Windsor Bicycles

Alpenrose

After 2000 miles including 14 races I can say I am completely satisfied. The deraillers still work great. I've changed out wheels, cassettes, cranks, chainrings, and the stem because of personal preferences, not because there was anything wrong with the original equipment. In fact the only problems I have are caused by me. For racing, I put on a special set of wheels and tires, of course, and have experimented with different cassettes. I just put on a 180 mm crank (the bike came with a 172.5) which I believe fits me better.
It's low end, of course, and only 8-speed.

vchu7105

Thats too big, you need a 54cm

CycleJunkie

gb93433

Years ago in the early 70s when I was racing in Washington I met a man who was connected with the Windsor bicycle factory in Mexico. He told me that Cinelli's son went to Mexico to set up shop and took about 1/2 of Cinelli's jigs with him.

jfff

CycleJunkie,

Did you get your Hour yet? I'm looking at ordering one very soon. Pretty sure I need a 61 cm frame and luckily bikesdirect still has that in stock.

CycleJunkie

I've received "the hour" about a week ago and like it so far, but, haven't logged a bunch of miles just yet. I have noticed and highly recommend using a torque wrench when assembling. The stem is a generic brand and I need to replace that already. I over torqued and stripped the threads out. Nice!

I'd still recommend that if you're looking for a decent fixed gear and cheap, get one. If this is going to be your primary ride. You're going to need to upgrade components rather quickly.

enjoy.. the hour.

jfff

I was looking at building a fixed gear but my knowledge of bicycle parts and mechanics is very poor. So, I'm going to buy the Hour and use it as a learning tool and fixed gear learner. If I enjoy it, which I'm sure I will, I'm just going to build a bike at a later date.

As for assembly, I think I'm going to take the bike to a local bike shop for the remainder of the assembly and get them to put a front brake on the bike so I don't kill myself. I'm going to change out the saddle for a nicer one immediately and once I get the hang of riding fixed gear I'm going to probably switch out the cranks for something a little nicer and throw on clipless pedals.

Thanks for all the info.

Edit: Just ordered one, the 61 cm frame should fit me, I might have to put on a shorter stem though. Can't wait to get it!

patrickMPLS

In February I bought a Windsor Fens from Bikesdirect.com, thought I'd report my experience. I've commuted for years on a light MTB with slicks, and this is a really nice addition to my routine. My dealings with bikesdirect were straightforward; no hidden costs, and the bike shipped in fine condition. The assembly was pretty easy but I spent several rides getting everything adjusted the way I like. The Ritchey Biomax handlebars are a little funky; I might prefer an old-school curve. I am 5'-10" with a particularly long torso and the 56c bike I got was maybe a little small in the TT. I ordered a replacement 13cm stem from Nashbar and now I'm quite comfortable. Maybe a 58c would have fit better, but my inseam is really more appropriate for a 54c, so this is probably the best compromise. But overall, I'm quite happy. The bike is particuarly zippy going up hills, weighs about 20lbs. I've heard that Al frames have lots of vibration, but this rides very comfortably for me. The welds are kinda big - but who cares!

Regarding buying online: Folks with odd anatomy like myself should probably buy in a store. But I went to several MPLS LBS's, and I'll say some of them did a very poor job of fitting me during trial rides. Now that I have a frame that fits me well, and I can take measurements from it, I won't hesitate to buy online in the future.

stevenaleach

Well, It's been almost 3 years with my Windsor Bristol, and I just ordered a Windsor Touring. I figured it was about time to give an update and report that I have been completely satisfied with the Bristol. My rims have a few dings from potholes, but that is to be expected (and is why I'm getting a touring bike - much more appropriate for the type of riding that I do and the abuse that my bikes get put through).

I've read back through this and other similar "Anyone know about these Windsors?" threads, and it looks like all of the negative posts have been from people who don't and won't buy one, with concearns about the company (fly by night, possible scam, evil foreign plot). Posts by anyone who actually owns one have ranged from satisfied to thrilled. This leads me to believe that my own positive experience has not just been dumb luck.

I'll have to post a quick review of the new bike once I get it... and maybe a follow-up around 2009 or so :-)

gstrummer

I'm very interested in buying the windsor tourist. If you could give me a heads up on how you find the bicycle, I'd appreciate it. I'm considering using it for a bike trip through Norway in the coming weeks.

Thanks,
Glen

stevenaleach

I placed the order last night. The website says 1 to 2 days to process the order and 5 to 7 business days for shipping. I'll let you know what I find when I finally have it set up and get to ride a bit.

droiddad

I heard Windsor ( and others) makes specific road bikes for women. What size should I look for for a 5'-6" daughter?

Thanks

Denemator

I just bought 2 Windsor Knights for $795 each, on paper they sound awesome and can't wait to get them for my wife and me. Ultegra equipped for $795 wow.

Miami

I just got my Windsor Knight last week, got it tuned at the LBS Friday and took it for a short ride (~5 miles) Friday evening. I was very impressed and can't wait to take it on a longer ride (going to try and make time to get in ~30 miles tomorrow).

Here's a picture, the only things I changed were the saddle, the pedals, and added an aerobar and computer.

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