On 25 Apr 2006 17:27:55 -0700, "Bot" <
[email protected]> wrote:
>
>I plan to buy a '06 REI Randonee for commuting. The Randonee has
>been around for a long time, but the '06 is spec'ed much differently
>(better and more expensive). I'm just wondering what people who
>bought it have to say.
Bought one last month, and when the old bike _finally_ got fixed, made
it the backup bike to the new Randonee. Note I got it on the 20% off
sale, so it was a really good deal!
GOOD: Decent value for the price. They finally got up to a 9-speed
Tiagra. OK, 10-speed is coming, but it's compatible with the rest of
the family road bikes. "Stock" components should be easier to replace
in years to come than some of the price-shaved ones previous models
featured.
Plenty of room for fenders. I have some (although all REI had in
stock was for narrower tires), but haven't installed them yet.
Sturdy rack included. Very nice rear reach, including mounting hole
for blinky (no more jerry-rigging blinky connections!). I'm having to
rig a lower connection for my old panniers with a bottom ring
attachment, though.
I personally like the rotating "adjustable" stem. YMMV.
IFFY: I think the wheels need to be tensioned more than they came,
especially the front. I don't know if it's just me, but I have a hard
time getting my red spoke wrench to fit. Mechanic at the REI said
it's not problem for his worn, enlarged spoke wrench.
Handling is twitchier than I'm used to for a commute bike. Some might
say (flip side) it's almost as responsive as a lightweight racing
bike.
The anatomic bars are a bit extreme for my tastes. YMMV.
The rack tubing is so large that the connectors on the side block a
Randonee pannier from hooking on. Go figure. Ortliebs still work,
though.
I replaced the pedals immediately; if you like toe straps, you won't
have to.
BAD: I'm heavy enough that I compress the seat cushioning, and the
plastic shell underneath is like a wedgie/ass hatchet waiting to
happen.
Brown?? It may have an accident with a spray paint can in the near
future.
>I'm used to V brakes, and don't quite like the cantilever brakes on it
>-- is there a big difference in stopping power? Also I'm not sure if I
>can mount fenders.
Brifters pretty much require cantis or travel agents. The cantis also
work well with fenders. I'm not strong enough to pull the brake
levers into the bars, but I can lock the wheels anyways. What more
can you ask for?
FWIW, I replaced the pedals immediately and the saddle when the new
B-17 arrived. The front derailer low adjusting screw needed tweaking,
but that's all the changes I've made in 300+ miles. I've had it up to
40 mph without shimmy, although it felt squirrely in a cross-wind.
Routine commutes with 5-10 pounds in the panniers were no problem.
Interestingly enough, it _felt_ faster climbing hills during these
commutes than the older bike, but the average speed was the same or
lower.
Things I'd like that I didn't get on this bike:
Campy shifters
S&S couplers
pump peg
and that's about it. It's darn close to a bicycle, instead of a
bicycle kit!
Bottom line: this Randonee is well made, nicely spec'ed, and a good
value for the money.
Pat
Email address works as is.
