Windsor Bicycles

Quoted post said:

Originally posted by stevenaleach
There was a message posted sometime last year by someone asking if anyone knew anything about a manufacturer called Windsor. Did anyone ever figure out who they are? The website is www.windsorbicycles.com, but it has very little information.

Does anyone know if they are in any way related to the 70's/80's Mexican Windsor bicycles?

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Watch out||| not US made bicycle. No genuine warranty
I am afraid this site : www.windsorbicycles.com is not a genuine company site. This site was set up by some individuals to sell their bikes for higher price. The bike is not US made, like they claim as WINDSOR AMERICA . The site's IP is: 198.173.232.162
Do a reverse IP lookup and you will find lot of information.

Do a google search on "Windsor Bicycles".

This is what I found:

I have a Columbus SL Windsor Profesional(I know they spelled it wrong) that I believe is from 1972, that's what the Nuovo Record der. is stamped. It is Molteni orange and has chromed spearhead lugs that have been drilled out. Does anyone know the history of Windsor bicycles, I heard that they were made in Mexico by some Italian? I think it's also wierd that it's Molteni orange, the Merckx color. I heard that on Merckx rode a Colnago with Windsor decals on his hour record in Mexico City in 1972. Can anyone verify any of this?

not US made

Other than Trek and Huffy, what bikes are made in the U.S.?

Also, while I am not sure if they are actually made in England, they very much do not claim to be made in the U.S. In fact, they seem to make it fairly clear that they are not made in the U.S. The fact that every model is named after a different city or landmark in the U.K, and each product page on the website has a paragraph on English geography does not exactly suggest that they are made in Texas. Also the fact that they have a U.S. distributor specifically called Windsor America to differentiate it from Windsor which is clearly not in the U.S.

As for the warranty, it is outlined on the website. 5 year component and lifetime frame warranty. In the event that the frame was damaged from a wreck and not manufacting defects, they will replace at a 75% discount.

I am fairly confidant. Shimano makes the components, Kinesis makes the frames and forks. Both are respected and well known companies. I am getting a 56cm for myself and a 46 cm for my wife. Under $500 for a bike with a Kinesis aluminum frame and carbon fork is pretty good. 19.4Lb total weight on a bike with exactly the same components as a Trek 1000 is also pretty good.

Quoted post said:

Originally posted by jstewart133
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--------------------
Watch out||| not US made bicycle. No genuine warranty
I am afraid this site : www.windsorbicycles.com is not a genuine company site. This site was set up by some individuals to sell their bikes for higher price. The bike is not US made, like they claim as WINDSOR AMERICA . The site's IP is: 198.173.232.162
Do a reverse IP lookup and you will find lot of information.

Do a google search on "Windsor Bicycles".

This is what I found:

I have a Columbus SL Windsor Profesional(I know they spelled it wrong) that I believe is from 1972, that's what the Nuovo Record der. is stamped. It is Molteni orange and has chromed spearhead lugs that have been drilled out. Does anyone know the history of Windsor bicycles, I heard that they were made in Mexico by some Italian? I think it's also wierd that it's Molteni orange, the Merckx color. I heard that on Merckx rode a Colnago with Windsor decals on his hour record in Mexico City in 1972. Can anyone verify any of this?

not US made

Quoted post said:

Originally posted by stevenaleach
Other than Trek and Huffy, what bikes are made in the U.S.?

Also, while I am not sure if they are actually made in England, they very much do not claim to be made in the U.S. In fact, they seem to make it fairly clear that they are not made in the U.S. The fact that every model is named after a different city or landmark in the U.K, and each product page on the website has a paragraph on English geography does not exactly suggest that they are made in Texas. Also the fact that they have a U.S. distributor specifically called Windsor America to differentiate it from Windsor which is clearly not in the U.S.

As for the warranty, it is outlined on the website. 5 year component and lifetime frame warranty. In the event that the frame was damaged from a wreck and not manufacting defects, they will replace at a 75% discount.

I am fairly confidant. Shimano makes the components, Kinesis makes the frames and forks. Both are respected and well known companies. I am getting a 56cm for myself and a 46 cm for my wife. Under $500 for a bike with a Kinesis aluminum frame and carbon fork is pretty good. 19.4Lb total weight on a bike with exactly the same components as a Trek 1000 is also pretty good.

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I am not going to argue with you on US made bike issue.
When I look at their website :www.windsorbicycles.com
I don't see any phone number or address to locate the dealer in case of warranty problem. In US every product we buy comes with a genuine warranty.
When you click on contact tab you will get their email address:
[email hidden]. Is email the only way I am going to contact the vendor?.

