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Azzurri Cruiser Hybrid Bike $224.10 Delivered + Other Deals

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Azzurri Cruiser Hybrid Bike $224.10 Delivered + Other Deals
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L[Deactivated] on 06/09/2012 - 09:03 cyclingexpress.com (1539 clicks)
Last edited 07/09/2012 - 08:31
10%OFF

Cycling Express are having a sale, and some of their bike deals strike me as quite stunning.

Their email states: “10% off store wide + free shipping on orders over $49. Bikes included on free shipping. All stock must go. Use code ‘10%OFF’. Code valid for a short time only”.

The 10% appears to be in addition to many clearance items that are already discounted.

The Azzurri Cruiser is a Hybrid and perhaps the cheapest decent bike they have at $249 – 10% = $224.10 delivered. However there are others, including Mountain bikes Azzurri Erupt at $269 – 10% = $242.10 delivered, and the Azzurri Lava with more higher-end components at $549 – 10% = $494.10 delivered. There are some limitations on sizing.

My understanding is the Azzurri frames are their own brand, made in Taiwan (not mainland China) and are double-butted (thicker alloy tubing at the weld points). In my view this sets them apart from many other cheap bikes out there, including offerings from Anaconda.

Note that their website is not always operating in an optimal fashion – make sure you don’t pay their usual $49 delivery fee for bikes, and carefully read the conditions for their Test Ride 40 day money back guarantee, as it can include a $45 re-stocking fee.

This post is mainly triggered by their bike pricing, however the 10% discount seems to apply to everything. If looking at accessories etc, make sure you price check against other local retailers (such as Pushys, Cell Bikes, Melbourne Bicycle Centre, 99 bikes & others), as well as the international retailers (such as Chain Reaction Cyles, Wiggle and others listed at Frugal Rouleur).

I’m not sure what a ‘short time only’ is, but I’d expect it to be at least a few days.

My only connection with this retailer is as an occasional customer.

EDIT: You may be able to get the hybrid in large for $179.10 delivered - see first few comments below.

Sports & Outdoors Azzurri Hybrid Bike

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Cycling Express
Cycling Express

closed Comments

  • [Deactivated] on 06/09/2012 - 09:03

    As I mentioned in the title, their website is not always operating optimally – for example, at time of writing their website actually has two prices for the Hybrid noted in the post title, in that if you click ‘Buy Now’ on this page it comes up at $199, which becomes $179.10 once you apply the 10% discount. I believe they adjust their pricing fairly regularly depending on stock levels & demand (so things may change).

    If you have trouble with their site, or need clarity on the deal, then don’t ask me (this is all I know!), but ask them by following their Contact Us link. Please let everyone else in the OB community know anything useful you discover.

    • colspooners on 06/09/2012 - 10:22

      It looks as though the Small sized frame is $249 and the Large is $199 and the Medium is out of stock!

    • Phoebus on 06/09/2012 - 10:35
      +1

      The price difference is because of the frame size. The small seems to be $249 and the large $199.
      edit
      beaten to the punch.

    • [Deactivated] on 06/09/2012 - 17:09

      Looks like they've fixed the link. Now $249 - 10% no matter how you approach it.

      EDIT: Well actually no - it looks like that when you click all the way through an order it's still $199-10% for the large. Nice if these guys could get their website to at least be internally consistent.

  • jdr on 06/09/2012 - 09:57
    +1

    Would you recommend Cycling Express over Lifespan Australia? :)

    • Daniel Plainview on 06/09/2012 - 10:01
      +1

      Touche!!!

      I had a mate that had a bad experience with CE on his last order….without telling him delayed sending a large order over one small item being out of stock, eventually sent it with the one item incorrectly replaced with another cheaper item - when he contacted them they said he had to return this at his own expense before they'd send him the PROPER item he ordered and paid for - despite him having provided photos to prove they'd included something he'd not ordered.

      I'd recommend Chain Reaction - sure they're in the UK but very quick and professional service.

    • [Deactivated] on 06/09/2012 - 10:17
      +1

      For the uninitiated, jdr is referring to problems some people had in dealing with Lifespan Australia in relation to an earlier unrelated deal post: http://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/78142.

      My experience with CE is limited, but as i've said i think their frames are pretty good for the price. I don't know much about their customer service, but i'm pretty sure they sell a lot of bikes.

      As to the local/international argument: I would only buy a bike locally, that i've actually tried on for size - sending a bike back internationally is not really a goer for me - posting it back locally is hassle enough.

      Accessories or parts are a different kettle with fish in it, and i'd be more likely to buy OS for a good deal if necessary, which is why i've included most of the links to other retailers that i know about.

