2012 Graftpro 27

[xerxes]

Yes, sorry to be so negative, it is a bit of a minefield for those new to cycling, especially now that the big super stores have started to sell bikes in a box. The staff generally aren't knowledgeable, unless you chance upon an employee that happens to also be a cyclist, otherwise you're likely to get someone that doesn't know any more than you do and will just as soon sell you a can of paint, or a set of garden furniture as a bicycle.

In addition, many of the very cheap bikes in a box, are quite poor quality, but to the untrained eye may look like much like more expensive bicycles sold elsewhere. Not that $499 is very cheap, it's just that I think you could get something better for the money if you go for something simpler, that on the surface might not look like such a good deal.

Also, it's worth keeping an eye out for last years models on sale, shops and on-line sellers often sell them at a discounted price to clear out stock for the new models. Other than a change of colour, there's often little difference between the current and last years model. I myself bought a last years model a while back for about a 30% saving.

Some more reading for you:

http://southcoastbikes.co.uk/articles.asp?article=NO_BSO

http://www.commutebybike.com/2007/03/30/commuting-101-bike-shaped-objects/

http://www.thecyclingexperts.co.uk/get-cycling/buying-a-bike/the-bicycle-shaped-object/