Bike Recommendation For Weekly Exercise on Roads and Some Gravel

sleet on 21/06/2023 - 16:02

Hi neighbours,

I'm living in a rural town so need some exercise during the cold winter afternoons and on weekends.

I'm looking for a decent bike recommendations for weekly exercise and leisure riding during the weekends and some weekdays.

Will mainly be riding on roads, paved roads and some gravel around the park.

I've tried looking at all different forums previously posted but still can't get my head around it.

Looking to spend $1000-$2000 for something decent. Not looking for electric bikes.

Thank you

Sports & Outdoors Bicycle

Comments

  • Porker on 21/06/2023 - 16:13
    +1

    If close by, go to a bike store and test some. Bikes vary in so many ways that there may be some things you like and don't like about each bike.

    You being rural though, bikesonline.com.au may be an option where you can buy the bike and return within 14 days if you don't like it.

  • frondono on 21/06/2023 - 16:48

    I've tried looking at all different forums previously posted but still can't get my head around it

    What can't you understand?

    • frondono on 21/06/2023 - 17:03
      +1

      Something like a canyon pathlite would probably tick the boxes.

      • sleet on 29/06/2023 - 16:13

        The pathlite seems to fit perfectly, thanks! Do you have any advice in terms of servicing and sourcing parts? Is it relatively easy for canyon?

    • sleet on 22/06/2023 - 16:55
      +2

      I'm a tennis player so if someone asked me I could refer them to any racquets for beginners, intermediate and advanced then I would know easily. I know about flex rating, string type, power level, power, spin, control, feel etc you get the gist.

      When it comes to bikes, I have no idea where to start. Always enjoyed casual riding but want to take it up for fitness.

    • Drakesy on 21/06/2023 - 17:27
      +3

      I don't think the OP has a Deathwish

      • jv on 21/06/2023 - 19:10
        +1

        Reviews are good… 4.3 / 5

        • Drakesy on 21/06/2023 - 19:51

          All the ones that would rate it 1 star are probably dead

    • [Deactivated] on 21/06/2023 - 17:30
      +1

      Do you only buy stuff from Kmart or have you mistaken these forums for the Kmart Moms Australlia group on FB?

      • jv on 21/06/2023 - 19:05

        It is 22% off !!

        • [Deactivated] on 21/06/2023 - 19:09

          But OP didn't specify a bargain bike

          • jv on 21/06/2023 - 19:09
            +1

            @[Deactivated]: Then they should have posted on Whirlpool and not OzBargain.

            • [Deactivated] on 21/06/2023 - 19:17

              @jv: And what about all the political commentary on here …. & American at that …. should we tell those users to go to reddit?

              • jv on 21/06/2023 - 20:58

                @[Deactivated]: Is that you Dan?

                • [Deactivated] on 21/06/2023 - 21:12

                  @jv: You so need to pay royalties to the photographer considering how often you link that photo on here

    • franco cozzo on 22/06/2023 - 03:44

      pedal thread?

    • bargaino on 22/06/2023 - 13:23

      K-mart full-suspension huh? :-)

      Why don't the department stores in Australia sell decent basic bikes?
      In the US, somewhere like Walmart will sell a real road or mountain bike for us$399, so call it $660 here with tax.

      But the only such bikes I've seen big chain shops here is the occasional ALDI special buy.
      Costco? … I see they have a $500 Reid 3x8 hardtail. Not awful, not impressive.

      • Euphemistic on 22/06/2023 - 13:49
        +1

        I think it will come, but for now Kmart buyers have come to expect the cheapest of the cheap - and they want lots of ‘features’ like suspension. Extra features only make the bike less reliable and more rubbish.

        It would be good to see some decent non suspension bikes in Kmart, but may take time to educate the public that a cheap suspension bike is nowhere near as effective as a full rigid bike built to the same price

    • sleet on 22/06/2023 - 17:01
      +1

      lol always appreciate your input

  • ChocStrawberries on 21/06/2023 - 23:02
    +1

    Trek FX 3 Disc. Best bike I've ever owned, and worth every cent!

  • meong on 21/06/2023 - 23:03
    +1

    Merida Silex 400 is about $1800 and get you Shimano GRX groupsets, 38mm max tyre clearance and hydraulic disc brakes.

    https://www.99bikes.com.au/merida-22-silex-400-matt-blue-bla…

    Currently sold through 99bikes so will be easy to walk in and ask for a test ride…

    Edit: sorry apparently out of stock from 99bikes… Try shopping around or try Silex 200 or 300 from those shops.

    Otherwise Polygon Path X4 is not a bad value.

  • Euphemistic on 22/06/2023 - 09:21
    +1

    Unless you want to hit rough trails a flat bar/hybrid bike with about 40mm tyres will do the job well. Suspension isn’t necessary, but fairly ubiquitous on flat bar bikes. Disc brakes are good, but get hydraulic brakes as they are a lot better than cable disc.

    Most of the major brands will have something in your price point (pretty healthy). Preferably go try a couple out in a shop if you can. End of the day while some will have better parts than others, they’re all pretty close. Pick something that fits well and you like the look of. Don’t get something in an ugly colour because ‘it’s cheaper’ because ultimately you should want to ride it, not be annoyed with your purchase.

    Unless you’ve ridden a lot, and it certainly sounds like you’re a newby, don’t get a drop bar bike - the curly road race style bars. ‘Gravel’ bikes are quite popular but I wouldn’t recommend for someone starting out.

    • sleet on 29/06/2023 - 15:49

      Thanks, some pretty good tips. Will see if I can score one for the EOFY sale.

      • Euphemistic on 29/06/2023 - 16:57
        +1

        Many bike shops will have a sale around spring time. It’s when the new models tend to arrive and they want to clear older stock.

  • workinit on 22/06/2023 - 11:34
    -1

    I would check out the Schwinn mountain bikes at Costco. I would probably pick up the 26 inch mens mountain bike if I needed to buy a new one. I had a Schwinn a few years ago and it was reasonable quality for the price.

  • bobkin on 22/06/2023 - 16:59
    +1

    From what you’ve described, something like this would be great: https://www.pushys.com.au/giant-cross-city-1-disc-city-commu…. Hydraulic disc brakes, no (unnecessary) suspension, reliable drivetrain.
    You could put slightly wider, knobbly tires on it if you wanted to. I don’t think you need to spend any more - rather save the money for your next one

    • brotherfranciz on 22/06/2023 - 19:23

      I was looking at Pushys for potential recommendations (I bought both my bikes there - Cervelo C5 road bike and 3T Exploro gravel bike and had great experiences with the purchases).

      However, it seems a lot of their bikes are available "in store only at Fyshwick, Thornleigh, Adelaide" now (it says so on the button in place of the add to cart button).

    • Euphemistic on 23/06/2023 - 07:33

      Something like this would fit the bill. Agree that the tyres could be a bit lacking if you do a reasonable amount of gravel riding. But changing tyres is a relatively easy thing to do.

    • sleet on 29/06/2023 - 15:39

      Thanks, unfortunately it doesn't ship to regional NSW

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