Purchased a Windsor Fens and wanted to give a brief review of the past two weeks and how the Fens is holding up to regular use.
Got the bike from bikesdirect.com for a great price and after a couple of hours of assembling and adjusting it was ready for the road, 15 days of near constant have seen me clock up just over 280 miles and the only thing that I had to do was fix a puncture on my first commute home.
Coming from a hybrid "Raleigh Pioneer" to a road bike took a little getting used to, especially the integrated brake / shifter, it has Shimano 105 groupset. I was so used to the grip shifters on the Raleigh, but after maybe 4 rides it has become second nature.
The Fens is so much smoother in every way compared to the hybrid, with maybe the exception of the firmer ride / tires. In fact I was riding home this evening and could hear a clicking coming from the front wheel once per revolution which had me concerned. Inspection this evening I discovered it was in actualy fact the wireless speed sensor clicking as the magnet spun past. Never heard it before on the other ride. So no cause for concern.
I have found that my average speed has increased a little but the biggest difference has been hill climbing. I have a couple of medium climbs on the way to and from work and they seem a little easier on the Fens than they did on the Raleigh.
So, so far so good, I am happy with the purchase. I'll try post an update in another month for anyone that is interested.
Simon
Got the bike from bikesdirect.com for a great price and after a couple of hours of assembling and adjusting it was ready for the road, 15 days of near constant have seen me clock up just over 280 miles and the only thing that I had to do was fix a puncture on my first commute home.
Coming from a hybrid "Raleigh Pioneer" to a road bike took a little getting used to, especially the integrated brake / shifter, it has Shimano 105 groupset. I was so used to the grip shifters on the Raleigh, but after maybe 4 rides it has become second nature.
The Fens is so much smoother in every way compared to the hybrid, with maybe the exception of the firmer ride / tires. In fact I was riding home this evening and could hear a clicking coming from the front wheel once per revolution which had me concerned. Inspection this evening I discovered it was in actualy fact the wireless speed sensor clicking as the magnet spun past. Never heard it before on the other ride. So no cause for concern.
I have found that my average speed has increased a little but the biggest difference has been hill climbing. I have a couple of medium climbs on the way to and from work and they seem a little easier on the Fens than they did on the Raleigh.
So, so far so good, I am happy with the purchase. I'll try post an update in another month for anyone that is interested.
Simon