Brown's Cycle: Garneau EVOLUTION 3.5 Sport Road Bike. $950

[bhatch]

I picked one up to da at Browns Cycle and sports at Bloor and Jane, they had at least 5 more in stock in sizes small to large.

you might find a good deal at the bike show, but really this is a pretty good one for anything under 1400 bucks without carbon stays.

http://www.brownssports.com/bicycles/road2.html
The list it at 1699.99 reg, but street was 1399.99

Comes to 944$ tax in for a full 6061 frame with Shimano 105 setup. For the price is a pretty sick deal.

http://www.louisgarneau.com/media/images/catalogs/8303017/8303017_340_large_f.jpg

Frame Semi-compact geometry, triple butted 6061 aluminium
Fork Garneau EVO, carbon reinforced aluminium
Wheels Shimano WH-500
Front derailleur FSA Energy compact
Rear derailleur Shimano 105, 10 speeds
Crankset FSA Omega compact Megaexo, 170/172.5 mm, 50/34T

PS: They have two Large size (5'8" to 6'0), Opus carbon/Aluminum road bike but with 105 and Tiagra setup for 950+tax (1699reg). It was lighter then the Garneau but too big for me.

[westbeach103]

I would consider this hot.... good bang for the buck.

[CalgaryRunner]

Nice deal, too bad it's in Toronto. :(

[oc613]

Decent deal if someone is looking for a new bike. Make sure they give you a free fitting if you decide to purchase. Simply standing over the bike isn't enough with these compact geometries! A good fitting should take at least 30 minutes (if they have a fitting cycle), and you might ask them to even put one on a trainer for you.

You can get them to swap out stuff like the stem, the bars (if drops are too low, or you don't want anatomical shape) , maybe even to a zero setback seat post depending on your body (I have odd proportions, took me a while to dial in my current fit). This is much cheaper to do at the time of fitting.

Don't forget to get good discounts on high markup items like clothing and helmets when you purchase. Ask them about throwing in water bottles and cages. Also, you will need pedals, check ebay prices first and try to get them down to those levels. I am assuming they offer free tuneups on bikes purchased there? (Good for those who don't have the patience or time to learn how to do all the stuff properly) Make sure you get this in writing and exactly what is covered is outlined.

Other than that, the bike looks decent for the $. I'm willing to bet that fork is super heavy though... Also, FSA cranks are rubbish. Sell the crank before you use it and replace it with a Shimano. There is a reason manufacturers put these cranks on - to save money. FSA cranks loosen (a very common problem) and I've had them almost fall off on me. If you want to keep the crankset I suggest this; get them to remove it, clean it, lube it, and then reinstall it using a threading compound to make sure it stays put. This is not permanent but will insure it takes a lot longer to work itself loose.

The wheelset is a bit heavy but should perform well for average city riding. I would get them to make sure spoke tension is even before you start riding it. Also, check back after a couple of hundred KM and make sure tension is still to spec. Wheels tend to go out of true almost immediately if they are going to, otherwise they usually remain problem free. Catching this early is beneficial in my experience.

Uhmmm, that's about it I guess. Too lazy to type more... And to the OP, PICS!!


EDIT; here's a decent sized image.

http://www.louisgarneau.com/media/images/catalogs/8303017/8303017_340_xlarge_f.jpg

[mjl_toronto]

EDIT; here's a decent sized image.

http://www.louisgarneau.com/media/images/catalogs/8303017/8303017_340_xlarge_f.jpg

What??? $950 and it doesn't come with pedals? :lol:

This is tempting...thanks OP!

[A5TECH]

Hey guys...long time lurker, first post

I found this one

http://bikedepot.com/itemdetails.cfm?LibId=28911

Specialized Roubaix with Aluminum/Carbon Frame and Shimano 105. They had both 54's and 56's in stock. 2007 model if you care about the year. Ive had Specialized mountain bikes and I really liked them. Im not sure how they would compare to the Garneau

[normancw]

Decent deal if someone is looking for a new bike. Make sure they give you a free fitting if you decide to purchase. Simply standing over the bike isn't enough with these compact geometries! A good fitting should take at least 30 minutes (if they have a fitting cycle), and you might ask them to even put one on a trainer for you.



