Are European bikes worth it?
#26
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Nah, just prettier. I really like their Dove stay rear instead of the standard L-bracket or VO's L-bracket or crimp-on bracket.
#27
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JaccoW Thanks, I'll get this as well!
#28
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Gilles Berthoud 700C x 50mm long version stainless steel. With Simworks by Honjo hardware and fender flap.
I prefer stainless steel over aluminum, even though it is slightly heavier, and they are cheaper than VO aluminum fenders over here.
I prefer stainless steel over aluminum, even though it is slightly heavier, and they are cheaper than VO aluminum fenders over here.
I myself want to buy a set of Berthoud fenders and the Honjo parts like you did. I think I need:
- U stay set
- 4R clip Set
- Dove Stay Front
- Dove Stay Rear
#29
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Everything else looks good.
#30
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It's all perceived quality rather than real quality. Most US and European brands have bicycles either fully made in Asia or just assemble mainly Asian parts including frame and forks. I've seen Hambini on youtube show how terrible a Canyon frame was, utter garbage, a CF frame full of voids and creases and the frame had terrible tolerances for the bottom bracket area. Also because the EU have put tariffs on China before the US many frames and forks are coming from Cambodia (the biggest exporter of bikes to the EU) which don't match the quality of mainland China bikes on average. If you look at frame warranties and weight limits you will normally find EU brands have lower limits than US brands on average and thats because they are generally weaker frames made lighter to appeal to the weight weenies. If you are a light rider fine but if you are a heavier rider or want to do bicycle touring perhaps not ideal. The best quality for price is buying an Asian brand like Giant who manufacture themselves and offer high weight limits and a long warranty plus come from perhaps the highest quality factories of mass produced bikes in the world. US and European brands are mainly importers, they sell themselves as manufacturers but at best they are assemblers and at worst full importers nothing more. Of course at higher end prices you get actual US or European manufactured frames and forks but that is at the very top of pricing.
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#31
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All I know is when I visited Europe last year most bikes had Dynamo lights with low beam reflectors and they just looked cooler and more functional for commuting. Wish we could get stuff like that in the US easily.
#32
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I am going to make 2 suggestions to the OP who seems to be intent on buying a belt drive internal gear bike. First:
https://www.mec.ca/en/product/5040-0...Steady-Bicycle
This bike is sold by a rock solid Canadian retailer with incredible after sales service(US members, think REI). The stores can provide great advice on outfitting the bike for Canadian winters.
next: https://www.amazon.ca/KMC-Buster-Bic.../dp/B000AYFRV8
These chains don't rust and they are a viable alternative to very expensive drive belts. Do they last as long? No. but they cost a tiny fraction of the cost of a drive belt and also offer the advantage that they work on a much larger variety of frames than belts which require a frame specifically designed for a belt. I would say that one of these chains would be more cost effective long term than a belt given the low price
https://www.mec.ca/en/product/5040-0...Steady-Bicycle
This bike is sold by a rock solid Canadian retailer with incredible after sales service(US members, think REI). The stores can provide great advice on outfitting the bike for Canadian winters.
next: https://www.amazon.ca/KMC-Buster-Bic.../dp/B000AYFRV8
These chains don't rust and they are a viable alternative to very expensive drive belts. Do they last as long? No. but they cost a tiny fraction of the cost of a drive belt and also offer the advantage that they work on a much larger variety of frames than belts which require a frame specifically designed for a belt. I would say that one of these chains would be more cost effective long term than a belt given the low price
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#33
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I can recommend German Diamant - brand owned by Trek out of Chemnitz. Been producing bicycles since 1885.
VSF Fahrrad is also a respected value brand as is Puch out of Steyr, Austria.
VSF Fahrrad is also a respected value brand as is Puch out of Steyr, Austria.
#34
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DeVinci builds their aluminum bikes in Canada.
Looks like DeVinci Cartier Nexus might be what you're looking for.
Looks like DeVinci Cartier Nexus might be what you're looking for.
Last edited by Viich; 07-28-20 at 05:28 PM.
#35
Banned
3rd hand ,, NL brand , Taiwan frame & fork , German hub, brakes seat post mudguards and racks French cranks & rims, Italian stem & handlebars
Swiss Spokes.. had an XT hub , I rebuilt the wheel .
Swiss Spokes.. had an XT hub , I rebuilt the wheel .
Last edited by fietsbob; 07-28-20 at 08:29 PM.