Windsor Bicycles

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.

Alpenrose said:

I've now been riding a Windsor Dover for about a month now that I bought off ebay from bikesdirect.com. So far, so good.
It was the least expensive, new aluminum road bike that I could find. I paid, I think, 355 + shipping. I got it because it was a large frame. Of course it doesn't have the high end components.
It's very light, the wheels are staying true, and the derailleurs shift nicely-er than I would have ever expected.
It is made in Taiwan.
MF

Hairguie said:

[font=Arial Black]I am considering the Fens right now. I am 5 ft. 7 inches tall with a 30 inch inseam. I am looking at the 56 cm Fens. Can you give me any info on this? The chart says it will fit me but I am still concerned. Where did you buy yours and how is it so far? thanks for any info you can give me.[/font]

Thats too big, you need a 54cm

[font=Times New Roman]Even if the Windsor brand isn’t of the highest quality, you can still get them for a decent price on Bikes Direct and strip that components off them… sell the frame. I paid $359 for a complete fixed geared bike "the hour". The cheapest I've seen in any bike shop is around $569. So, if you have a big quiver of bike at your place and don't want to drop a lot of cash. I see it as a pretty good deal. [/font]

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.

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.

jfff said:

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.

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.

CycleJunkie said:

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.

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!

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.

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 :-)

stevenaleach said:

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 :-)

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

gstrummer said:

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

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.

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

Thanks

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. 🙂

mayo63 said:

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.

Denemator said:

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. 🙂

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.

Miami said:

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.

Thanks for the reply I just received my shipping information and it seems a great deal for the money, glad to hear you are happy with your purchase so what about that windsor club lol?🙂

Denemator said:

Thanks for the reply I just received my shipping information and it seems a great deal for the money, glad to hear you are happy with your purchase so what about that windsor club lol?🙂

With the price they ask for their bikes it shouldn't take long to get enough people for a club!

I got in 23 miles this morning and she rode better than I had hoped for! Was planning on going a bit further but got forced off the road by a dump truck and hit a sharp little rock...punctured my tire for an immediate flat. Took a bit to repair so my ride had to be cut short. Oh well!

Miami said:

With the price they ask for their bikes it shouldn't take long to get enough people for a club!

I got in 23 miles this morning and she rode better than I had hoped for! Was planning on going a bit further but got forced off the road by a dump truck and hit a sharp little rock...punctured my tire for an immediate flat. Took a bit to repair so my ride had to be cut short. Oh well!

Well that is the only thing that still bugs me in the US although awareness is getting better, there are still plenty of morons abound who have no clue where it comes to cyclist. Well my wife's and mine will arrive this Friday and i will however have to wait until the weekend of October 21st before I get to see and assemble it. Will be in Long Beach, CA the next 2 weekends. 🙁 Oh well at least I will see Roger Waters in Concert on the 6th and do the Tour of Long Beach on the 14th.

I just ordered the Knight for my birthday on Sunday. It will be here on Friday. I can't wait. Everyone that OWNS one seem to be very happy so I just went for it. Now I just wish it was Friday.

Jon

jviter said:

I just ordered the Knight for my birthday on Sunday. It will be here on Friday. I can't wait. Everyone that OWNS one seem to be very happy so I just went for it. Now I just wish it was Friday.

Jon

I just got informed they do not have my size after all bummer

Denemator said:

I just got informed they do not have my size after all bummer

That is such a bummer!!