Why I shouldn't get a reid?

kanter
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Re: Why I shouldn't get a reid?

Postby kanter » Sun Apr 14, 2013 4:33 pm

Ok, went to the shop today, went for a ride, and bought it! I'm picking it up tomorrow,let's see if it (and I) survive the first trip!

Lurkin
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Re: Why I shouldn't get a reid?

Postby Lurkin » Tue Apr 16, 2013 8:20 pm

Shortly after arriving in Melbourne, I discovered the worst thing about Melbourne - Myki. After being overcharged, refunded, then overcharged the refunded amount, enough was enough. The simplest way to beat Myki is not to use it.

So... cars were not feasible due to working innercity and not being willing to buy one/ pay the parking for same, a bicycle was the logical choice. I visited a number of stores in Melbourne, but could not overcome the prices or attitudes of some of the people in the stores. I am not prepared to spend $10k in a shop where they look down their noses at me! Further, I had never ridden a road style bike, having previously ridden mountain/ downhill bikes, it was a bit daunting.

Eventually resorted to surfing the web for cheaper alternatives, ended up finding Reid on ebay.com.au and the decision was made to buy a Condor. I note that this link is broken are offering similar deals, but Reid has a shop in Melbourne and I could go and try before I bought. More recently, I have made a trial purchase from cellbikes, which has eventuated in a dismal failure - ensuring I will not shop there again. As the matter is no concluded, I have not posted in the 'online experiences' thread, but will once I actually get the goods purchased from cellbikes.

Price: ~$220

Pros:
- disposablely cheap
- make a frame size large enough

Cons:
- heavy
- not enough gears
- stupid, stupid 'suicide shifter' design for changing gears (drop bars)
- piss weak rims

Really, it was the suicide shifters that made me want a new bike. The rims bent within three months (100kgs+ on them though), defeating the 'made for 135kgs' claim earlier made in this thread. Utter rubbish.

Further, it worked out cheaper to buy a new Reid bike with brake/shifters inbuilt than buying same and fitting them, not to mention getting upgraded rims... etc.

Sold: ~$180.

Osprey

Price: ~450

Pros:-
- bit lighter
- shifters/ brakes inbuilt onto the drop bars
- shifters actually show what gear your in - no need to look down

Cons:-
- DA16 rubbish rims - bend like bananas
- reach on handlebars was longer than comfortable
- stem was also far to long

Sold: Will be soon

Falco Elite

Pros:-
- For a bike equipped with 105 gear, it doesn't get much cheaper
- light enough for the price
- 105 shifters are a massive improvement, both in man sized grips , comfort and operation
- ~1,700kms with no problems

Cons:-
- No carbon frame option

General comments:-

However, I note the following:-
- I would not buy any rims, other than the Mavic Aksium rims that I bought with my Falco, the others ARE rubbish.
- the tyres are also rubbish. Each bike was fitted with Kenda, very lightweight but gutless tyres. I have upgraded to Vittoria tyres and I have had no punctures since.
- The velo saddles are also cheap rubbish. I am in the process of researching a better alternative now.
- I have added both Fizik Bar Gel and Specialised Bar Phat to my handlebars on the Falco for additional comfort
- The servicing deal really is sweet. The guys at Reid always do their best, and whenever I have faulted their work, I have taken it back and they have fixed the issues. Further, when my Crud Racers were damaged as a result of their actions, the bloke admitted it when I went to pick up the bike and offered a refund, no mucking about.

On the whole I have been pleasantly surprised with the performance of Reid bikes. Frankly, I expected there would be issues with the Condor, with growing expectation. I really bought it to see if it would rust away in the garage, or get ridden.

Hence the replacement with the Osprey, and eventually, as my partner purchased her Falco (last years model), I had to have one too. I note she also purchased one of the Vintage Crusier bikes as well - will do a write up about hers at some stage, but this will be enough for now!

I am now commuting everyday to work (~30kms per day) and completed my first major ride (172kms) on Sunday (on the Falco Elite). Other than rim/ tyre issues, the bikes have been fine and the criticism/pretentiousness on the internet is unfounded. After all, the only part that seems to actually be 'Reid' is the frame - the others are all manufactured by major manufacturers.

As soon as a full carbon bike comes out, I will purchase one for weekend fun. As you can see, the cycling bug has bitten hard and Reid are satisfying the 'new toy' urge for the time being.

cireham
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Re: Why I shouldn't get a reid?