Go to http://www.psacake.com/web/eg.asp do a reverse IP Lookup on 198.173.232.162 ( http://windsorbicycles.com).
You will see it was hosted at Verio, Inc. in Englewood, Colorado.
You will see other sites like : http://motobecane.com ( IP : 207.158.247.29) also http://bikesdirect.com ( IP : 209.238.240.76)

When you do a reverse IP lookup using their IP address they will be leading to one host : You will see it was hosted at Verio, Inc. in Englewood, Colorado, 80112. Phone : 1-800-551-1630

Have you already bought the bike yet? How is it? I wish I am wrong. Good luck.

Quoted post said:

Originally posted by stevenaleach
Other than Trek and Huffy, what bikes are made in the U.S.?

Also, while I am not sure if they are actually made in England, they very much do not claim to be made in the U.S. In fact, they seem to make it fairly clear that they are not made in the U.S. The fact that every model is named after a different city or landmark in the U.K, and each product page on the website has a paragraph on English geography does not exactly suggest that they are made in Texas. Also the fact that they have a U.S. distributor specifically called Windsor America to differentiate it from Windsor which is clearly not in the U.S.

As for the warranty, it is outlined on the website. 5 year component and lifetime frame warranty. In the event that the frame was damaged from a wreck and not manufacting defects, they will replace at a 75% discount.

I am fairly confidant. Shimano makes the components, Kinesis makes the frames and forks. Both are respected and well known companies. I am getting a 56cm for myself and a 46 cm for my wife. Under $500 for a bike with a Kinesis aluminum frame and carbon fork is pretty good. 19.4Lb total weight on a bike with exactly the same components as a Trek 1000 is also pretty good.

Hi,
Have you bought the bikes? How are they?
Thinking of buying my self, but so many are sceptical to windsor bikes.
Fully equiped with Ultegra and a carbon frame for $995, good deal?

Thanks,

<<cut and paste of my answer from yesterday to the same exact question>>

I bought a Windsor Bristol.

Overall, a very nice bike. Absolutely outstanding for the price. The ride is great, not too harsh despite the aluminum frame and the 150 psi 700x20 tires that I put on it.

I can't comment on the stock tires, seat, or pedals as I swapped them out immediately. [No bike should be without a Brooks saddle!]

Very light, though not as light as the specs on www.windsorbicycles.com as those appear to be for the smallest frame size only.

I have so far had only one problem with mine, and that was just a flat from a hole in a rim strip... a new tube and a new 90 cent strip and I've not had a problem since.

I ended up getting a 56 cm for myself and a 46 cm for my wife... unfortunately, the top tube length turned out to be too long for her so she hasn't been able to ride it. I neglected to take into account that women's arms tend to be shorter for the same height, so she now has a Trek 1000. (hey, any short riders out there: we've still got the 46 and It's for sale)

i am quite certain this is a legit company...i read a review of the windsor "knight" road bike and it was in a UK cycling magazine too...they seemed to like the bike quite a bit so im not too scepticle about the brand name...where they are made..who knows...a UK citizen definitley wrote the content for the windsor bikes america sight...we say "shipping and handleding" and who ever wrote the content referred to it as "carriage" cost....

I bought the Windsor Kennet. It has full Ultega components, Ultegra crank, and Ultegra brakes with Aerocarbon fork and carbon seat stay. It has the X-Fusion plus frame and is as light as a feather. I did research on the bike before I bought it having not heard of it before. It is distributed by the same manufactures of Mercier and Motobacon. I has a Ritchey 300mm seat post, Ritchey ERGO bars, Ritchey QR hubs, RitcheyDS Pro wheels, an Velo saddle. I have gone on several rides and have had zero problems. I am very happy with the bike. The welds look good on the frame and it has good components.

Oh yeah...I paid $1180.00.

I sold my C'dale and bought a Windsor Kennet. It arrived exceptionally well packed, was assembled with no problems and I've now had several rides on it. This is one of the best bikes I've ever ridden; and far and away the best value (under $1100 for a full Ultegra, X-fusion frame w/carbon fork and stays, Ritchey wheels, stem etc.) I tested a Fuji Marseilles (an X-fusion w/mix of Ultegra and other components) and I swear these are the same frames. The Fuji was "sale priced" at $1900.

While Windsor America may bear little connection to the original English company, Windsor does have a rich tradition. I did extensive research before buying and found that Windsors were quite popular in the 60's-80's (and even earlier.) And it appears that some were made at Mexican factories, as well as in England, and Taiwan. There is a long relationship between Windsor and Cinelli and Colnago. One reference indicated that many Cinellis are Windsors with Cinelli decals.