+1

Hey guys...long time lurker, first post

I found this one

http://bikedepot.com/itemdetails.cfm?LibId=28911

Specialized Roubaix with Aluminum/Carbon Frame and Shimano 105. They had both 54's and 56's in stock. 2007 model if you care about the year. Ive had Specialized mountain bikes and I really liked them. Im not sure how they would compare to the Garneau

The criteria I use when buying a bike is (in order of importance):

Fit and frame geometry
Ride quality (frame material and construction)
Components

Bike fit is most important - everyone is built differently (length of torso vs arms vs legs, fitness level, ...). Also bike geometries vary a lot from bike to bike - two 50cm bikes (i.e., measured from the crank axle to the top of the effective "horizontal" top tube) can have significant differences in top tube length.

The Fit Guide here will provide you with a starting point:
http://www.competitivecyclist.com/za/CCY?PAGE=FIT_CALCULATOR_INTRO

Use the fit appropriate for your riding style (i.e., racing versus touring).

There are other fit guides on the net as well. Once you have an idea of the size and dimensions of the frame suggested by the guide, you can research the bike manufacturers' websites to narrow your choice.

Definitely go to a bike shop which carries the bikes your considering and take a test ride (fit guides are only meant to be a guide). If your not comfortable on the bike, you probably won't ride it.

Finally, if you like the ride, get the shop to do a fitting as oc613 suggests.

That being said, I think the Specialized Roubaix would suit me better - in my size, the top tube looks to be about 1 cm shorter.

[Triple_Eh]

Hey guys...long time lurker, first post

I found this one

http://bikedepot.com/itemdetails.cfm?LibId=28911

Specialized Roubaix with Aluminum/Carbon Frame and Shimano 105. They had both 54's and 56's in stock. 2007 model if you care about the year. Ive had Specialized mountain bikes and I really liked them. Im not sure how they would compare to the Garneau

Sa-weet bike. How did you know what they have in stock? Did you call? Was it at Broadway or Cycle Depot?

[A5TECH]

Called Bike Depot, but they dont have anymore. They said Broadway Cycle is getting another shipment tommorow and will have them on display by saturday.

[jjgoo]

great looking bike, nice deal
http://*********************/img/3101/x08b1012dxyr/tracker.gif

[A5TECH]

Thanks for the tips, it looks like I'm in between sizes (assuming im measuring right). Im heading down on the weekend and they're going to throw a couple on trainers, to help me figure it out.

[nycesam]

Wow...that Roubaix is a STEAL. My brother bought a 2007 Roubaix elite and loves it. This is the same bike only with a aluminum frame as opposed to carbon. Do you know if they have both the white and the silver in stock?


If youre a taller rider it looks like they have some solid deals on 2008 Tarmacs as well.


http://bikedepot.com/itemlist.cfm?pageId=84

[sexyblackbmw]

1+ for Bike Depot! Before purchase fitting is a must especially for Road bikes! Like everyone else has said.

Buy from a reputable shop through the bike show to save the most $$$

Bought my Scott carbon Mtb's through Bike Depot at the show! Great service, and great people to deal with! 5 year free included maintenance/overhauls included!

Not a bad entry level road bike that was posted here, but there are better deals to be had at the upcoming Bike show IMO.

Last year one shop was clearing out full Carbon Devini's with full Ultegra for $1199!

I found some Time and Look carbon frames/ Ultegra/Dura Ace builds for $2500 at a Toronto shop! Amazing bikes and decent deal, waiting to see what this shop will clear them out for at the upcoming Bike show. I'm sure it will be around $1999 maybe even less...


No Ontario Sales tax (PST) for any bike purchased under $1000!!!

[pseneca]

Does anybody know of similar types of deals ?

[A5TECH]

Wow...that Roubaix is a STEAL. My brother bought a 2007 Roubaix elite and loves it. This is the same bike only with a aluminum frame as opposed to carbon. Do you know if they have both the white and the silver in stock?