Postby cireham » Thu Jun 20, 2013 4:02 pm

I am new to cycling having not done it since my primary school years. Just wanted a cheap road bike to ride with my kid, so bought a Reid Condor Flat Bar. Had it for about 6mths now and havent really done many kms till the last 3 weeks. I did change my tires from the Kenda ones to a Schwalbe Marathon Plus. I started riding longer rides (the usual was between 6-18kms with my kid) 3 weeks ago and did 45kms twice and the last one was 60kms. Not the fastest bike, usually get left behind by the group of cyclist that I ride with and that includes me pedalling like mad to keep up :) . They all have light or carbon bikes. Not knowing much about bikes, I have been quite happy with the price point to get back into riding. Just got myself cycling shoes and changing my pedals to Shimano 105, hopefully help with those hill climbs. Once I start getting the 100km mark regularly, I will start to look for a better bike maybe even the Reid Falco Elite with the Mavic wheel upgrade :D

But to get around, I will happily recommend them and I have to a few friends.

lobstermash
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Re: Why I shouldn't get a reid?

Postby lobstermash » Thu Jun 20, 2013 6:57 pm

I'm loving my Falco Elite with Mavics. Wish they had put the cassette on the Mavic set for me (had mine shipped to me, not store bought). Got new pedals on the way, but many bikes come without pedals. Other than that, I really, really, highly rate the bike for less. My legs however hate me with a vengeance because the bike is the correct size and I'm riding with the correct muscles after 18 months on a bike that was too big. I've got lots of compliments on the bike in the bike cage too.

However I reckon that if you don't know what you're looking for/at, I'd not recommend buying from Reid online. I can't speak for the shops, but they seemed a bit hopeless online.

There have been a few complaints of bikes in boxes and from the shop being badly put together. My wife got the X229, on which the wheels needed a little truing but otherwise the derailleurs were set up perfectly out of the box. My Falco however needed work on the front derailleur and as mentioned above, the cassette changed over to the Mavics.

It's only been 7 days of ownership and 80km of commuting, but I'm really liking this bike and haven't felt even the slightest bit of buyers regret. And I really hate spending money.
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mattwilkinson
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Re: Why I shouldn't get a reid?

Postby mattwilkinson » Sat Jun 22, 2013 1:58 pm

Hey Lurkin,

Whats the reason for buying each new bike?

You don't have to buy a new bike purely because the stem is to long. And also no good bike components actually show what gear you're in.
You shouldn't have to look down, You'll eventually be able to remember/tell after a while.

chisel
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Re: Why I shouldn't get a reid?

Postby chisel » Tue Jun 25, 2013 3:36 pm

I have had my Falco Elite for 3 months or so now. I do 22km commuting each day, most days (probably average 70-80kms per week). Still happy with it. Can't really beat the value of it. Not much to go wrong given the 105 groupset.
Perhaps if I ride a bunch of $1500+ carbon frame bikes I might change my mind but for commuting I reckon the Reid is great. I've almost paid for it in bus fares already.

lobstermash
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Re: Why I shouldn't get a reid?

Postby lobstermash » Thu Jul 04, 2013 11:46 am

Just following up on my post above, my pedals and shoes arrived a couple of days later (from Wiggle) and I've put another ~100km in on the bike. My muscles have adjusted and I'm used to the gearset and the riding position. It's a great bike.

I've also ridden my mrs' X229 a little, which is OK, but too small for me.

Thanks to the great experience I've had with the bikes, I forgot the frustrations I had with ordering and enquiries etc. I wanted a cheap SS for shop runs and rides with the kids. After looking around at a few places again, I saw Reid were chucking out the Griffons for ~$170 with free shipping etc. From what I can tell, the pedals and wheels are rubbish (though haven't seen them in the flesh), but I've got spares to replace them with. After placing the order, I got no confirmation via email, so I sent them an email asking about this. Two days later there was still no reply or indication they'd received my order. Finally I forwarded the email to every @reidcycles.com.au address I could find and got a response. They had to track down the Paypal payment and manually process the order. Who knows how long they would have taken to fix it if I didn't chase it up...

Anyhow, I can't find much info on the Griffon at all (though the Harrier has been subjected to a couple, and it has the same frame), so I might do a bit of a review when I've trundled that around a bit.
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Haakon
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Re: Why I shouldn't get a reid?

