Hi Everyone,
Need your suggestions on a bicycle for general recreational purposes, going to shops etc.
Budget is up to 400$.
Your help is much appreciated.
Help Me Find My First Bike
Ldesibaba on 16/08/2021 - 10:39
Comments
I like Avanti
Help Me Find My First Bike
Probably helps if you let us know where you last saw it.
On a more serious note you need to give more info. There are so many variables at play here. Eg. Are you short or tall? Are there hills or flat? Etc etc etc
Thanks mate. I'm 5.6" and 70kg and the bike will be for normal tracks so not much of hills.
You'll need to contact these people OP.
https://www.amazon.com/Bike-Detectives-Andreas-Krenzer/dp/B0…
tinder?
$400 is junk, unless used.
aldi mtb goes for that (semi)regularly and isnt 'junk'
but yeh…400 aint much bike budget.Haven't seen it. Main issues with the cheaper bikes is rust and weight. If ALDI did it right I'd be impressed.
for ~$400 its an excellent entry point into mtb or a just a do whatever bike…
https://www.ambmag.com.au/gallery/we-test-the-aldi-premium-2…
For $400, you're not going to get much sadly. It will most likely need to be something 2nd hand.
If you want a good bit of gear, then you will need to add an extra 0 to the end of that.From what you have said, you just want to use it for a run to the shops etc. (assume you want a roadie in this case). Then look for something 2nd hand, like an old Giant TCR with Shimano 105 or the likes.
A $4000 bike to run to the shops? That's ludicrous.
You're right though, $400 will get you nowhere in a bike shop.
Your options are either to look on Gumtree and test ride bikes until you find a decent one, or to double your budget and look at spending $800+ on a decent beginner bike.
$4000 for a bike to ride to the shops you have to be joking.
I have a Shogun I got for $125 off GumTree that I ride 35km every weekday for almost 2 years. As long as you can deal with v brakes then there's a huge selection second hand. You don't need a fancy European carbon "road" bike with all the lycra. A hybrid will be more suited to bike paths and in traffic IMHO.
Yeah, Shogun, junk.
Yeah, it probably is, but it's still done several thousand km with no probs!
Shogun wasn’t junk way back. Haven’t seen many recently to comment on newer stuff.
As a regular rider with a ‘fleet’ I’d have a 90s Shogun over a lot of other stuff as a general hack bike.
@Euphemistic: This. Before the mid ‘90s Shogun made quality bikes; their Prarie Breaker MTBs were the bees knees back then; beautiful hand-welded frames and with top-flight running gear. Just look at the prices they fetch when they (rarely) come up on Gumtree. Sure, they’re heavy by today’s standards, but life isn’t always a race, and they’ll last a lifetime. Their steel frame road bikes are a pretty decent ride too. Late last century when the bike boom took off, Shogun decided there was more money in the bottom-end mass market, and their bikes have been cheap trash ever since.
Shogun made some truly excellent bikes. E.g. the Shogun Metro SE is a fantastic commuter / around town bike. You can even tour on it.
I don't think any of my bikes have cost $4000. Absolutely not necessary to spend this much for even an excellent bike.
I agree that $400 won't get much new, but second hand would net something very decent.
Take a step back team… "Help me find my first bike…"
"If you want a good bit of gear, then you will need to add an extra 0 to the end of that.""From what you have said, you just want to use it for a run to the shops etc. (assume you want a roadie in this case). Then look for something 2nd hand, like an old Giant TCR with Shimano 105 or the likes."
lol…
- $4k for a 'good bit of gear' is a general comment to put the mentioned $400 target into context.
- 2nd hand Giant with TCR and Shim 105 should be around $400-$500, or similar.
- 2nd hand will get OP to and from the shops with something that should be ok.
- Repeat - $4k if OP wants a 'good bit of gear'. E.g. plans on keeping the ride and wants to do more than just going to the shops etc.
aaaahhhh. The joys of written mediums of communication without context, and the joys of forums! hahahha
You’d be better off having said a decent bit of kit is double your budget. $800 buys a pretty good, if basic bike (new). Perfect for general riding and going to the shops.
Guess it's all subjective and a matter of perception.
Personally, I'd not consider a 'good bit of gear', to be something from Cannonale, Trek, BMC, Pinarello and the likes with a min of S105, Campy Centaur, or SR Rival.
