General: Republic Bike

I am wondering if anyone has an opinion on these bikes.

(http://www.republicbike.com/build.asp?product_category_id=1&product_id=1)

I am looking to buy a new bike, and they seem to be affordable. I am a messenger in NYC, and finally snapped the frame I have been riding for years. It is so old, that it will probably be hard to find a frame that fits my fork and headset. I want a new bike, but I'm strapped for cash, and these bikes seem to be the most affordable that I can find. Does anyone know anything about them? Are they sturdy? I mean, I am on my bike 10 hours a day, 5 days a week, so I need something reliable...any suggestions?

i highly doubt that they would make a good all day rider. they are really heavy, the crank arms are too long, the cheap wheels will probably explode on impact, and you'll have to swap out the saddle unless you like saddle sores. there is already a thread on this topic anyways.

go cheapo and buy a mercier kilo TT, they're decent frames for cheap.

what kind of messenger doesnt know the difference between straight gauge hi-ten steel and tubes that are actually made for bikes? its pretty much a walmart bike. were you riding a walmart bike before?

I was riding a raleigh from the 80's that I bought for $50 two years ago...I have done some upgrades, but never had to deal with the frame. I am a messenger, not a bike expert....just came here with some questions, not criticism. I was looking for a cheap way out, but I ended up deciding that I should just throw down for a new bike. I bought a Bianchi Pista, and I love it. Thanks...

so when do we get to see this pista?

I bike a decent amount amount but probably only an hour or two per day and I know these Republic bikes suck in comparison to other custom bikes (such as a Mission bicycle) that have better frames but I just wanted a cheaper bike to ride around on and I live in a pretty flat area so im not too worried about it. My question is if it is that big of a deal to buy a 165mm and replace the 170mm crank arm or should I be okay if it is a 59cm frame?

i dont get why everyone is bashing these bike, has anyone even hopped on one? i dont see how it is heavy or how the crank arms are too long unless you are a miget and if its too heavy maybe you should be hitting the weights. i have one of these and it flys fun bike really comfortable saddle. I ride to and from work and where the wind blows ive had no problem so you would have been fine getting one of these bikes.

For the love and riding, I think its great they are trying to offer a product at this price point...yeah you dont expect the crown jewels for the price, but it is what it is...and since when did the simple single speeder and fixie adopt the mantra of a gear head tool (aka an a$$hole).. the bike looks great its functional you can change what you dont like or just tool around as is.....I dont know where there frames come from but the IRO that everyone seems to love hangs with pride right next to the REPUBLIC...and they probably get there frames from the same place....

First, IRO doesn't build on-site AFAIK; Tony designs the frames and the factory paints/preps/assembles the bikes but they don't build on-site. Also, they aren't all made from 4130 cro-mo, only the Model 19 is. The rest are 'heat-treated cro-mo steel' except for the Angus which is Reynolds 631. But of course that doesn't matter 'cause IRO is great both in customer service and in their products. Half these jokers can't tell the difference between steel variants when riding anyway; it's just a status thing.

In other words, the Republic Aristotle is just fine for what you pay; yeah you can get something nicer for more money, but that applies to -anything- so I don't know why people even bother saying it. The crank arms are 170mm which isn't too long at all; the frame is comparable to plenty of off-the-shelf frames (hell, a Steamroller is regular double-butted steel which is just fine for anybody). The Kilo TT is admittedly a great deal, but it's not like the Aristotle is the junk people are making it out to be. If you're riding in New York, who wants a theft-magnet anyway.

my major gripe with this idea is that you can get a kilo-tt complete (with arguably better parts, esp. the wheels and crank) and a significantly nicer frame from bikes direct for $5.99 more.
i know every one has them and they are not as customizable, which is probably most of the allure of the republic bike, but really its not much of a contest in quality.
granted 520 isnot the greatest tubeset in the world, its is worth the $5.99 alone. even if a you are a very infrequent rider you will at least appreciate the slightly lower weight when you have to carry it up the stairs in your apartment.