If youre a taller rider it looks like they have some solid deals on 2008 Tarmacs as well.


http://bikedepot.com/itemlist.cfm?pageId=84

Grabbed my new bike yesterday. They only have silver in stock. Good deals on pedals and shoes, but not a lot of size selection. Got a kinetic trainer as well.

[Slappy]

Where's the checkout on the Bike Depot website?

[A5TECH]

I dont think they sell there products online.

[Hood_Rep]

when is the next bike show?

[peppy5]

when did louis garneau branch out into bikes? thought he was into clothes

[pseneca]

Does anybody know of similar type deals in vancouver ?

[peppy5]

price down to 899.99 now for the 3.5 evolution

[Manchungster]

when is the next bike show?

It's this weekend coming up if you're in Toronto. Starts Friday 13 March @ 12pm

[Hood_Rep]

It's this weekend coming up if you're in Toronto. Starts Friday 13 March @ 12pm

tnx. :) location?

[PGCD]

picked up an XL size today at browns for 899 - looks good and I'm looking forward to putting some miles on it. It sounds like they can get in quite a few of them

http://www.brownssports.com

[Euphoric]

bumping this as they still have some great deals going on. Just picked up an evolution 3.5 today(for 899) with no PST its quite a good price for a new bike with carbon forks and 105 equip.

they have a few 3.5's left. 55ish range i think.


they also have revolution 4.5 for 1099 which is a great deal to though they only have large frames left.

[peppy5]

[QUOTE=Euphoric;8695974]bumping this as they still have some great deals going on. Just picked up an evolution 3.5 today(for 899) with no PST its quite a good price for a new bike with carbon forks and 105 equip.

they have a few 3.5's left. 55ish range i think.

QUOTE]

i've tried to look for all the specs (parts) on the web for this bike but can't find them. can someone tell me? for example tires, rims, front deraileur, ste

[peppy5]

bumping this as they still have some great deals going on. Just picked up an evolution 3.5 today(for 899) with no PST its quite a good price for a new bike with carbon forks and 105 equip.

they have a few 3.5's left. 55ish range i think.


they also have revolution 4.5 for 1099 which is a great deal to though they only have large frames left.

can someone tell me what parts are on this bike? for example, tires, rims, stem, bars, headset etc.

[neemofish]

can someone tell me what parts are on this bike? for example, tires, rims, stem, bars, headset etc.

http://www.louisgarneau.com/catalogs/catalog_product.asp?catalogue=BS8&section=RO&sub_section=015&style_no=8303017&type_catalogue=&language=ENG&website=1

Or go to the store...

Not a fan of the frame...
Personally would go for a Cannondale Caad whatever in that price range.

But whatever fits.

[peppy5]

http://www.louisgarneau.com/catalogs/catalog_product.asp?catalogue=BS8&section=RO&sub_section=015&style_no=8303017&type_catalogue=&language=ENG&website=1

Or go to the store...

Not a fan of the frame...
Personally would go for a Cannondale Caad whatever in that price range.

But whatever fits.

that link shows nothing of what i'm looking for

[lewdvig]

http://www.louisgarneau.com/catalogs/catalog_product.asp?catalogue=BS8&section=RO&sub_section=015&style_no=8303017&type_catalogue=&language=ENG&website=1

Or go to the store...

Not a fan of the frame...
Personally would go for a Cannondale Caad whatever in that price range.

But whatever fits.

I agree, 105 brifters and derailleurs are nothing special. When you learn you love cycling, the 22lb Garneau won't be worth upgrading.

The Cannondale Caad9 6 is pretty sweet for about 1100 CDN. The parts are heavy, but frame and fork are USA made and are technologies that were used to win the Giro and stages of the Tour just a few years ago.

Trek's 1.5 is also nice at 1100, 19.5 lbs in a 54cm with really heavy parts.

I would do a deal where you buy the bike for $950 and 'bike parts' for 150 to avoid the tax. The 1000 limit is arbitrary and dumb.