Any Cycling/Bicycle Experts around? Advice Wanted on a Bike Purchase

Wafflel on 05/09/2022 - 23:33
Last edited 06/09/2022 - 12:38

Hello you lovely people!

I would greatly appreciate the time of any members who have knowledge about bikes. I'm looking to buy one after about 15 years out of cycling.

I've looked at a few models and would greatly appreciate someone explaining the differences to me, and how they'd affect the bike on the road. As well as just general advice.

My maximum budget is $3000 (I'd prefer to keep it around half that but can be flexible if the bike is worth it).

I'd be looking for a bike to commute to work (inner city Brisbane) and for general enjoyment/fitness. I am already thinking flat bar for comfort but do make any suggestions.

Sports & Outdoors Bicycle

Comments

  • jv on 05/09/2022 - 23:53
    +1

    Advice Wanted on a Bike Purchase

    Make sure they include the pedals…

    (Some of the stores try to save money by leaving them out)

    • Wafflel on 06/09/2022 - 00:43
      +1

      I was counting on Fred flinstoning the bike….

      • SF3 on 06/09/2022 - 08:38

        about 15 years out of cycling.

        Fred flinstoning the bike….

        Yes, balance bike is the answer.

    • 2ndeffort on 29/09/2022 - 23:40

      Which pedals do they include? flats, speedplay, SPD or SPD-SL??

      • Euphemistic on 30/09/2022 - 11:39
        +1

        Correct. The manufacturers leave pedals off high end bikes because they’ll likely get thrown away. Most bike shops will have a bin full of cheap plastic pedals if you desperately need pedals on a new bike that doesn’t come with them.

  • franco cozzo on 06/09/2022 - 04:28
    -2

    make sure they include pedals! /s

    seriously though….whats your budget and intended use…?

  • Hybroid on 06/09/2022 - 05:46
    +1

    Pop down to a local 99Bikes or similar store and they'll go through all that with you as well as trial rides.

  • hizdee on 06/09/2022 - 07:35

    i am not an expert but here is my 2 cents. Top end bikes are not sold with pedals. so for the casual viewer that is not a sarcastic comment. Your bike requirements are strictly limited by your budget. I would suggest you go to https:/bikeexchange.com.au and take a look what you can afford. based on that determine your requirements; city riding , mountain biking etc. I scored an electric bike worth $4k for $2k and also a mountain bike (Scott) worth $3k for $1k. all reputed brands but last season models. I was fine with that, as I said previously I am not an expert I just wanted a great bike. 99 bikes is a great company and they charged more to service my electric bike than I paid to service my brand new car.

    Good Luck.

  • ForkSnorter on 06/09/2022 - 07:56

    First question is flat bar or drop bar handlebars. If you want to ride fast or long distance, maybe drop bar would be better. I prefer flat bar. I only cycle short distances. Flat bar are way more comfortable for my neck, back, and shoulders, and the lower wind resistance gives me more exercise. In fact, I prefer even more height in the handlebars, using rings and extra long bar ends. It's just a more comfortable way to ride.

  • apple2016 on 06/09/2022 - 08:27
    +4

    Depends on how you intend to use your bike. Road, offroad, mountain bike…If it just to try get something secondhand.

  • yokel on 06/09/2022 - 08:51

    Yeah no detail OP as to where you want to ride and whether its onroad or offroad. You might even need to mention whether you want to ride the bike to work, on road with mates or even in a park with a kid.

    • franco cozzo on 06/09/2022 - 09:02

      plus everyone knows you buy your kit first then you buy the bike to match the kit…then you get a professional bikefit and become a dentist!

      • yokel on 06/09/2022 - 10:28
        +2

        Whatever the occasion wear Rapha

        • franco cozzo on 06/09/2022 - 10:29

          what else could you possibly wear when riding ones Sir Velo?

    • Wafflel on 06/09/2022 - 09:42

      I did mention I'd PM someone. But perhaps you're right, lay it all out for everyone to consider.

      I'll update my post after work. Cheers

  • seraphim2017 on 06/09/2022 - 12:06
    +1
    1. What kind of riding do you aspire to do? Are you the next Lance Armstrong?
    2. What kind of riding are you ACTUALLY going to do? Leisure/fitness/commuting/trail riding/road racing/distance touring.
    3. Maximum Budget, total (you need lights helmet lock as a minimum, rack and panniers if commuting, plus pedals if not included)
    • jv on 06/09/2022 - 12:31
      +1

      Are you the next Lance Armstrong?

      LOL.

      Are you saying he's a dope?

      • Wafflel on 06/09/2022 - 12:35

        Savage one, aren't you?

    • Wafflel on 06/09/2022 - 12:40

      Post edited but to avoid any doubt

      1) I aspire to work commuting and general fitness and enjoyment.

