helmet4000

I got an email from Performance Bikes about Black Friday deals. I wanted a +1 and was browsing on Nashbar and Performance Bikes and the local Giant dealers. My Trek Emonda ALR 5 is a GREAT bike. I love it. But I wanted an additional bike that I might use during New Jersey winter when there is salt on the road and/or in light rain conditions.

I come across a 2016 $999 Fuji SL 2.5 (using their second-level "C10" carbon) with 30% back in points (that is around $300 in store credit simply for purchasing the bike). It is a 105-equipped (except for lessor-though-still Shimano brakes and Oval crankset). About 17.8lbs with stock wheels. Cool?

Ok, I pull the trigger. A couple days later I have somehow $400 in store credit and the Shimano RS500 (their "Ultegra" level wheelset) is selling for $339 with some coupons that brings it down to $289 with free shipping. So I use points and obtain a free wheelset and Fuji's 52cm bike has a top tube that is about 1/2cm larger than my Trek. Ok, so I find an 80cm stem and still have points left over for 105 pedals and a carbon bottle cage and garmin sensors.

So for $999 I have a:
new '16 Fuji SL 2.5 (MSRP $2,000, now selling for $1,599 after black friday)
a new stem
new Ultegra wheelset
new 105 pedals
new carbon bottle cage
new Garmin speed and cadence sensors

To round out the bike:
I had some Michelin Service Pro4 tires, a Garmin computer mount
I did all assembly except for running cables through the frame...paid my LBS $39 to do that

Performance Bike was like Santa this year.

redlude97

good deal, but rs500 is not ultegra level

helmet4000

backcountry advertises it as such:
https://www.backcountry.com/shimano-...xoCRpYQAvD_BwE

Shoeman

Back Country 10% off new customer + 9% cash back!!
Sign up for Active Junky and get an additional $10 back!!
https://www.activejunky.com/invite/216108

TXCiclista

I don't think Shimano does. Lots of retailers list RS500 as Ultegra, but as far as I know, it's one step below. I see more than a few "ultegra-level" descriptions followed by a "budget-friendly" type of disclaimer. Still, it would be worth getting further clarification from "those in the know."

himespau 

I'm petty sure RS600 level is more fitting with Ultegra since Ultegra used to be called Shimano 600. I've always thought of the 500 series being more in line with 105.

Laurido92

Welcome to Team Fuji!!! That's a great deal!!! That sounds like what I did last year. I bought a Fuji SL 2.3 on sale $1599.99 plus double points and with the points I bought a set of Ultegra 6800 wheels, two bottle cages, Michelin Pro 3 Service Course tires and still had points left over.

Doctor Morbius

700 x 25 Continental Grand Sport Race folding tire at Merlin's for $21.78. The lowest I've seen for that size.

https://www.merlincycles.com/contine...yre-90012.html

TimothyH

Giro Bravo Glove - $12.97
https://www.competitivecyclist.com/g...-cycling-glove

Castelli Thermoflex Knee Warmer - Medium Only - $19.97
https://www.competitivecyclist.com/c...rmers-cst007z3

Castelli Sleeveless Summer Base Layer - $25
https://www.competitivecyclist.com/c...leeveless-mens

Castelli Hoodie - Small and Extra Large are $34
https://www.competitivecyclist.com/c...er-hoodie-mens

Assos BonkaGlove_evo7 - Small and Extra Small Only - $41.70
https://www.competitivecyclist.com/a...e_evo7-aas002n

Castelli Gabba 2 Short Sleve - Med, Lg, XL - Black Only - $65
https://www.competitivecyclist.com/c...e-mens-cst002k

Giro Republic Lace Up Road Shoes - Limited Sizes - $74.97
https://www.competitivecyclist.com/giro-republic-shoe

Castelli Meno Wind Bib Tights - $75
https://www.competitivecyclist.com/c...tights-cst00n3

Capo LeMans Jersey - $159
Not a great deal but I really want this so I'd appreciate if someone could buy this for me for Christmas and LMK so that I can PM my address.
https://www.competitivecyclist.com/c...rt-sleeve-mens

Giro Empire and Empire Limited Edition Lace Up Shoes - Some Sizes and Colors - $137.47
https://www.competitivecyclist.com/g...-cycling-shoes
https://www.competitivecyclist.com/giro-empire-acc-shoe

Yeah, I'm bored now so check the sales at Competitive. Lots of other good stuff for Santa to bring you.


-Tim-

TimothyH

Giro Aeon Helmet - $88
https://www.excelsports.com/main.asp...jor=3&minor=13

Browse the other closeouts at Excel Sports
https://www.excelsports.com/closeouts/

aplcr0331

Whoah, I was excited for the Giro Empires, but the big discounts are on the smaller sizes. Damn.

TimothyH

Sorry I didn't see this earlier.

I own the Sorpasso Wind bib tights which are the version with wind block. No issues other than the need to size up, waaay up.

The discount is probably because they are last year's model.


-Tim-

TimothyH

I'm a 43.5. Works for me!

Actually they are nowhere wide enough and my feet hurt just looking at them.

Competitive does that, gives deep discounts on odd sizes and colors.

Contact Kyle Livingston at Backcountry. Backcountry owns Competitive. He is a "gear head" (sales rep). His number is 801.736.4337 and his email address is klivingston@backcountry.com. Ask him. The worst that can happen is he says he can't do it. Might surprise you and then you will be glad you made the call.


-Tim-

TimothyH

Castelli Classic Winter Windstop Cycling Jacket - $95.21 US
https://www.merlincycles.com/castell...ce-105690.html

I have not seen this jacket before and know little about it. A quick search and I believe it is the jacket here but I could be mistaken. If it is this jacket then the fabric in the rear is light fleece which vents. Probably a very nice garment.


-Tim-

seedsbelize 

My last purchase of Giro Bravos, my go to glove, netted me two replacement pairs, due to blowouts within the first month of use. Both on the left.

TimothyH

I'm 5' 8" and 195 lb. I take a 3XL in the Nanoflex but take a 34 waist x 33 inseam jeans.

There are some quality issues as well. Photos at https://www.bikeforums.net/road-cycl...t-quality.html


-Tim-

evan326

Thanks, I got the same, lesser quality stitching that you did. So far they are working out great. Thanks for posting all these deals

TimothyH

I hope the work out for you but it wasn't just the stitching that caused me to send them back.

My finger went right through the bib strap mesh like it was tissue paper.

logical

Stages Ultegra 6800 Power Meter @ Performance Bike for 319 today. Closeout price + 20% off. Probably wont go much cheaper than that.

Stages Ultegra 6800 Power Meter- Closeout - Performance Bike

TimothyH

Castelli Alpha Wind Jacket - Large/Black only - $179.40
https://www.excelsports.com/main.asp...ajor=4&minor=4

TimothyH

50% off one order at Search and State. Valid through 12/31/2017. Includes sale items. Use code lastchance50

TimothyH

Castelli Alpha ROS Jacket Limited Edition - $275
https://www.competitivecyclist.com/c...imited-edition

TimothyH

Shimano ST-RS685 hydraulic brake/mechanical shift levers, BR-RS805 post mount calipers, all the hoses, fittings, pads and fluid - $466.99
https://www.probikekit.com/bicycle-b.../11211789.html

Laurido92

Michelin Pro 4 Endurance tire $27.99
Michelin Pro4 Endurance Tire - Performance Bike

Michelin Pro 4 Service Course $29.99
Michelin Pro4 Service Course 700x25 Road Tire - Performance Bike

Sy Reene

Good prices, IF they are the V2 editions of these tires.