First of all I consider myself a serious commuter rider. I ride 3000 miles a year, have for two years, on and off for 35 years. I've had Schwinns, Gitanes, and Motobecanes. I hit a pothole, ended up in the hospital and destroyed my 35 year old Motobecane a few weeks ago. My bike is my only means of transportation, so replacing it was a must. I'm not a weekend racer or casual rider. I'm 6'6", 240 pounds, and an engineer. I need my bike tough, fast, and with a really high high gear. I'm not interested in some overpriced bike to impress my weekend bike warrior friends. I don't run around in spandex. I've now had it a year and still stand by this review.
What I like: The balance is good, light as a feather, the padded tape handle bars are wonderful, the gearing is great, the shifters that actually go right to the desired gears are heavenly, the brake calipers do a great job of centering on the tires. I like the quick release front hub with self centering fork depressions. Quick... Read more

More in depth specs. Seat post 55cm, top post 56cm, rear cassette 7-speed 14-28t LOOK UP SUGGESTED BIKE SIZE FOR RIDERS.

How is this bike similar to a $700 bike:
Modern components easily upgradeable, serviceable, and standard. The bike stem brakes cassettes, everything except the handle bars that are smaller than 28mm( I think) which means no clip on aero bars. Light weight well constructed frame and wheels. Wheels have no seam like other cheap bikes. It has a seat that is very usable. Smooth reliable shifts. Components ( brake shifters etc.) are very workable. Cage pedals are great!

How is in unlike a $700 road bike.
Shifter separate from brakes. 7 speed instead of 8 speed rear cassette. I could only get the derailleur to work on the lowest six gears. Never really needed the high 28t anyways. The chain rubbed the frame on 14t when i first got it. I just put a washer between the cassette and the frame.( adjustment of the axle might have fixed it). Wheel... Read more

Got this bike about a month ago after deciding to change from a hybrid to a road bike. This bike is priced right, is light & fast, has a nice paint job , straight & true wheels and a fairly comfy seat. I've put about 1500 miles on it and SO FAR I've had to adjust the rear derailleur, adjust the steering stem bolt DAILY and adjust the cranks DAILY (what a Pain and they both still creak!). I'm about 6' & 180 and the bike seems to fit me nicely. The brakes could have been positioned on the handlebars differently because you lose precious fractions of seconds trying to find and grab them in an emergency when you're not in the Race position on the drop down bars. Assembly instructions were terse and hard to understand and seemed to be written by an engineer on 6 beers. If you have a limited budget and you want an entry level road bike that you have to tinker with maybe this is your bike.