Comments about Retrospec Beta Series Bike:

You really can't complain about this bike at the price I bought it for. I got the chrome model and it is a really good looking ride. Yes, it is a cheap bike, and it comes with some cheap components. Suck it up and replace them as you go. I already swapped out the pedals for some cheap BMX style. My biggest beef is not having water bottle braze-ons. There is no excuse for that. The frame is heavy, but it's solid with plenty of clearance for wider tires. Speaking of which, the 23 mm road tires are a little skinny and harsh for city commuting. 28 or 32 mm would be a better choice. I bought the large 57 cm size, which = 22.5". That's a big bike, it should come with 175 mm crank arms instead of 170 mm, and the little micro stem is a joke for that size frame. The other reviewer also noted that the large frame felt cramped. That's because they use the same little stem for all the sizes. I will be swapping out for a longer stem with a little more rise. I can't quite get used to narrow bars, so I will probably go to a wider set as well. Other than those little nit-picks, this bike is strong and fun to ride... It will get noticed as well.

Comments about Retrospec Beta Series Bike:

This is a fun bike. I purchased it for a easy bike to ride to the bank or the the store. Its perfect for that. Fun to ride and looks great. ( chrome option )

I do think the top tube length is super short and put you in a weird riding position but maybe I'm just used to my other bikes. I but a longer stem and moved the seat as far back as I could and its a bit better. Would not recommend for rides longer than 10 miles.

Comments about Retrospec Beta Series Bike:

I use the Retrospec Beta (Betty Davis) to commute around inner Houston. Its lightweight frame lets me accelerate quickly and handle well. It has a flip/flop hub which means you have the choice to ride it fixed gear or free. I have the Betty Davis with the pink frame, and blue and white rims, and I've gotten numerous compliments on it. Because of its good looks, it's a thief magnet, so please be sure to get a good U-lock and keep it safe!
I was a little disappointed in Retrospec for not putting any holes in the frame to accomodate a bottle holder, but it's a minor detail that didn't stop me from buying the bike.
Like any other bike with high profile rims, you'll need to be sure that it's strictly used for the road, and that hitting one too many potholes (something Houston roads are notorious for) will send you to the bike shop looking for new tubes.
It's a great entry level road bike, and I don't think you'll get a better deal! The bike parts that come with it are not of cheap quality, but also not top performance, obviously. It's at a good middle ground. A bike you intend on using for more than the weekend should be an investment because you want it to carry you in good hands for miles, and this bike defnitely does so!