Bergamont Helix 2.3 or Scott Speedster x50 or Fuji Traverse 1.3

[Kartik Singhal]

Hi everyone

I am new to this group and looking for a hybrid within a budget of approx. 30K.

I have shortlisted three currently, and need help in making a decision:

1. Bergamont Helix 2.3 (A pretty detailed review at http://thebikeaffair.blogspot.in/2013/10/review-bergamont-helix-23.html ), 29K 
2. Scott Speedster x50, 31.5K
3. Fuji Traverse 1.3, ~31K

I tried out Helix at BOTS and loved it (also because of the great review I read about it). Saw and compared the features of the Fuji (also) at BOTS (It wasn't available for demo ride). Then I tried out the Scott at Shah Bikes (Jayanagar 4th T Block), and liked it similarly.

Among the three, I am more confident about Helix and x50 as I was able to try them out.

x50 is priced at 31.5K but the store is offering a 5% discount, so it will cost me about ~30K, bit more than the Bergamont. The few things I liked about the bike are it's a 8x3 drivetrain system (7x3 in Helix), disc brakes, has similar/same tires as the Helix and has better paddles.

Looking at just the features, Scott seems like a better choice if I put a grand more in the bike, though Bergamont looks a lot sexier. What I can't compare myself at this stage are the quality of components in these two, the frame size and general comfort level.

Would like to hear from users/experts and would appreciate any help in making me reach a decision.

TIA

--
Kartik
http://k4rtik.wordpress.com/

[Pradeep naidu]

I would say.. What ever your choice is.... Make sure you buy it at BOTS..
Folks there will assist you on good bike which suits you rather than which is available as usually other Lbs does.. Plus they also assist you with bike fit.

I have infact taken few folks and got bikes at different shops at little lower price.. But very soon you realise u have done a mistake. Trust me,these guys know bikes very well and the relationship with them will be long lasting...

---

From: Kartik Singhal
Sent: ‎13-‎10-‎2013 10:28 PM
To: Bangalor...@googlegroups.com
Subject: [BBC] Bergamont Helix 2.3 or Scott Speedster x50 or Fuji Traverse 1.3

--
biking conversations on the world famous "Bangalore Bikers Club" :)
 
are you a part of the bicycle racing scene?
Visit www.bangalorebicyclechampionships.com for more details
---
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Bangalore Bikers Club" group.
To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to bangalore-bike...@googlegroups.com.
For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.

[Mithran Daniel]

Have you looked at the trek 7.1 FX?

[Sanath Kumar S D]

+1 Pradeep

On Mon, Oct 14, 2013 at 12:33 AM, Pradeep naidu <pradee...@gmail.com> wrote:

I would say.. What ever your choice is.... Make sure you buy it at BOTS..
Folks there will assist you on good bike which suits you rather than which is available as usually other Lbs does.. Plus they also assist you with bike fit.

I have infact taken few folks and got bikes at different shops at little lower price.. But very soon you realise u have done a mistake. Trust me,these guys know bikes very well and the relationship with them will be long lasting...

---

From: Kartik Singhal
Sent: 13-10-2013 10:28 PM

--
Regards,

Sanath
+ 91 988 019 4896

[crg]

You may want to consider MTBs--replace the tires with semi-slicks.

Ought to look at KHS bikes too, at wheelsports.

Decathlon's bikes are good and VFM too. Service and warranty are good.

Whatever bike you buy, get it from a store with good service.

[Kartik Singhal]

Responses inline:

On Mon, Oct 14, 2013 at 12:33 AM, Pradeep naidu <pradee...@gmail.com> wrote:

I would say.. What ever your choice is.... Make sure you buy it at BOTS..
Folks there will assist you on good bike which suits you rather than which is available as usually other Lbs does.. Plus they also assist you with bike fit.

I have infact taken few folks and got bikes at different shops at little lower price.. But very soon you realise u have done a mistake. Trust me,these guys know bikes very well and the relationship with them will be long lasting...

Yes, I have visited BOTS twice, have already become a fan and would love to buy from them. There my options are limited to the two bikes I mentioned. Plus, I am sure even BOTS folks would suggest to get the best bike possible for my budget.

On Mon, Oct 14, 2013 at 1:20 AM, Mithran Daniel <mith...@gmail.com> wrote:

Have you looked at the trek 7.1 FX?

Yes, I have. Doesn't it have lower quality components compared to those I have shortlisted? Any particular reason why you would recommend it?

On Mon, Oct 14, 2013 at 6:00 AM, crg <crg...@gmail.com> wrote:

You may want to consider MTBs--replace the tires with semi-slicks.