Obviously, this is NOT what is needed for a Coles cart or shopping trolly ride, but for a 'good ride' that's around the starting point.
My point was not only about a ride to and from the shops, rather a general comment.
But all good. Joy's of a public forum! :)
@mickyb80: youre in the wrong thread mate….op needs a budget bike thats decent. theyre not competing or trying to impress anyone.
@franco cozzo: OMG.. lol…
Moving on! On my bike! lol… 🚲Feel like a few missed the point here and fact I also stated 2nd hand Giant TCR for $400 +/-… Oh well..
Good luck to the Op for finding a shopping kart either way! 👍
@mickyb80: Yeah. I saw you recommend a TCR. Why? It’s a race bike. Hardly suited to general running about or riding to the shops.
For riding to the shops etc a flat bar bike is a much better option. Allows you to sit upright to see around traffic and will have a more relaxed geometry meaning it’s more stable and comfortable.
I get your initial point. $400 is a low budget for a decent bike, but you’ve just recommended a Ferrari for driving to the station.
@Euphemistic: Ha… Ferrari in bike terms would be over $10k!
Cannondale SuperSix Evo HM with Record or S Dura ace. Frame alone is $5k +/-.
Trek Madone (US frame), with similar Groupset a/a.
BMC time machine…
Pinarello dogma…If you end up enjoying cycling enough and want a poster bike to add to the wish book take a look at those above…
…Aaahhh… road/cycle porn…. I need a new bike and to get back on the saddle!
probably bikes online or reid cycles. Ocassionally there's deals to be had at the bigger sports stores rebel, anaconda, decathlon.
I was in the same situation last year where it was extremely difficult to find a bike, let alone an affordable one. I settled on a brand called trinx. I can’t post links hear for some annoying reason but I bought from something called “Gtmall” - not as sketchy as it seemed lol.
But the bike itself is great and a year later it works perfectly. I find them extremely underrated as they have disc brakes and a sophisticated gear mechanisms. Only complaint is that the tyres are a bit thin, but not to bad. Hope this helps :)Trinx is a budget brand, built as cheap as possible. While they can be OK if properly adjusted, getting a second hand ‘bike shop’ brand is a better bet.
Each to their own. I quite like mine, especially for the price.
Marketplace or gumtree
Giant, Trek, Scott, Merida all have great hybrid/commuter options.
For $400 you should be looking at something with hydraulic brakes as a minimum from the last 4 years.
For some people, $400 does not even cover the Lycra, helmet and shoes.
For others who just want to get around, $100 can get you quite far.
Don’t buy anything from Kmart bigW etc. you
Might get something OK from anaconda or similar.
If your budget is only $400 get something as simple as possible. Eg no suspension or even single speed if your riding will be in flat areas.You’d be best served by getting second hand. Google what you see on gumtree etc to see what the RRP was, only get a reputable brand. You can get a good bike for $200 and spend a bit on parts/service if necessary. Look for bikes valued $600-$1k to start with.
Edit: Kmart bike are known as BSOs. Bicycle shaped objects and typically do not make the riding experience pleasant. They look like a bicycle, but are merely a poor imitation. They are heavy, poorly assembled and and outdated equipment prone to rusting. You can get a Kmart bike running OK with knowledge by adjusting and regressing everything, but they still aren’t pleasant to ride compared with a quality brand.
Do you know how to ride a bike?
Given your height you would probably be looking at a medium frame. I would recommend looking for a used brand name bike (Giant, Trek, Scott, Merida, Norco…) for around $300. You will most likely want to take it to a bike shop and get it serviced which may set you back around $100.
I personally have a number of secondhand bikes. They can be picked up at great discount and a quality bike that is well maintained will last a long time.
Maybe something like this:
https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/184991105932?hash=item2b1254438c…I suggest looking on Kmart, or BigW web site. They would be good enough and possibly save you a few dollars.
Don't bother with "bike shops"… you do not want to pay for their Bali trip. Just look at KM and BWnot really good advice im afraid…theyre cheap nasty and usually crap straight out of the box
better off looking at brands like polygon, reid etc that at least offer some level of quality components and at an affordable pricepoint
Please don’t promote buying bikes from Kmart etc. they are poorly built and cheap and nasty. If you can service yourself you might be able to get them running OK, but it won’t last, they have poor quality fittings that don’t hold correct adjustment.