      2) commuting/leisure/fitness that comes with it. Riding will be primarily inner city, some of the roads/paths are poorer condition

      3) maximum budget is $3k but would prefer $1.5k

      • yokel on 06/09/2022 - 13:06

        I would do drop bar carbon frame road bike, hydraulic disc and 11 speed. Should be able to pick up a Merida Scultura and have good clearance to run a tyre wider than 25mm. The only trouble with buying at that price point is trying to find a bike shop that can do a proper bike fit. If you think you are between sizes, then buy the smaller size as you can change stem length etc to get the fit bang on.
        Why the road bike? For fitness and longer rides and commuting I think the lighter the better. Drops are more comfortable in my opinion too.

      • wal990 on 06/09/2022 - 13:59

        1) if going fast isn't a priority, a endurance geometry would be best, some mainstream models of endurance bikes include: merida scultura endurance, giant defy, specialized roubiax, scott addict.

        2) you want wider tyres (think 28mm+) as those will fare better on crappy road surfaces, disk brakes bikes tend to allow for wider tyres.

        3) you can probably get a brand new road bike for 3k with entry level components or get a used mid level. (for under 1.5k check out decathlon's RC500, although its a bit heavy)

      • seraphim2017 on 06/09/2022 - 14:29
        +1

        1) I aspire to work commuting and general fitness and enjoyment.

        Go to a couple if decent bike shops and have a sit on both their hybrids and flat bar road bikes. Road bikes with drop bars kill my back so I'm not a fan, but if you get on with them great. I find if you're not a weight weenie then it isn't as critical, commuting = panniers and mudguards so not exactly tour de france weight anyway!. Used (personally) go Giant, Merida, Trek, Specialised etc as first tier, then Polygon etc as second tier, don't get a BSO!

        Look at the used market once you know what bike fits you. Your money will go further and you might be able to move up from a fun level to a better level of running gear. The frame is the most important as its the hardest thing to change, you can buy a bit with mid level shimano running gear and upgrade it once it wears out, the frame could last a lifetime! I looked around for ages at the Giant range (Toughroad/fastroad) at full price as I had a basic Roam. Ended up with a second hand newer Roam with SLX level gear and an Air Fork. For my use it works, the fork is a bit heavier than a foxed form but a compromise I can live with, a lighter bike isn't go to shave more than a few seconds off my commute and for cycle paths and the odd bit of awful pothole road its great. I wouldn't do a fire trail on it but for that you are looking at lots more $$$ with terrible commuting capabilities.

        2) commuting/leisure/fitness that comes with it. Riding will be primarily inner city, some of the roads/paths are poorer condition

        Comfort will make you ride more, pain will make you ride less. Over time, the thing that gets better is the engine (you) as you get fitter and can eat more cakes! Nothing will stop you riding like comfort, it generates excuses more than crap weather! Upright hybrid works for me, might not for you. Panniers means no backpack = less sweaty back and more comfort again. You don't need a suspension bike, I only have it as I get on with the Giant geometry of the Roam and it works for me, nothing wrong with a more road adapted frame like the merida speeder range or giant fastroad range either if its works for you.

        3) maximum budget is $3k but would prefer $1.5k

        This ia great budget, but a lot of variety. its the equivalent of base level corolla to base level tesla money. Considetr:
        $100 helmet
        $100 lights
        $100 Lock
        $100 Rack
        $100 Panniers
        and $1000 used bike of your choice. I upgraded from rim brakes to a mid (Deore) standard of hydraulics and better shifters and it really is nicer. Discs weight more BUT weight is hub central so rolling speedup is much better.

        Again, a personal choice, but more gears isn't necesarily better, range of gears is. lots of gear combinations are actually the same ratios (50 front 25 rear basically the same as 30 front 15 rear etc).

        You might upgrade contact points with the road (grip, longevity, i.e shwalbe marathon plus tyres are as punture resistant as you'll find pretty much, but not built for sprints!) and contact points with the bike (ergo grips and saddle).

        If you love cycling and its comfy its great, if you hate it and its comfy you might do it anyway and get the benefit. If you decide to upgrade, your used bike will have some resale value with less depreciation than new, by which time, you'll be fitter and know what your uses will be. Then treat yourself to shiny new forever bike!

        • Wafflel on 06/09/2022 - 14:35

          This is really great advice. Thanks so much.

          Do you have any opinion on Avanti? I was offered an Avanti Giro F3 or F4 over the phone.

          • seraphim2017 on 06/09/2022 - 15:14

            @Wafflel: I have had an avanti mountain bike and road bike, both were good. The Giro F3 I assume is the giro road bike frame and F3 or F4 flat bar level 3 or 4. Not sure which is higher, with Giant, 0 is the highest for example! Id guess as the new model F4 has Acera and F3 has Altus that the 4 is higher up. Acera is fine, I had it on my old bike, but its not as goo as 105/Ultegra (Road) or Deore/SLX (MTB/Hybrid). It works fine but will wear faster and not be as precise necesarily. That said, well maintained low end is preferable to abused top end! And if the frame is a mathc for you, they gear can be upgraded when it wears out.

