Flat Bar Options

brettem

I'm looking to buy a flat bar road bike for general cross training and commuting. After going through all of the specifications and trying a few of the options I've narrowed the list down to the CRX 2, Felt SR91 and either the Norco FBR1 or Mirage. I haven't seen much on the Norco bikes but they seem well specced for the price. Has anyone actually got much experience with them?

(I deleted the Jamis Coda serious, which I really liked for the steel frame, but it isn't available at the LBS or even in the State by the looks of it).

Cheers
Brett

gclark8

I guess its what is available in your local area, my short list was Felt SR#, Avanti Blade #, Specialised Sirrus, Giant Perigee, but with the new Giant CRX becoming the replacement for the Perigee, the CRX then took 2nd spot. So, for my first FB Road Bike I chose the Felt SR81.

I also had a FB MTB with slicks, my spare bike, until Thursday. I am replacing it with a new small frame bike, the choice is down to a Felt SR81-650 and a CRX2 XS size, it will be ridden by two short friends. (not on the same day)

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Cheers,
George.

brettem

As of 9:30 this morning the decision was made (I've been looking for a month or more). And the winner is .... the CRX 2 with a Stelle Italia aaddle and Shimano wheels.

The LBS selling Felt wasn't prepared to deal at all even though they had a SR81 in my size that I would've taken for cash (dollars not card) but the LBS with the Giant was. Norco would have meant waiting for at least 5 days and that was no longer an option (My old road bike has a cracked frame and the rear derailer is bent).

So I took my nice shiny bike home and even though it was raining decided to try it out. It's not as shiny anymore, since slicks, rain, concrete and dumb drivers don't go together. Very slow speed fall into the weeds.

Summary....Bought new bike, had first ride and first crash all within 3 hours.

gclark8

Well done on the Giant CRX 2, Felt dealers will have to learn not to be so greedy, there are only so many dollars in Aus.

Sorry about the fall, you must be ok if typing, no damage to the bike, I hope.

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Cheers,
George.

brettem

Very minor. Just ran out of room an tried manouvering in a concrete car park. Fortunately I wound up in a turfed strip. Kind of slowed down in a hurry (mud) and very slowly toppled over before I could clear the pedal.

If I was in the car I would have laughed.

WiseSal

Congrats on your CRX2. I bought a CRX1 from my LBS 3 weeks ago and am having a ball! The only reason I went for the 1 over 2 is that weight is a real issue with me. I need the lightest bike to lift in and out of cars and carry up railway station steps ect. I have had to have the brakes adjusted because of my small hands and I wish my left thumb was a tad longer to change up, but apart from that I find the bike wonderful. Light, responsive, fast and loads of fun. Touch-wood no falls yet! I hope you enjoy your new bike as much as I enjoy mine!

flatbarfanatic

Man pity about the crash... i love my crx 1 and hope u enjoy yours !!! Ben

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all black giant crx1
shimano 105 black crank
dmr v8 black platform pedals
cateye HL e400 black headlight
bbb carbon fibre composite bar ends
cateye black wireless 7 computer
need more carbon fibre

brettem

[QUOTE=WiseSal] Congrats on your CRX2. I bought a CRX1 from my LBS 3 weeks ago and am having a ball!

Weight is not really an issue for me (ex prop forward). I would've preferred the CRX1 (for the carbon fork) but the LBS didn't have one in stock. Since the CRX1 and 2 use the same frame I'll probably replace the fork. Of course I'll need to paint the bike black then.

I was a bit worried about how the flat bar and geometry would go on longer rides but I've now done some rides around the 40k mark and I was quite comfortable. The biggest problem is water since it is still in the low 30's up here.

Of course now that I actually spent the money and bought a new bike for the first time in ten years I'm thinking..why stop at one. There's a nice old road racer there with horizontal dropouts that would make a great single speed. And then there is trail riding and I really should get a bike for that not thrash the CRX.......