Dan515

So a LBS has these bikes:

What I believe is a Louis Garneau Axis 2.0 (took it for a test ride but stupidly don't remember the model name ATM)

a Kuwahara Sprint (pretty sure it was a full Sora drivetrain)

and a Jamis Ventura.. don't remember if it's a Sport or Comp

The LG was going for $1000 CDN, the Kuwahara for $650 CDN, and the Jamis for around $750/$800 CDN.

Are any of these good deals or at least decent bikes? I know they all have Sora parts (which are, from what I understand, not too great), but I'm on a budget.

Or would it be more worth it to buy a bike from Bikes Direct that has Tiagra/105 and deal w/ the currency conversion and tax?

igknighted

For a beginner in the sport, I would say fit is more important than any difference in components at that level. The benefit of a proper fit will far outweigh the benefit of tiagra, or even 105. Besides, if you get hooked, you will want better than a tiagra/105 bike before too long (and if you don't get hooked, you'll wonder why you spent the little bit extra). Besides, buying from the local shop creates a relationship that you can fall back on when you need help (maintenance, advice, etc.)

Bearonabike

My rule of thumb for beginning ANYTHING potentially as expensive as biking: Save your money, buy used. If you like the sport, sell it and add some cash and buy a new bike. After a few thousand miles, you will have a definite idea about what you do and don't want in a bicycle and can find a model that best suits your riding style and mindset. My first RB was a Fuji S-10-S from 1974 (rebuilt myself), my second was a Trek 1200 and I just bought another S-10-S to rebuild as a touring bike. I had the chance to use a more modern (read: straighter fork) road bike and found that I very much preferred the stability of the older fork style and the give of old steel.

fastbikes

Do you know what years the Kuwahara Sprint was made in?

alcjphil

You would have to check, but I believe that Bikes Direct does not ship to Canada
Even if they do, expect shipping to be very expensive

Chuckles1

Don't know about Sora levers, but I put a Sora long cage rear derailleur on my 2x9 speed this year so i could use an 11/36 cassette (getting older, needed lower gearing for step hills). It shifts quicker and smoother than the older 105 RD it replaced, and than my new gravel bike that has full Tiagra. Also the finish and look of the Sora is beautiful.

Germanrazor

Get fitted and try to get at least 105 componetry if you can. I am not big on anything less than 105 in the Shimano lineup as you will find you will want to upgrade soon. I am actually a SRAM rider so that is another story.

Some LBS’ do great fittings while others just do the basics of stand over and watch you ride in the parking lot to get an idea. If you find a LBS that does “real” fittings, well those can sometimes run you a few hundred! But if you are buying a $5k bike its worth it.

To a beginner, just let the LBS gauge you for now and get you in the ballpark. Good luck.

wipekitty

Hopefully the OP made a decision by now

datlas 

alcjphil

My bad, I missed the date of that first post, it just sounded like so many other first timers asking that question these days