Avanti Blade 2.0 2010

[anush]

Need your advice looking at getting an Avanti Bike Blade 2.0 been looking around and i am able to get them for about $579 just for the bike without Helmet and bike pump.
What are your thoughts on the2010 model; they have a life time warranty now which the 2010 models come with.
I am looking to Ride around the lake every day after work for fitness and down the track ride to work.
Is this particular model ok for this type of riding?
Is it a fairly reasonable price?
Is Avanti a good brand?
Regards
Your help is appreciated
http://www.avantibikes.com/fitness/blade2.aspx?bid=263

Specs
# ADT 6061 Formtech Alloy
# Fork: Cr-Mo Ahead 1-1/8" Steerer
# Front Derailleur: Shimano C051
# Rear Derailleur: Shimano Acera
# Brake Levers: Shimano EF50
# Shifters: Shimano EF50 24-Speed
# Crankset: Shimano M191 48/38/28T
# Brakes: Tektro RX1 Alloy Mini V-Brake
# Hubs: Alloy QR Front, Shimano RM30 QR Rear
# Cassette: Shimano HG30 11-30T 8-Speed
# Handlebar: Alloy Flat Bar with Alloy Bar Ends
# Grips: Zero Voyageur II Comfort
# Handlebar Stem: Alloy Ahead
# Pedals: Nylon Comfort
# Rims/Wheel Set: Weinmann SEC-16 32H
# Spokes: Stainless Steel
# Tyres: Kenda Kwest 700 x 32c with Superlite Tubes
# Saddle: Zero Tempo S1
# Seat Post: Alloy 27.2mm Micro Adjust with Suspension
# Bottom Bracket: Shimano UN26
# Headset: Cane Creek Aheadset 1-1/8"
# Chain: KMC HG50

[rkelsen]

Avanti is a good brand and a pretty neat bike for that price. With the lifetime warranty, what's stopping you? Just do it.

[Kalgrm]

Thread moved to the appropriate section of the forum.

[anush]

Hi rkelsen,

Thank you for the feedback. No nothing is stoping me from buying it but I just want to get a general idea to start off with before i head and buy it this would be my first pro bike I guess. I have an el cheapo.
If anyone else has any negative things to say to please let me know.

[cjrich]

I'm a bit of an Avanti fan. I started out on a 2008 Blade 2.0 and couldn't fault it. I'm now a very happy owner of a 2009 Avanti Cadent 1.0

If you like it go for it.

CJ

[anush]

Thank you sounds good.

[Wino]

Ive got an 09 Avanti Blade 3, done about 3,000km so far and all is good. Just replaced the tyres with Maxxis ReFuse as I was getting a lot of punctures with the Kenda. I think its a good bike for the purpose and good value. Pull the trigger!

[anush]

Thank you so much Guys really appreicaite it.

[cjrich]

No worries, just keep us posted.

[anush]

Will do i will report back

[fatherofmany]

I have a 2008 Blade 2 (amongst others) and for the money it's a great bike. I think Avanti is a pretty solid performer with some great bikes in the range. Almost bought a Giro as well, but went down the build a bike road. Haven't had any problems with the dealer, although I now use a different lbs but only because its closer.

IMHO essential changes...

Remove and replace plastic pedals with some clipless jobbies

Remove 'suspension' seatpost and replace with alloy

Optional changes

Change tyres from 32mm to 28mm

Cut down handlebars (removing 30mm from each end)

Reverse steerer angle (ie point it down not up)