First entry roadbike, Giordano vs Vilano?

[garypham]

Hi guys, After reading up on some review articles online, it seems that many people recommend the Giordano Libero 1.6 and the Vilano Shadow/Forza 4.0s as the best budget entry level roadbikes for those who want to get their feet wet into the hobby. From reading the articles, I see very similar specs for these 3 models, as they are all 6061 aluminum framed brakes with integrated shifters, but I was hoping if someone can give me their first hand experience with any of these bikes (if you've tried more than 1, please let me know your opinions). I am a shorter male, around 5'3-5'4 so I will most definitely be getting the 49/50cm models. Looking around for the best prices I can get:

-Vilano 4.0 forza for 439.99 shipped on ebay (no tax)

-Vilano Shadow 314.00 shipped on wayfair (no tax, 10% coupon)

-Giordano Libero 1.6 for 351.00 local dealer (325 + california tax).

On the few beginner bike shootout articles I saw, people typically ranked the Forza as the #1 bike under 500.00. Is it worth the 125 dollars premium over the Shadow? Also, how does the Libero rank against these two Vilano models? Thanks guys!

 

[maydog]

If you buy a bicycle mail order, expect to have no support after the purchase. Having a local dealer for support is a big plus. Spec wise, the bikes seem to be a step up from big-box stores and assuming the fit is good, after the assembly is double checked, they should function well.

I would skip the shadow as it has the lowest spec group and 7 speeds. Eight speed groups are as low as I would go for a road bike.

 

[garypham]

Thanks for the advice. I actually called up my local dealer who's selling the Libero and he said that for 10 dollars more, they will assemble the bike and do all the initial tuning/adjustments for me. This would seem to be the best deal out of the 3 I listed right? Since I would most likely have to get a mail ordered bike tuned at a local bike shop anyways for like 50-70 bucks?

 

[oldbobcat]

After servicing a couple of older Vilano Forzas, all I could say was, what a crude bike. I don't know anything about Giordano, but if it has the backing of a local dealer, go for it.

 

[garypham]

What do you guys think of the Wellington Windsor 2.0 with Sora Derailleur?

http://bikeisland.com/cgi-bin/BKTK_STOR20.cgi?Action=Details&ProdID=2277 (299.00 shipped right now with no taxes)

Looking online, it seems that this particular model is selling for around 360.00 on bikedirect
http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/windsor/wellington2_IX.htm

Would this be a better purchase than the Giordano above? I assume that after getting it tuned up at a LBS, it'd both end up being around the same price. Which bike has better components? Thanks!

 

[oldbobcat]

Originally Posted by garypham
What do you guys think of the Wellington Windsor 2.0 with Sora Derailleur?

Definitely a better value than the Vilano. If the Giordano comes fully assembled and tuned by the dealer, get the Giordano. If you get the Windsor, you'll either end up paying a dealer about $85 to assemble it, or you'll wish you did. Or you'll wish you got the Giordano.

 

[garypham]

I think the Giordano is probably my top choice right now. Despite most people telling me to go used, I think the fact that the Giordano (being 361.00 total out the door, including tuneup/sizing/assembly, and 1 year warranty), makes it the most appropriate first choice for someone like me with no experience. I figure that I could always just sell it later on for a small hit and upgrade to a higher end bike if I decide that I want to get serious into the hobby. Thanks again for all the advice!

 

[garypham]

Was looking on slickdeals and came across a Schwinn Fastback 2 with 2013 Sora components from nashbar

http://slickdeals.net/f/7186352-nashbar-quality-entry-level-sora-road-bike-422-shipped-taxes-if-applicable?v=1

Being that I live in California, it will come out to slightly over 450 after tax. Even with the additional cost to get a proper fit/tuneup at a LBS, is this a better route to go than the Giordano? From what I read, it seems that 2013 Sora components are pretty decent right? (should be comparable to Trek 1.2s?).