Windsor Tourist Bike, is it any good? - Cycling Mob: Road Cycling, Mountain Biking and More

01-22-2005, 07:59 AM

Yeah I know the stories about buying from my local dealer, and I consider
that really fine advice, but...
I am looking for a long haul hi-mileage bike, under $1,000.00 US, that is
sold in the USA.
All the bikes I looked at so far, appear to be intended for racing,
competitions, and such, and not really for long runs.
I actually rode a nice $800 major brand bike and a spoke let go (broke) when
I hit a small bad spot on the road.
So I came across these, but I was wondering if anyone had used them or
anything.
Since they are sold off the internet it is doubtful any dealers would ever
sell them locally.
Thanks
Earl

01-22-2005, 08:41 AM

Earl
Sorry, I don't know anything about Windsor. I have been looking at the
Specialized "Globe". It is $800 and fully equipped. Otherwise you may
be looking at $1000 to $1500 for a very good quality bike that can
really do what you need. A lot of people on here know a lot more about
this than I do. I have fallen in love with the Waterford at Harris
Cyclery. They have one on special but it's a little complicated getting
a good fit at the LBS much less on line. The ultimate would be to go up
there and get one, but from Texas that's a pretty good haul. Also the
Trek 520 is a great bike and might suit your needs. I haven't ridden in
10 years but getting back in the grove with my road bike again and may
end up with the 520 or Waterford one of these days. I'll stop rambling
now. Good luck on your future purchase.
Bob

01-22-2005, 08:41 AM

Earl
Sorry, I don't know anything about Windsor. I have been looking at the
Specialized "Globe". It is $800 and fully equipped. Otherwise you may
be looking at $1000 to $1500 for a very good quality bike that can
really do what you need. A lot of people on here know a lot more about
this than I do. I have fallen in love with the Waterford at Harris
Cyclery. They have one on special but it's a little complicated getting
a good fit at the LBS much less on line. The ultimate would be to go up
there and get one, but from Texas that's a pretty good haul. Also the
Trek 520 is a great bike and might suit your needs. I haven't ridden in
10 years but getting back in the grove with my road bike again and may
end up with the 520 or Waterford one of these days. I'll stop rambling
now. Good luck on your future purchase.
Bob

01-22-2005, 08:41 AM

Earl
Sorry, I don't know anything about Windsor. I have been looking at the
Specialized "Globe". It is $800 and fully equipped. Otherwise you may
be looking at $1000 to $1500 for a very good quality bike that can
really do what you need. A lot of people on here know a lot more about
this than I do. I have fallen in love with the Waterford at Harris
Cyclery. They have one on special but it's a little complicated getting
a good fit at the LBS much less on line. The ultimate would be to go up
there and get one, but from Texas that's a pretty good haul. Also the
Trek 520 is a great bike and might suit your needs. I haven't ridden in
10 years but getting back in the grove with my road bike again and may
end up with the 520 or Waterford one of these days. I'll stop rambling
now. Good luck on your future purchase.
Bob

01-22-2005, 08:56 AM

On Sat, 22 Jan 2005 10:59:50 -0600, Earl Bollinger wrote:

> Yeah I know the stories about buying from my local dealer, and I consider
> that really fine advice, but...

I was thinking of buying one, but decided on a different bike. Anyhow, I
did my legwork and found that purchasers of the bike were very very happy
with it. If you know your size, go for it--then take the $300 you saved
over a Trek or Novara and spend that at your LBS.

01-22-2005, 08:56 AM

On Sat, 22 Jan 2005 10:59:50 -0600, Earl Bollinger wrote:

> Yeah I know the stories about buying from my local dealer, and I consider
> that really fine advice, but...

I was thinking of buying one, but decided on a different bike. Anyhow, I
did my legwork and found that purchasers of the bike were very very happy
with it. If you know your size, go for it--then take the $300 you saved
over a Trek or Novara and spend that at your LBS.

01-22-2005, 08:56 AM

On Sat, 22 Jan 2005 10:59:50 -0600, Earl Bollinger wrote:

> Yeah I know the stories about buying from my local dealer, and I consider
> that really fine advice, but...

I was thinking of buying one, but decided on a different bike. Anyhow, I
did my legwork and found that purchasers of the bike were very very happy
with it. If you know your size, go for it--then take the $300 you saved
over a Trek or Novara and spend that at your LBS.

01-22-2005, 09:06 AM

"Earl Bollinger" wrote:
> Yeah I know the stories about buying from my local dealer, and I consider
> that really fine advice, but...
> I am looking for a long haul hi-mileage bike, under $1,000.00 US, that is
> sold in the USA.
> All the bikes I looked at so far, appear to be intended for racing,
> competitions, and such, and not really for long runs.
> I actually rode a nice $800 major brand bike and a spoke let go (broke)
> when I hit a small bad spot on the road.
> So I came across these, but I was wondering if anyone had used them or
> anything.
> Since they are sold off the internet it is doubtful any dealers would ever
> sell them locally.

The original Windsor bikes were made in Mexico in the 70s/80s. This is
another example of someone buying a name and slapping it on Chinese made
bikes. Caveat Emptor.

If you're interested in a true touring bike, check out the Trek 520 at about
the same price. See:
[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]

Art Harris

01-22-2005, 09:06 AM

"Earl Bollinger" wrote:
> Yeah I know the stories about buying from my local dealer, and I consider
> that really fine advice, but...
> I am looking for a long haul hi-mileage bike, under $1,000.00 US, that is
> sold in the USA.
> All the bikes I looked at so far, appear to be intended for racing,
> competitions, and such, and not really for long runs.
> I actually rode a nice $800 major brand bike and a spoke let go (broke)
> when I hit a small bad spot on the road.
> So I came across these, but I was wondering if anyone had used them or
> anything.
> Since they are sold off the internet it is doubtful any dealers would ever
> sell them locally.

The original Windsor bikes were made in Mexico in the 70s/80s. This is
another example of someone buying a name and slapping it on Chinese made
bikes. Caveat Emptor.

If you're interested in a true touring bike, check out the Trek 520 at about
the same price. See:
[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]

Art Harris

01-22-2005, 09:06 AM

"Earl Bollinger" wrote:
> Yeah I know the stories about buying from my local dealer, and I consider
> that really fine advice, but...
> I am looking for a long haul hi-mileage bike, under $1,000.00 US, that is
> sold in the USA.
> All the bikes I looked at so far, appear to be intended for racing,
> competitions, and such, and not really for long runs.
> I actually rode a nice $800 major brand bike and a spoke let go (broke)
> when I hit a small bad spot on the road.
> So I came across these, but I was wondering if anyone had used them or
> anything.
> Since they are sold off the internet it is doubtful any dealers would ever
> sell them locally.

The original Windsor bikes were made in Mexico in the 70s/80s. This is
another example of someone buying a name and slapping it on Chinese made
bikes. Caveat Emptor.

If you're interested in a true touring bike, check out the Trek 520 at about
the same price. See:
[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]

Art Harris