren't in stock (regular sizes are the first to sell usually) so you'll run the risk of not finding one, however end of season means good deals.

Having a new bike is the best feeling though. It will motivate you to pedal harder and get more out of your ride. Happy happy joy joy!

minsbang · 12 June 2009

Thanks for the motivators! I really appreciate all the suggestions and positive comments.
I just googled a few used bike shops in nyc area and I did find some close by. I'm not sure if it's a good idea since most are places where you donate bikes. I also checked out craigslist but didn't find anything in my price range.

Thanks.

fallen86 · 12 June 2009

as the others have said, welcome to road biking! As a bike enthusiast, collector, and seller I urge you to go to a bike shop, get a good size estimate down and go on ebay or craigslist and buy a nice used bike. With your budget you can get something that was competition level not too long ago that will be a much better bike overall than the Gavin. Albeit its new and the parts are new but they're all rather cheap parts and the aluminum frame itself isnt that great. I'll keep it short, let me know if you have any other questions.

www.the-climb.net is my bike page if you want to check it out.

DocL · 12 June 2009

I just got back into road cycling after a 15 year hiatus, and boy are there big changes in the technology on thses things. I purchased a Giant TCR Alliance 1. It is a combination of carbon/aluminium. The bike accelerates great and the road feel is awesome. it's comfortable and I don't feel like I'm leaning over too far. The top tube slants downwards from the stem to the seat which gives me a better fit. I'm about 5'9" with a 30" inseam and I fit perfectly on a 54cm (M) frame with some adjustments to the stem and seat angles. One shop tried selling me a 52cm compact frame and it felt very twitchy to me.

I agree with the above posts and if you can find a good 1-2yr old bicycle go for it. I got a great deal on mine new with accessories that I had to buy it new.

NSXrunner · 12 June 2009

Interesting thread. Good luck finding your bike. I recently dusted off my old XC race bike from *gasp* 12+ years ago. Brought it to the shop for a tune up and the guys there were pretty stoked working on it because they got a kick looking at the old components. Out dated by today's standard, but in good shape and was pretty spiffy back then. :biggrin:

Tom239 · 12 June 2009

I agree with everyone who said fit matters more than frame material.

A (non-suspension) frame's compliance in the vertical direction is minimal. Tires deflect so much more than a frame does. The claims about different metals giving softer or harder rides are just hype. If you want a softer ride, get a bike that has enough clearance to let you run wide tires.

And people spend hundreds if not thousands of dollars to save weight that amounts to a couple percent of the total mass of the bike+rider.

minsbang · 30 September 2009

What are your thoughts on the following bikes?

1) Trek 1.2
2) Felt Z100
3) Orbea Fleche
4) Scott Speedster S60

Thank you.

Hrant · 9 October 2009

Shopping for a bike as well - after decades of resting LOL! I am debating between hybrid vs. road bike mostly at entry level as I am not interested in marathon rides or being the fastest betwen point A and B.

Costco seems to carry different Diamondback models (I believe they are all 2009) at pretty deep discounts. The Kalamar hybrid which was rated quite well as a value entry bike (similar to 09 Specialized) and retailed at $300 (now on sale at stores $250) is now $150! The Podium 2 road bike is around $500 and now it retails on sale at $899 when original priced $1000. Yes I do plan to get them tuned.

Many of the local stores are discontinuing Diamnodback because the company decided to go for on-line sale as well. I am told Raleigh makes Diamondback.

Any thoughts on Diamondback?

allstar · 10 October 2009

Hi , You will be better in the long run to go to your local bike dealer where you should get good advice,with better product and fit. Jeff

MAJOR STONER · 10 October 2009

Hrant · 10 October 2009

allstar said:
Hi , You will be better in the long run to go to your local bike dealer where you should get good advice,with better product and fit. Jeff

In concept I agree and I did some checking around. One national bicycle chain was totally clueless of some brands I mentioned (or perhaps because they didn't carry them) and this when they did not even acknowledge my presence in the shop for 15 minutes - so they were scratched off the list. The other in Davis - where bicycles rule - was quick to praise Diamondback Kalamar which they had on sale (though not my size) as the entry value bicycle of 2009 only to note they won't carry anymore since Diamondback was going to allow on-line sale. The third local shop was pushing Trek and Specialized and would not even rate the bicycles in comparisons to one another except to say they are both good!

If I am willing to pay more to help local shops, I expect more knowledgeable people than what I can also find on the Intenet.

Gavin road bike

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