> Need your hunting skills. Where to buy cheapest XL compact frame bike
> decked out with Tiagra flight deck?
>
> Order of priority...
>
> 1.) At minimum Tiagra flight deck.
> 2.) XL Compact Frame Size
> 3.) 8-speed
>
> Thanks,
>
> Randolf
Randolf: There are many companies that specialize in putting nice components
on el-cheapo framesets and wheels. But that doesn't get you the best bike
for the money, it just gets you something with a really cheap frameset and
wheels, possibly with a ride not to your liking. The frame and wheels are
the only things (apart from choosing correctly-sized stem, bars, & seat
position... along with proper assembly) that determine how a bike actually
*rides*. Fit & feel. And that varies greatly from manufacturer to
manufacturer.
You should check out this article on our website-
www.ChainReaction.com/roadbiketestrides.htm, for an idea of what to look for
when test-riding a bike. It's one of the few pieces on our website that's
brand & material neutral, so it's helpful no matter what bike you're looking
at. It will also help you to figure out if the dealer is setting things up
as they should.
--Mike-- Chain Reaction Bicycles
www.ChainReactionBicycles.com