Looking to get a Bicycle, but don't know where to look for one, what are the best places to buy one? (Sydney?)
Where to Buy Bicycles at Reasonable Prices?
CrazyMexican on 17/07/2015 - 12:33
Comments
At Anaconda when they have one on sale? Maybe try this link and then you can filter the results by clicking on the categories on the left:
http://www.anacondastores.com/categories/c/categories?q=%3Ar…
Kmart
What kind of bicycle?
Help us out a little and say what type of bike and rough budget you are looking at?
I'd suggest you give some serious consideration to 2nd hand. Much like cars, bikes drop in value very quickly. You can pick up some fantastic bargains if you look at used bikes. I'd stay away from anything from Kmart and Reid bikes etc, yes they are cheap but they are put together using pretty cheap components and I guarantee won't outlast a higher quality 2nd hand bike.
+1. Learn about specs and what you want, OP.. then search Gumtree.
Second hand bikes that have been barely used but have better specs than the el cheapo bikes you find at KMart, Big W, etc and being second hand would now cost about the same as those crappy plastic-specced bikes…
For instance a bike might have been $600 RRP and be a year or two old, still in great condition, and be on Gumtree for less than $200. (be aware of what size bike frame you'd need though, etc. Important not to be riding something that is going to end up doing more harm to you than it is good..)
I wouldn't put Reid in the same category as Kmart, big w etc. Reid (and Cell) provide good value for money in the budget range. Kmart, big w etc do not provide value for money, they provide cheap rubbish.
As others have said though, second hand can be good value for money, and even more value if you can identify what is wrong with a bike and fix anything yourself.
If you aren't confident with second hand and aren't worried by brand names, head out to Cell bikes, or Reid.
True, it's probably a bit harsh on Reid and Cell to put them the same category as a kmart bike, I was just trying to get the point across that 2nd hand is the bomb when it comes to bikes :)
I bought a Trek bike from Malaysia. was at least 20% cheaper than buying it in Sydney
Took the wheels off the frame & checked it in as luggage.Local tip
Depends what sort of bike you are after. Big difference between buying a bike path cruiser for a 10km commute to work and buying a lightweight carbon fibre racer for next year's '3 peaks' or a trip to France to climb the alp de huez!
I am one of the 'weekend warrior' types addicted to my carbon fibre steed of a weekend morning. I would caution against buying 2nd hand carbon fibre especially if you don't know what you are buying. The thought of a frame failing under me at 75 km/hr on a bend down a hill somewhere frightens the life out of me!
If you are after a serious MTB or Roadie and you know what you are after (groupset/frame size/geometry angles/wheels or shocks etc for an MTB) then get onto Gumtree and haggle away. There are a few great facebook groups for buying and selling bikes and bits as well.
If you don't really know what you are after then I would recommend going to a good Local Bike Shop (LBS). Most of them will negotiate prices with you, I haggled the guy down 20%+ last time I bought a bike. If you buy from the local guy they should give you advice. My local bike guy isnt the cheapest going around but over the years he has been a great resource. I go on a free ride he organises every week and have even been to some unofficial 'beers in the shop' at XMas etc. Ive made great friends from the weekly shop ride and it has been a great resource for me.
A local bike shop guy should help you with things like getting the bike setup with the right fit (saddle height, stem length etc) and also make sure you have the kit needed as well (pedals, helmet, spare tubes, CO2 or pump etc).
Be careful of buying mailorder bikes from Indonesia/china etc, well known scam. Buying over there in person probably OK but be careful with mail order. I see great deals on the reputable online shops like wiggle, ribble, CRC etc but the cost of shipping would kill the deal.
It depends on what you want, but I did a lot of research a couple of years ago, including asking on bike forums, and came to the conclusion that Reid Cycles offered the best value. Take a look at their website.
If you want any more specific advice, you need to tell people what kind of bike you are looking for, or at least what you will be using it for.