Just like Masi, Raleigh, Motobecan, Gitane and other bikes that reached their zenith in the 70's-80's, Windsors are making a comeback and I am thrilled with the Kennet. Even the bike shop that did the final assembly for me commented that this is one awesome bike.

I wrote to bikesdirect.com last month RE:Windsor. Here is the response (supposedly from the manufacturer):

Here is what windsor has to say:

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

>>>The Windsor name has been around for many years and many races have been

won under it.

A Windsor bicycle still holds the hour record.

Windsor bicycles have always been carefully built one by one. Today's
Windsor Bicycles are built under strictest quailty control in some of the
most advanced bicycle factories in Taiwan.<<<<<

There is a simple truth about how most road bikes are built. However,
dealers and brands try to hide this from customers.

Most Road Bikes sold in the USA are made in Taiwan by 'factories' which
you have probably never heard of. Such as IDEAL who builds for Fuji, Trek,
Motobecane, Windsor, Terry, and many others.
Another common 'factory' is Merida who builds for the likes of
Specialized, Jamis, Mercier, Felt, Bianchi, and many others.

What is interesting is that these 'factories' in most cases only do
assembly. They buy everything on the bike from subcontractors who make
assorted parts of the bike. Then the 'factory' just applies decals,
assembles, and boxes the bike.

In the case of the frame, several frame shops in Taiwan build road frames
for many high end brands. Frame builders like Kinesis, A-Pro, and Astro
build frames for brands like Fuji, Trek, Motobecane, Specialized, Felt,
Bianchi, LiteSpeed and dozens of others. In fact, several 'Italian' brands
buy frames in Taiwan and ship them unpainted to Italy; then paint and decal
them - mark them 'Made in Italy' and sell them for rather high prices.

The other important components on the bike are the same from brand to brand.
That is Shimano pieces and so forth. And many times the 'branded' parts such
as stems, bars, and even wheels are all made in the same factories in
Taiwan. For example, Ritchey, VeloMax, Bontrager, American Classic, and many
other have wheels built in Taiwan (including the rims and hubs and final
assembly).

Rebranding is common in the bicycle industry (just like in most other
consumer products - think of DVD players, TVs, and even shoes). So a smart
consumer can get the best value by not paying much attention to the decal on
the downtube - and focus on the bike, the fit, and the price (and the
discount).

It is no coincidence that the Windsors use XFusion Xtralite and Fuji uses
XFusion...

We are nearly sold out of these great deals - if you want one, you should
get your order in asap.

thanks

🙂

anne

Quoted message said:

Your deals on Windsor bike seem too good to be true. Why can't I find anyone
who knows anything about this company. Their web site is vague, and Google
searches yield NO hits???

Meatball,

Thanks for posting that reply from bike direct. It is the same information I recieved. I still have not had any problems with my Kennet and am very pleased. :p

Meatball,

I completely agree with Anne and WKrider. I've been positively rejuvinated riding my Windsor Kennet. I could not be more pleased with the bike. While I certainly had my anxious moments, buying a bike sight unseen, from a brand I hadn't heard about since the 70's, the fact is every aspect of the bike is top notch; Kinesis fork, X-Fusion frame, Shimano Ultegra components, Ritchey everything else, Michelin tires--this is all well known, time tested stuff.

It has been extremely refreshing to find a legitimately great deal on a very high quality bike. I used to eagerly anticipate each year's Buyers Guide from Bicycling magazine. But it seems that every year, the price range of good quality recreational/entry level racing machines just keeps escalating. While the Windsor doesn't even merit a mention in the 2004 Buyers Guide, I'd happily/proudly stack it up against absolutely anything in the mag even up to twice the Windsor's price tag.

Perhaps we ought to start a club. Windsors deserve recognition (actually mine gets considerable attention from other riders.)

Ride like the Wind(sor)!!

Quoted post said:

Originally posted by pdxtex
i am quite certain this is a legit company...i read a review of the windsor "knight" road bike and it was in a UK cycling magazine too...they seemed to like the bike quite a bit so im not too scepticle about the brand name...where they are made..who knows...a UK citizen definitley wrote the content for the windsor bikes america sight...we say "shipping and handleding" and who ever wrote the content referred to it as "carriage" cost....

Dear pdxtex, (and anyone else with any info)

Since buying my Windsor Kennet, I've become a real fan of Windsors and I'm looking for any additional info I can get. You mentioned in the above email that you saw a review of a Windsor Knight in a UK cycling mag. Do you recall what magazine and what month/year the article appeared. I'd like to get a copy of it.

Anyone other sources of info on Windsors (past and present) would be most appreciated.