Many bike shops refuse to service them, or flat out can’t get parts for them. It’ll cost more to service than to buy a new one.
If you don’t have large budget, buy a second hand bike ship brand, it’ll last 5 tines as long and be much more comfortable and easy to ride.
My suggestion (based on research & personal use) would be to look into Reid Cycles. Specifically, have a look at their hybrid ranges which are good for general (on-road) commuting:
https://www.reidcycles.com.au/collections/hybrid-commuter-bi…
99Bikes would sell for less than AUD 400 and you have some warranty ….https://www.99bikes.com.au/pedal-jet-2-black
The more you spend on a bike, the more you'll enjoy it. There are basically no bargains - it's a ruthlessly efficient market under COVID because supply is so tight. The Reid option linked above looks satisfactory, but higher level components, an alloy frame and higher quality tyres will give you a bike you'll actually want to ride! Invest in a good D-lock
The more you spend on a bike, the more you'll enjoy it
Up to a point. It’s diminishing returns after that point.
IMO the sweet spot for value is:
About $600 for a beach cruiser/hybrid/general purpose hack bike
$1200 for a flat bar road bike
$1500 for a hardtail MTB (for proper off road use)
$3k for a dual suspension MTB
$2k for a road bike to ride fast (in a bunch etc)(Or at least pre-covid pricing)
You've clearly never ridden a $10k bike…. ;)
But it's a good guide for the purposes of the OP's question.Spending $1200 on a commuter 15 years ago when I was povo student was such a great investment. Never regretted it once.
I have ridden a $10k bike. It was good, but it wasn’t 2.5 times better than mine, was more like 20% better - diminishing return.
What would you recommend for a decent commuter bike if the budget was $1200? Fine for it to be second-hand for that price if it's amazing.
Are you locking your commuter bike up somewhere public? Don’t buy an expensive bike that is going to be chained up outside the office where anyone can see it.
That said, pretty much any flat bar road bike for $1200 will be a great commuter. Pick a reputable brand, test it for size and pick your favourite shop or colour.
Better still find a $1200RRP bike second hand and pay $3-500.
@Euphemistic: Security is not a huge concern as there's secure bike storage at home and at work.
I'm want something for the occasional ride into work (sub 5km) but mainly for riding around on the weekend with the toddler at the back.
Do you think a flat bar road bike is better than a hybrid/commuter?@sator: Flat bar roadie is better for speed/efficiency - ideal for commuting. However, if it’s only 5km and more for weekend casual riding a hybrid would likely be better. Bit more comfort, little less efficiency.
newbie here.. can anyone compare Merida Big Nine 20 vs Trek Marlin 5 ? (both costs sround $750)
Also is 2x 8 better than 3x8 ?Noob question: how do you properly maintain a bike?
youtube has all your answers
This. When something stops working, search away and there will be plenty of videos and websites showing you how to do it.
Bikes don’t take much to maintain. Bit of lube on the chain (not WD40) and keep the tyres pumped up. Check the brakes and gear cables regularly repair as required.
look at used bikes with better components, that's where the real cost and value are.
for example: if both bikes cost $400, i would buy a less famous brand with 105 or ultegra groupset over an expensive name brand bike with claris.I recommend buying a bike from a second hand bike shop (or from a bike shop which refurbishes bikes).
If you buy second hand on gumtree / FB marketplace, you may end up with a lemon unless you know a lot about bikes. If you buy new, you will get a crappy bike for $400. You could get an okay one for about $600 (e.g. a lower mid range Samson or Reid bike).
I bought a second hand Shogun Metro MBC from a second hand bike store in Moorabbin for $400 a decade ago. It is still going strong (I have stored it inside). I've probably spent another $400 in parts and servicing over the years, and done maybe 10,000km, including 2,000km of touring.
If you just want to use it for riding around town, look for a bike which has flat handlebars, no suspension and isn't a stepthrough. It's also a good idea to avoid knobbly tyres.
https://decathlon.com.au/products/rockrider-st-100-mountain-…?
Not sure if they still have 20% off but this would give you a brand new budget option.
Else probably have to get random brand cheap ones or look at the used market.
Don't forget you need some budget aside for a helmet, lights for night driving, windbreaker etc.