Hi there , in for a new bike - just for weekend to go with the kids. Is this any good ?
https://www.anacondastores.com/cycling/bikes/urban-bikes/flu…
Thanks
Heycolimbo
New bike - Anaconda hybrid deal any good?
heycolombo on 30/01/2017 - 07:59
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Overpriced. I would not buy.
If you're after a weekender/casual bike then look on eBay/Gumtree for a used brand name bike. Check the bike out before you hand money over. Do the brakes work? Does it shift gears smoothly? Make sure it us an appropriate sized bike for your height. Check out bikes like avanti (I have an avanti mountain bike which has been thrashed/crashed and (aside from needing new brake pads and a bottom bracket) is still bloody solid after all these years.
And if you are slightly handy and can follow a YouTube video then go an inexpensive brand that needs work.
Gumtree and eBay are full of ex-weekend bikes that people bought for "just weekend riding with the kids and the bike has sat in the shed for a couple of years"
Seems expensive. I've got a Reid Urban X1 https://www.reidcycles.com.au/urban-x1.html. Slightly different specs but similar animal. They are okay for a casual rider/commuter. I've had no issues or problems with mine.
Yep all the comments above, and I'll add that you should consider hiring a bike for a few weeks (eg. from a local store or near some parks, quite often around $20 for 2 hours for basic bikes) to try riding a similar quality bike like OP has linked to. Hire bikes are often on par or better than the entry-level bikes sold @ Anaconda, so it should give you a good gauge on whether it is worth your money.
Me, I'd go the Reid, as Peace Maker says. Reasons:
- 11kg for the Reid looks like a reasonable weight. It's not light, but it's OK.
- Reid groupset slightly better than Fluid
- Reid $100 cheaper! (maybe even more if you can find a voucher)BUT, and this is a very big BUT, fit is more important than the $100 saving. As Wallet72 says, you really need to be able to sit on the bike and ride it around. Fit is much mor eimporant than the quality of the componentry, because you will hate riding a bike that does not fit you.
Good on you for going riding with your kids - it will make you healthier and give your kids some great memories.
Hard Core Rider here (well kind of anyways). Doesnt look like a bargain to me. I agree with the others that 'fit' is very important but if I understand you correctly you are unlikely to be smashing out a 24 hour epic Everest attempt or multiple Gran Fondo events, you just want an easy sociable bike for tottering around the bikepaths with the kids. You want to get the right size frame and a rudimentary fit but nobody is going to be mapping your body geometry and adjusting the float in your pedals!!!! (sorry Hard Core cycling stuff leaking out!).
I would recommend going to your local bike shop rather than Anaconda. For the budget here you should be able to get something very similar if not better. The sales guy at the bikeshop should know bikes better than the salesman at Anaconda. They should be able to work out the best saddle height and adjust something like a stem length if you have short arms or a short torso. They should also give you a free service or 2 to adjust things like cable stretch after a month or 2.
Dont be afraid to haggle at a bikeshop, dont bust their cojones but they should be a bit of give in a bike. Be friendly and subtly et the guy know you'll be bringing the bike back for servicing etc. I get a lot of my bike stuff from my LBS. Often i could get it cheaper online but I have a great relationship with the guys at the shop and trust them to keep my bike in great shape. The type of bike you are after is very common and all mainstream brands will have a model or 2 that suits. Dont take these as specific examples but these are the types of bikes you would find at a Local Bike Shop (LBS):
https://www.bikeexchange.com.au/a/flat-bar-road-bikes/giant/…
https://www.bikeexchange.com.au/a/flat-bar-road-bikes/trek/q…
https://www.bikeexchange.com.au/a/flat-bar-road-bikes/malver…
In terms of the components, I dont think disc brakes are essential, many swear by them but in your price range i wouldnt be swayed by them over a bike I liked better. Certainly dont be swayed by cheap suspension. Unless you are planning on cross country trails, cheap suspension will add unnecessary weight for little benefit. Other than that you will probably get an aluminium framed bike with a mixed groupset. take note that the bike companies will cut corners on things like brakes, this is why many will have Shimano deraileurs but tektro brakes. In general, the more shimano bits the better!
The Anaconda "sale" price is the reflection of its true price so when compared to other options, it is average.
Like others have said, have a ride first. I would also suggest using bike exchange.com.au to search bikes in this price range at the local bike store as well.There is no true standout bike to buy for this price, just go with what feels best.
True, the anaconda bikes are not good value at their supposed RRP, but of comparable value to other brands at their regular discounted price.
Before the hard core riders get in…
Go sit on it and make sure it's comfortable, also make sure you are ok with the weight of the bike. I've had an Anaconda bike before and I was happy with it, and the price for what I got. Be a bit cheeky if you are going to buy it and ask for some freebies (I got a water bottle and little toolkit) - if you don't ask, you'll never get :)