            Personally I think they are not quite as good as consumer level as equivalent Giants etc, but they make (or use) decent frames and components , so if its a good cared for example and most importantly, the geometry fits you and your comfort position, then certainly have a look.

            Don't buy anything sight unseen, at the very least sit on it. Must easier to walk away and span your hard earned on the right bike that way, and a bike lover will understand if its not right for you!

            • Euphemistic on 07/09/2022 - 08:13

              @seraphim2017: I have Altus gear on my commuter. Does the job fine as well. It also has tektro xuriga hydraulic discs and I have no problem with them and they’ve pulled me up at the bottom of a 60km/h hill descent as quick as any other brakes I’ve tested.

        • seraphim2017 on 06/09/2022 - 16:15
          +1

          P.s sorry for the typos! mobile keyboards and lack of proof reading suck!

      • Euphemistic on 06/09/2022 - 16:07

        What experience do you have cycling? Pootling around with kids, commuting rain hail or shine, smashing downhill trails or thousands of kms with a peloton?

        • Wafflel on 06/09/2022 - 16:09
          +1

          I haven't cycled since my teens. Back then it was all day everyday on a mountain bike (mongoose XR150 if I remember correctly).

  • Euphemistic on 06/09/2022 - 13:03

    You should be able to get a great flat bar road bike for $1500. Go to a bike shop or 3 and as the staff. They shouldn’t be too short with you given you aren’t asking for a $300 bike. Tell them what you want. For what it’s worth a $3k bike isn’t twice as good as a $1500 one unlike a $800 bike being twice as good as a $400 one. More money over $1500 is a finishing return unless you specifically want a particular feature.

    End of the day similar priced bikes from different manufacturers will be fairly similar in spec. Pick your favourite colour/style/shop as long as the bike fits you.

    For a commuter do not settle for anything other than hydraulic disc brakes (should be an easy find in your budget). You’ll probably want tyres around 30mm width for comfort, but depends on your actual commute and riding preference.

    I’ve commuted on a range of bikes over the years and settled on a flat bar, skinny tyre, hyd disc braked bike as weapon of choice. I’ll take other styles if the mood suits me or I want to ride off the road as well. A mountain bike is great for mucking around on, hopping kerbs etc and not that much slower on a shortish commute. Plenty of times I’ve been on my skinny tyre commuter and found it a bit boring wishing I could hit some silly obstacles for fun.

  • Zephyrus on 06/09/2022 - 13:47
    +1

    This is a bit different from the other suggestions, but I recommend looking for something second hand. Bikes are normally pretty good and the wearable parts (tyres/brake pads) are pretty cheap.

    Go for an aluminium frame and wheels, steel will be way too heavy and carbon means you can't put pannier bags or anything on it. Rim weight is hugely important as a heavy rim slows you down a lot more than you think.

  • Bartemaus on 06/09/2022 - 14:02
    +3

    My advice would be to buy something relatively cheap second hand and attach a rear rack + pannier bags. Should be able to find a suitable flat bar hybrid bike for $200-$300.

    Don't need anything fancy for commuting and general leisurely riding around the city.

    If down the line you find you are really enjoying being back on the bike, splurge on the remaining $2,500 for a nice road bike and keep that for weekend rides.

  • Tee Rex Arms on 06/09/2022 - 16:59

    Trek FX 3

  • brotherfranciz on 07/09/2022 - 00:56
    +1

    I would recommend a second hand bike for now. Once you get fitter and establish a routine and can be certain it's not just a 'phase', you should have gained a little bit more bike general knowledge and be in a better position to buy a really good bike i.e. n+1 (Rule 12).

    Also, a cheap second hand bike is less likely to get stolen. If your brand new bike gets stolen, that would probably be enough to end your motivation to cycle commute.

    • Euphemistic on 07/09/2022 - 07:18
      +1

      Agree. Second hand is the way to go. Get a reputable bike shop brand. Check the RRP of the model you are buying. Save.

      There’s not a lot to go wrong with bikes. You can get them for half RRP, spend $1-200 on servicing (if you can’t DIY) and still be ahead.

  • mrtin on 08/09/2022 - 22:47

    A fixie or single speed? Thst would be fun to ride if there aren't too many hills and you don't do group rides.

    You won't be scared of it getting stolen as it may not cost very much.

    Then if you do do road riding then invest ina road bike.

  • Tradey on 18/10/2022 - 18:40

    Giant Roam Disc 0. Ticks all the boxes. Add NCX seatpost and it's even more comfortable.
    Clearance sales on now $1400.

    https://www.giant-bicycles.com/au/roam-disc-0

    https://www.bikeexchange.com.au/s?query=giant%20roam%20disc%…

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