Postby Haakon » Fri Jul 12, 2013 8:21 pm

Another new Falco Elite owner here. My first roadie (it lives along with my Anthem X2 26er, my Mongoose hardtail and a classic Puegoet 70's racer) and I'm very happy with it. I went with some Fulcrum wheels instead of the Mavics.

Its taking over from the Mongoose as the commuter, and it immediately wiped 5 minutes off :)

The frame is decent without being amazing, and with FSA kit, 105 group and Fulcrum wheels I thinks its credible enough. So far so good.

irrelevant_apple
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Re: Why I shouldn't get a reid?

Postby irrelevant_apple » Tue Jul 16, 2013 3:54 pm

posted this mini review on ozbargain and figured i'd share here too. Yes i'm a newbie first poster but that's the type of customers Reid attracts. Although i'd say Reid doesn't suit beginners as the service is price relative; caveat emptor.

recently bought the falco sport from the Brisbane store and i'm relatively happy with it. The bike service isn't great, like getting it new with brakes and gears not adjusted. Bringing it back and having them still not adjusted.

They did not properly fit the bike to me at all. Only a rough estimate by height and look while standing in saddle. The handlebars seemed too low for a beginner, but flipping the stem has made it comfortable. I've had to move the saddle forward beyond the maximum, i'm not sure if the small would have fit better but they sure didn't attempt to fit it to know.

Overall good value for money bike, with a little service which at this point hasn't been helpful. They're a good budget bikes store but I wouldn't recommend them for beginners. Best is to shop around and know what fits you first. Also I made the beginner mistake of not knowing a standard crankset which for my beginner legs and pannier load is a struggle up steep hills. The falco advanced would've suited better with it's compact gears. I've got a replacement compact crankset on the way to help my legs :>

Lurkin
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Re: Why I shouldn't get a reid?

Postby Lurkin » Sat Jan 25, 2014 8:44 am

mattwilkinson wrote:Hey Lurkin,

Whats the reason for buying each new bike?

You don't have to buy a new bike purely because the stem is to long. And also no good bike components actually show what gear you're in.
You shouldn't have to look down, You'll eventually be able to remember/tell after a while.
The reason for buying each bike is in the cons detailed above.

Sold the condor primarily because I hated the suicide shifter set up (shifters on the stem) as despite your comments, I never got used to changing gears without looking at the stem - which means I was not watching where I was headed, which was pretty scary in traffic and for the price of brake levers with integrated gear shifting, it was cheaper to buy a new bike after selling the condor. I never look down now - probably because I don't have to grope to find the shifter in the first place. I still think this was a good decision as it sold for all of $40 less than I bought it for and I don't think the wheel set was really up to commuting. No regrets - it got me cycling again.

I purchased the Osprey due to impatience - there was no falco's left, reid had sold out and the 'new' 2013 range was on order. I had already sold the condor and needed a replacement. I wanted a Falco at the time, so no, stem size was not the reason for sale.

However, I have replaced the stems on both Falco and Osprey for shorter versions, which have been more comfortable particularly on longer rides. Little disappointing that this was not picked up on when the purchase was occurring - reid could improve their sales service by actually fitting bikes to customers, rather than just pumping through the sales.

I still have the Osprey and the Falco. I have set the Osprey up with a rear rack and panniers, it has become the shopping machine, whereas the Falco is used for commuting and longer weekend rides.

In hindsight, I wouldn't buy anything from Reid again, other than a Falco Elite, and potentially enter discussions to sell the DA16 rim set back to them (and purchase a superior wheelset elsewhere). After pulling apart the Mavic Aksium rear hub... seems like it isn't the smartest design/ inherently flawed (need to do more research on alternatives). The extra money is a pittance if you plan to ride it regularly/ will have it for more than 12 months+. I have reached the stage where I would buy a more expensive bike, but can't justify it. It's great having the benefits of Shimano 105, without a high price tag, so I am happy to leave the bike in our bike cage all day/ couple of days if need be without worrying about it being pinched. (It's so cheap I haven't bothered to insure it. Would suck if it was pinched, but nothing of the like of the $5k plus bikes I have been looking at recently....)

