Which Bicycle Do I Buy?

MJD91 on 14/09/2021 - 08:27

Hi All,
Very new to cycling and would love to buy something half decent for my riding. I would like a bike that would handle both road riding & some loose gravel riding. I have a budget of $600 is there anything decent out there for that price? Would love some suggestions please :) thanks very much in advance, have been eyeing off below thusfar:
https://decathlon.com.au/products/riverside-500-trekking-hyb…?
&
https://www.reidcycles.com.au/collections/hybrid-commuter-bi…

Sports & Outdoors

Comments

  • PLA74 on 14/09/2021 - 08:52
    +1

    I would recommend the Reid bike as it comes with a few extra service orientated perks that might be useful:

    • Better warranty
    • 2 free services within the first 12 months (not sure what services they actually perform to the bicycle - maybe basics such as ensuring all moving parts/bolt/screws are tight and applying lubricant to chain)
    • We also offer our Online customers a 30 Day Test Ride to guarantee you get a great deal
    • Presence on 14/09/2021 - 09:16

      The service will literally be air in the tyres and a bit of lube. It's not worth the hassle of taking the bike to their shop.

  • Hugh G Rection on 14/09/2021 - 08:54
    +3

    decathlon will give you the most bang for your buck. what you need to focus on is the components of your bike, that is where the true cost of the bike is. a lot of major brands jack up there price, but you can get the same components with a lesser known brand for a lot cheaper.

  • ouzoholic on 14/09/2021 - 08:55

    I'd go with the decathlon bike. It's lighter, more comfortable with a front fork and a simpler 1x group set

  • MJD91 on 14/09/2021 - 08:58

    Thanks all for opinions, certainly not between these 2 only :) open to any new suggestions.

    • Presence on 14/09/2021 - 09:18

      I'm in the same position, I ride to work and need something new, but it's honestly harder than shopping for a car. There's so much jargon and it's very hard to compare specs, let alone quality, between brands.

      If you ask a 'bike person' they just say to spend $3000 which is out of control.

      • slow on 14/09/2021 - 09:44
        +1

        Not correct, many "bike people" would say buy a second hand bike - for $600 (o less) you can get something many times better than either of those. But you need to know what you are looking for to get a bargain and it may even need some mechanical tweaks

        Most entry level bikes in this price range will be fairly similar. As others have said. it is about the components that are on the bike, not the brand

      • brotherfranciz on 14/09/2021 - 10:07

        I agree with the above comment from 'slow'.

        I probably fall within the category of a 'bike person' and my advice would be to look at second hand bikes.

        I also agree that $3000 is crazy for a beginner and frankly a silly suggestion.

        For OP's type of riding of road and gravel, you would probably be looking at a mountain bike (to keep it simple… There are other types of bikes, but I won't confuse you with bike jargon).

        Also, repeating what others have already suggested, the bike 'groupset' is the most important factor (e.g. don't worry about carbon forks, internal cable routing, blah blah blah…).

        The 'groupset' is basically the cogs and shifters that you use to change gears to go uphill or go faster. 'Shimano' brand groupsets are probably your best bet.

        You could also drop in to your local bike shop, lockdown permitting, and have a chat with them.

  • Dribbler101 on 14/09/2021 - 15:51

    I recommend making sure the bike has a good frame before anything. Other components can be upgraded as they deteriorate.

    Best of luck!

  • Euphemistic on 14/09/2021 - 19:35

    THE most important thing is fit and feel. Make sure you get the right size and it feels good to ride. If ty can’t make up your mind between a couple, pick your favourite colour/shape or shop service.

    Both of those listed are ‘budget’ brands. Nothing parricularly wrong with them but they are built to a price point, a bit like home brand stuff at Woolies. Perfectly serviceable. Not sure which I’d pick from those two. The 1x9 gearing (1 front chainring, 9 rear gears) on the decathlon will have a better hub on the back wheel but the 3x7 on the Reid will have a wider range. You may find the Decathlon isn’t geared high enough for fast riding, or low enough for steep hills.

    The equivalent ‘bike brand’ stuff will typically be a bit more expensive but might be worth it.

    As a bike person, I’d recommend looking for a second hand bike brand bike worth around $1200 originally. Oh around $400 and spend $200 on a service.

    Problem is, Covid smashed bike stocks and increased second hand prices. It may be settling down a bit, but continued lockdown doesn’t help.

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