As a first time user/buyer of a above-2K bike, I feel more comfortable buying a complete product. Whatever I know about bikes, I have learnt in last one week from Internet, visits to BOTS and friends. When I reach a good level of understanding about bikes, then I will be able to think about customizations like these. :-)

Ought to look at KHS bikes too, at wheelsports.

Decathlon's bikes are good and VFM too. Service and warranty are good.

Whatever bike you buy, get it from a store with good service.

The two stores I mentioned are nearest to my home. Wanted to visit wheelsports, but after visiting 5 stores in total, decided there wasn't a need anymore. If you think I should check out any specific KHS or Decathlon model, please let me know.

--
Kartik
http://k4rtik.wordpress.com/

[chirguu]

You sure about Scott? Because the bike which you are talking about is Scott 'SPORTSTER' x50.

I got my Scott in November'12 and it is one amazing bike.

I have been able to ride it for Brevets, a distant tour, fast paced commutes, off roads, and the bike never let me down.

It still runs very smooth. I agree with Pradeep that BOTS know what are they doing with the bike, but I find Mr. Rakesh from RR Cycles, Madiwala extremely friendly.

It has been more than 11 months and they still do basic bike tune up and service without any fee.

I do prefer BOTS for advance services though.

Scott Sportster x50 has good specs compared to other bikes and is VFM.

My best ride in terms of speed has been Surat to Vadodara - 160kms in 6 hours flat with breaks.

See if you can pick it up from Wheelsports or RR, since BOTS do not deal in Scott bikes.

If you have any other queries, please let me know. Will be happy to see someone enjoying Scott too.

[Kartik Singhal]

On Mon, Oct 14, 2013 at 10:43 AM, chirguu <whyusro...@gmail.com> wrote:

You sure about Scott? Because the bike which you are talking about is Scott 'SPORTSTER' x50.

Yes, I am sorry. It's Sportster, I must have been lost while typing.

 I agree with Pradeep that BOTS know what are they doing with the bike, but I find Mr. Rakesh from RR Cycles, Madiwala extremely friendly.

 

It has been more than 11 months and they still do basic bike tune up and service without any fee.

I do prefer BOTS for advance services though.

I visited RR cycles too yesterday. They let me try the bike on the trainer, and offered it at the same price - 31.5K. But I will prefer buying it from Shah as it's really close to home and is offering some discount; I am aware RR might offer discount too, as one of my roommates bought a bike from them just last week. Only negative point it's pretty far from my home, same issue with Wheelsports.

Scott Sportster x50 has good specs compared to other bikes and is VFM.

My best ride in terms of speed has been Surat to Vadodara - 160kms in 6 hours flat with breaks.

See if you can pick it up from Wheelsports or RR, since BOTS do not deal in Scott bikes.

If you have any other queries, please let me know. Will be happy to see someone enjoying Scott too.

Thanks a lot for sharing your experience with the Scott. The Shah cycle store guy told that Scott is known for offering better features compared to others at a given price (VFM part), just wanted to confirm on that.

One thing that definitely seemed odd was Scott offering disk brakes, while neither Bergamont or Fuji had them at this price point.

--
Kartik
http://k4rtik.wordpress.com/

[Kartik Singhal]

Okay folks, thanks for your responses. Finally made up my mind and ordered the Bergamont from BOTS. Will have to wait for few days for delivery though.

--
Kartik
http://k4rtik.wordpress.com/

[Arvind P]

My best ride in terms of speed has been Surat to Vadodara - 160kms in 6 hours flat with breaks.

thats some serious pace buddy. Awesome. Did NaMo build roads which pull cyclists or something ;) :)

estimated ride avg of 28-30kmph on a hybrid. :)

[Arvind P]

congrats

[anil s kadsur]

Congrats!!

very truly,
anil s kadsur
http://kadsur.blogspot.in/

---

From: Kartik Singhal <kartik...@gmail.com>

Sender: bangalor...@googlegroups.com

Date: Mon, 14 Oct 2013 19:52:36 +0530

To: Bangalor...@googlegroups.com<bangalor...@googlegroups.com>

Subject: Re: [BBC] Re: Bergamont Helix 2.3 or Scott Speedster x50 or Fuji Traverse 1.3

[crg]

MTB and changing tires: if you like MTB's, the store can recommend and change tires for you. My suggestion is to go for test rides and see how it goes.

Decathlon and Wheelsports: go, look and test ride

[chirguu]

With touring luggage. I am pretty sure that I was high on something. It was one hell of a tour :D