I just wish there was the option to purchase the bike totally disassembled (the bike in the box really just needs the handlebars and wheelset added), so I could ditch/sell the frame and wheelset, purchase lighter/better options and build it myself as a learning experience/ project/ bit of fun. Having to take it all apart after someones gone to the effort to put it together seems a little pointless/ more chance of things getting broken in the process.

My Falco Elite has now done somewhere between 5,000 - 6,000 and I am now having issues with the Mavic Aksium rear hub... when freewheeling (rolling, not pedaling) the pawls appear to be trying to engage, leading to a awful sound. I have pulled it apart and cleaned out gunk which was in there, oiled the pawls (yes, very sparingly) and put it back together (servicing, well documented issue on the internet) but its still doing it. Unfortunately there was a metal fragment in the gunk removed and I suspect the scratching from it/ where it was broken off from will be the root of the issue.

Either way, its so cheap for a new set I will continue to ride on them until the hub dies - then will either obtain a new hub, rear wheel or wheelset depending on whats available/ cheap/ easy (will do research before buying anything as I don't think they are an amazing wheelset).

I note this is additional issue to those already noted in another thread, as follows:-
Lurkin wrote:Have had a Reid Falco Elite since around this time last year. It was in the first batch of the Falco 'Elite' to be delivered to Melbourne.

Use:
- Commuting ~100km - 150km per week
- Weekend rides between 100 - 150km per ride.

the Good:-
- cheap
- similar components to other higher priced bikes
- Reid honored its warranty when there was problems with it.

the not so good:-
- Whilst the bike was purchased in Melbourne, I took it home in a box due to how busy Reid was/ how long it would take to get it set up by Reid due to a backlog in demand. After putting it together, the gears required attention. Accordingly, I returned it to Reid, for the gears to be tuned. Upon receiving it back, it did not shift correctly and would not remain in gear comfortably. back it went. received it back again, same issue.
- rode on it for a period of time because I did not have time to take it back. Took it in for a service, at which time the gear cables, rear derailleur were replaced. Eventually received a call from Reid advising the issue was the front right shifter and this was also replaced.
- after a period of time, the same fault has developed.
- took it back to Reid, was advised it was the front shifter again, however it would not be replaced under warranty as there was damage to the shifter from a fall - a couple of scratches. They offered to replace it with free labour, I buy the shifter. I declined because it was a cheap bike and it still shifts...
- shortly after receiving the bike back, the chain snapped in the middle of an intersection. After snapping, it was too short and accordingly, the chain and cassette were replaced.
All of the above parts were replaced under warranty as the bike should never have left the shop in a number of instances as it was still not ready to be ridden. The Reid staff were really good about it and if the judgement to purchase from Reid was based solely on the resolution of this matter (or attempts to along the way), Reid gets 10/10.

Since purchasing I also replaced:-
- shorter stem
- handlebars with those with 'flat' sections for the palms for greater comfort.
- tyres as the cheap kenda tyres that came with it were puncture homing beacons.
- upgraded to the Mavic Aksium rims as the Alex 16 rims were rubbish.
- replaced the seat with another Velo (more comfortable) model.

Conclusion:
At the end of the day, Reid honoured the warranty and replaced the parts, (and were champs about it) but I will probably buy something else next time, as its meant:-
- the gears have not been correct/ shifters been broken for the majority of ownership of the bike
- the bike spent a lot of time in and out of the shop, which meant I couldn't ride it (a bit petty, given the amount of time spent by Reid staff trying to trouble shoot and fix the bike and the quantity/ value of parts replaced)
- I am now more willing to spend $$ on cycling because I've realised its more important to me to have a reliable bike than a cheap one.
- whilst free servicing was awesome, I cannot help but wonder if it affected particularly issues with the gear tuning.
- I would rather have a bike that I am more comfortable taking to alternative bike shops due to its branding (was told at another bike shop they would prefer not to work on it).

Having said all of that - I'm still riding it and am unlikely to replace it in the near future.

Further, my partner purchased her bike, a 2012 Falco, which has had virtually no trouble at all. After 12 months of weekend rides/ commuting, the cassette and chain were replaced. This work was conducted at a different LBS, who advised they replaced both because of the wear on the cassette due to the length of the chain being too long. This bike was assembled at Reid, and serviced regularly at Reid (which was complementary).

Lurkin
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Re: Why I shouldn't get a reid?

