My New Bike

As I mentioned in my previous post, I purchased a new bike last year.  I got a Masi Alare.  It is a pretty nice bike, although nothing spectacular.  Just a good, solid ride (as far as I can tell so far).  The picture shown is from the Masi website, but it basically matches what I bought.

 

Thus far I haven't done anything custom to it.  I haven't even put on a cycling computer yet.  Hopefully that will happen this week.  I am planning to take the one off of my mountain frame since it is a rear-wheel pick-up.  I suspect I will be doing most of my work on the trainer on the new bike since that is what I am planning to do tours on now.  Plus, I can put knobbies back on my mountain bike!  I did, however, put a pair of clipless pedals on it (Wellgo SPD compatible - I only have one pair of shoes!).

 

So far I have been over-joyed with the riding on the Masi.  I probably haven't put 100 miles on it yet, but I am very pleased.  It is very comfortable and very stable.  Even the saddle is nice.  Since it is listed as a Masi saddle, I was worried it would be ultra-cheap, but it is really good.

 

The only complaint/disappointment I have thus far is the front shifter.  It is a Shimano Sora shifter, and is a little clunky.  Shifting up into the big ring is good, but downshifts are a little off.  The release lever kind of hangs occasionally.  Best I can figure is that it has something to do with the lever being able to put the derailleur in multiple positions to eliminate chain rub.  (I have noticed at least 3, maybe 4 positions for the derailleur, even though it is a double chain ring.)  Not sure if this is really the problem, but that is my thought.

 

Of course, the question I get is why the Masi?  To be honest, it came down to getting a great price on the bike.  The Masi website shows the bike retailing for $930, but I got it online for less than 2/3 of that.  Throw in a little for shipping, and I was ready to roll.  My upstanding is that this bike was a shop demo, and that is why I got the deal.  Basically, I can believe that.  It is in very good shape, just a couple of marks on the frame (probably from shipping), and one wheel being slightly out of true, close enough that I haven't even fixed it yet (but I don't plan on breaking 25 mph right now; I will have to fix it before I try to break 30).

 

So, would I recommend the Masi?  Probably.  The frame is nice, on par with other ~$1000 bikes.  Like I said, the only component that seems to be lacking is the shifters.  I probably would not recommend paying MSRP for it, but if you can catch it on sale, it is a pretty economical and sweet ride!

 

Well, I will post more as I continue to train!

 

God Bless,

JAy.