Thx,

reas

Good to hear all the positive responses everyone has for their Windsors. I bought a Windsor Fens that is currently being assembled so I can't comment on the ride just yet but, the features and value of the bike was too good to pass on. Ritchey Bar, Stem and Post, Ritchey OCR ProDS Aero Rim wheelset, Ultegra everything, Double Butted 7005 Aluminum frameset, Michelin Tires, Free Ultralight Road Pedals, Kenesis Carbon Taper Fork, Shimano 105 shifters all for $725. The MSRP was $1,395. Though I was only looking for an entry level road bike I feel like I got a great deal. I'm with the rest of you with the only concern being lack of contact numbers on warranty issues. It's still nice to know that their are other owners of Windsors out there and we have a forum where we can talk about our bikes. I'm all for starting a Windsor bike club.

Quoted post said:

Originally posted by stevenaleach
Other than Trek and Huffy, what bikes are made in the U.S.

Isn't Cannondale still made in the U.S.?

Quoted post said:

Originally posted by Doctor Morbius
Isn't Cannondale still made in the U.S.?

Yes, indeed Cannondales are made in Pennsylvania, USA. As indicated in a previous message, I've been a big fan of C'dales and owned one til I bought my Windsor. C'dales keep getting better with the CAAD frames and now the new Optimo frame (extremely light and comfortable ride) but they're no longer the great value they used to be; especially compared to the many very high quality Aluminum/Carbon mix bikes on the market. Until I happened upon the Windsor I fully expected to buy a new Cannondale. But for the money the Windsor was a much better value. And with each ride I am increasingly impressed with the quality of the Windsor. They are both great bikes. No regrets that I chose the Windsor!

For all you lovers of Windsor bicyles, I have a "classic" for sale. I purchased it for $75 dollars off of Craigslist and rode it on weekends for 6 months before shelling out serious bucks for a nice bike. When I bought it, it didn't have a rear brake, the front brake pads were shot, it was missing brake hoods, one brake lever was broken, and the handlebar tape was in bad shape. It cost me $140 to fix that. I added the seat (I know it is goofy looking but I didn't know better at the time) and a Sigma BC1200 cyclocomputer. I am asking $100 and will probably keep it if I don't get that much.

It is a 63cm bike. Wheels-Wheelsmith Mavic MA2 (very good condition), 27 X1 1 1/4 Specialized tires, Shimano 105 deraileurs, shimano 600 shifters and brakes, strap toe clips, saddle bag, comfortable saddle. New rear brake and brake pads recently installed. New handle bar tape. Cyclocomputer included. Want to go wireless on the new bike. I didn't have one problem with the bike in the six months I rode it. Anyway, if anybody is interested shoot me an email.

Thanks,

Jim

Quoted post said:

Originally posted by Rick Reas
Yes, indeed Cannondales are made in Pennsylvania, USA. As indicated in a previous message, I've been a big fan of C'dales and owned one til I bought my Windsor. C'dales keep getting better with the CAAD frames and now the new Optimo frame (extremely light and comfortable ride) but they're no longer the great value they used to be; especially compared to the many very high quality Aluminum/Carbon mix bikes on the market. Until I happened upon the Windsor I fully expected to buy a new Cannondale. But for the money the Windsor was a much better value. And with each ride I am increasingly impressed with the quality of the Windsor. They are both great bikes. No regrets that I chose the Windsor!

optimo is caad7

Quoted post said:

Originally posted by fushman
optimo is caad7

Yeah, you're right, Optimo is CAAD7. Thx for the correction/clarification.

I'm not sure what the difference is between CAAD5 (as on the R600) and Optimo/CAAD7 (on the R800) but I tested both and the R800 really did seem significantly lighter and delivered a smoother ride than the R600. Nonetheless, I couldn't pass on the Windsor deal.

What do you (or anyone else) know about the new Cannondale six13?
I've read very positive reviews of this Carbon/Alu bike, but I've never seen one or talked to anyone that's ridden one.

Quoted post said:

Originally posted by WKrider
I bought the Windsor Kennet. It has full Ultega components, Ultegra crank, and Ultegra brakes with Aerocarbon fork and carbon seat stay. It has the X-Fusion plus frame and is as light as a feather. I did research on the bike before I bought it having not heard of it before. It is distributed by the same manufactures of Mercier and Motobacon. I has a Ritchey 300mm seat post, Ritchey ERGO bars, Ritchey QR hubs, RitcheyDS Pro wheels, an Velo saddle. I have gone on several rides and have had zero problems. I am very happy with the bike. The welds look good on the frame and it has good components.

Oh yeah...I paid $1180.00.

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I am considering a Windsor Kennet. How has yours been? Where did you get it? Thanks for any info.