Postby Lurkin » Thu Jun 26, 2014 7:41 pm

I thought it would be appropriate to post in this thread again, given now has been an adequate period of time to review purchase of the Falco Elite.

Purchase Date: December 2012
Sale Date: Still own it.
Odometer: Approximately 10,000 kms

Warranty on purchase:
- Servicing - 1 year
- Parts - 1 year
- Frame - lifetime of original owner

Parts replaced during the one year of full warranty ownership, under warranty:-

- RH 105 shifter
- rear derailleur
- rear cassette
- chain
- rear hanger
- cables, cable housings
- handle bar tape

the drive train parts were replaced under warranty as there was problems shifting from day one of ownership of the bike and despite repeated attempts to return it to the Melbourne store, each time it was handed back with the same problem. Eventually, the mechanics replaced each part until it was identified the RH shifter was bung and was replaced.

However, the chain exploded through an intersection within a week, due to the chain being taken on and off the bike to fit the rear derailleur. the cassette was also correctly replaced as well, as due to chain wear a replacement chain was insufficient.

Once it came back the final time, the handlebar tape was replaced as it was a bit ruined and frankly the same tape couldn't really go back on.

I do not write this to put down Reid. Whilst it was irritating that the bike spent two months out of the twelve in their shop, they took it back each time without argument and fixed the problem to the best of their ability. I note this is a real experience of a warranty being honored in full on the servicing and parts.

Further, recently I detected a crack in the frame around the bottle cage mount. After discussions with the workshop manager, the bike was accepted by Reid and the frame was replaced.

Again, the point is:-

- it seems there are those who are critical of a budget retailer.
- there is concern over the integrity of the servicing and warranty offer.
- this is evidence that both are honored by Reid.
- their product is of sufficient quality to still be in use now.

Further if Reid come out with a decent and reasonably priced carbon (and lighter) offer, I will be seriously considering it.

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Re: Why I shouldn't get a reid?

Postby AUbicycles » Thu Jun 26, 2014 7:57 pm

Thanks for this feedback, annoying when things go wrong but fantastic when the brand / retailer meet their obligations so well done.
Cycling is in my BNA

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jules21
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Re: Why I shouldn't get a reid?

Postby jules21 » Fri Jun 27, 2014 1:49 pm

Lurkin - i think Reid should be congratulated there - a lot of that stuff is arguably not under warranty!

Lurkin
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Re: Why I shouldn't get a reid?

Postby Lurkin » Sat Jun 28, 2014 9:42 am

a lot of that stuff is arguably not under warranty!
Some are subjective. However, each claim/ issue was discussed and debated at the time, in store, based on the facts with the workshop manager. Each determination was that it should be made under warranty. The determination was ultimately made by Reid.

I agree that Reid deserve congratulations. It certainly has dispelled any fear I have had dealing with Reid with regard to warranty claims.

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Tim
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Re: Why I shouldn't get a reid?

Postby Tim » Sat Jun 28, 2014 11:46 am

A bit off topic but Reid have some of the best prices around for Maxxis Refuse and Vittoria Zaffiro Pro tyres.
I had been a GP4000s devotee to date but the MkII version seem a bit expensive for a simple hack cyclist bike tyre.
Might give one or two of the above a run.

http://www.reidcycles.com.au/vittoria-z ... 0x23c.html
http://www.reidcycles.com.au/maxxis-ref ... -tyre.html

richardharvey
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Re: Why I shouldn't get a reid?

Postby richardharvey » Sat Dec 24, 2016 7:19 pm

These guys were so rude. I ordered a bike for my daughter and it arrived as ordered but there was damage to the insert for the handle bars. Rang to see if I could get it fixed for Xmas. Was told to go to my local bike store to sort it out! And then when I was told that a spare could be ordered but at charge - I made a comment about the fee and was rudely told that i should be charged, as I probably made the damage from 'hammering it in'. Thankfully the team at Wooly's Wheels (http://www.woolyswheels.com/) in Paddigton were so nice and. sorted it out on the 23rd Dec and didn't even charge me for it. I would have never written this review if it wasn't for the nasty back comment I got after a relatively mild comment about being charged for a replacing a damaged part.

koshari
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Re: Why I shouldn't get a reid?

Postby koshari » Sat Dec 24, 2016 7:56 pm

@tim, i ride on maxis refuse atm and really live em. Sadly it seems many others seem to think the same and they are a lot more expensive now.
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