      To answer jdr's question: yes, i would recommend CE over Lifespan Australia - but you knew that…

    • tatasauce on 06/09/2012 - 11:26

      For the sake of comparison, just for the fun of it. In terms of quality and value for money, Azzurri Curiser VS ProGear CX400. Any thoughts?

      • [Deactivated] on 06/09/2012 - 12:44

        I don't really know, and i don't think Lifespan are selling the Progear any more anyway.

        However i'd bet the Azzurri frame is better for the reasons i've given, and a bike with a crap frame is crap forever. The Progear did have some good components (such as the Shimano Deore rear deraileur).

        I personally think the mountain bikes at CE are better buys - i only listed the hybrid as i assumed there would be more demand for them. I didn't list it at $179.10 simply as i didn't know if that was a pricing error by CE, but if you can get it for that, then i think that's an awesome price (esp cf ~ $249 that the Progear sold for).

  • ausbob71 on 06/09/2012 - 10:08

    Just ordered some mtb tires and when I was looking for tubes noticed they had some listed as $0 so added 10 to my order will see if I get them:)

  • colspooners on 06/09/2012 - 10:34

    how did you get around the delivery fee? the 10% off code has worked but the $49 delivery is still there….

    • [Deactivated] on 06/09/2012 - 10:41

      I didn't. Call them.

    • mcnugget on 06/09/2012 - 11:06

      Once you enter the state it changes to $0

      • andyman1908 on 06/09/2012 - 11:18

        the code doesnt work for me? on the large framed $199 one

    • ausbob71 on 06/09/2012 - 11:45

      Ended up being ~$51 for 5 mtb tires some chain lube and the free tubes. I received an email saying they only had 2 tubes left but I'm happy with that as I didn't expect to get any:)

  • andyman1908 on 06/09/2012 - 11:33

    all good. works now. do you think large frame will be suitable for me (about 182cm/6ft).

  • andyman1908 on 06/09/2012 - 12:13

    Thanks op. Picked up the large frame and decent bike lock (learnt my lesson) for under $200 delivered!

    • [Deactivated] on 06/09/2012 - 12:52

      Unless your body proportions are unusual, i'd say you would be large, or higher.

      • andyman1908 on 06/09/2012 - 14:52

        Thanks mate. Headed down to the bike shop next to my work and they said the same thing, recommended either large or extra large. I guess it depends on the bike as they all seem to have different geometries but large frame felt fine to me when I tested sitting on another hybrid.

        • [Deactivated] on 06/09/2012 - 15:56

          When you stand astride the bike (over the top tube) you should have at least 1 inch of clearance. That is you shouldn't be able to lift the bike more than an inch as your body profile stops it. At least that's how it was explained to me. Of course the top bar might be flat, it might be an a steep angle etc, so it's not always easy to know bike to bike until you try.

        • jdr on 06/09/2012 - 16:26

          "shouldn't be able to lift the bike more than an inch as your body profile stops it"

          Body Profile, is that what you call those dangly bits?

        • [Deactivated] on 06/09/2012 - 16:41

          Thanks jdr…

          Can't remember the name for that part of the bod, but I'm talking about the hard part, behind jdr's dangly bits.

        • Wish on 06/09/2012 - 16:48

          Gooch?

        • [Deactivated] on 06/09/2012 - 16:57

          It's the perineum i had in mind - but Gooch works for me as well.

    • tatasauce on 06/09/2012 - 14:43

      Which bike lock did you get?

      Do people get 2 bike locks? One for front wheel and one for back? What's the best way to keep your bike secure?

      • andyman1908 on 06/09/2012 - 14:58

        Sorry, when I said decent, I mean decent when compared to my old bigw lock :) which didnt stop someone flogging my bike from ferry wharf bike rack. I went for the Oxford Hercules D Large Lock - Large which came in at ~$20 after discount. I have insurance cover on my credit card so was more reason to not buy an expensive lock especially when we are talking about a $180 bike.

        Not sure whether this has quick release wheels but I was just planning on locking up the frame.

      • [Deactivated] on 06/09/2012 - 16:30

        Just realised the hybrid is called a Cruiser, not a Curiser - typo on their website (including the url). Thought it was a weird name…

        I suggest you get a U lock (23cm, not 30cm, as they're lighter & it's harder to fit a car jack in them). Secure the frame & maybe the front wheel (if you can fit it in as well) with this. Then buy a loop cable to secure the wheels & maybe the seat.

        This Abus Varedo is pretty good & cheap (perhaps overkill for a cheap bike), combined with something like this Kryptonite KryptoFlex cable bike lock or the 4 foot version.

        Here's some more info on the Abus locks that i favour. The Germans usually know what they're doing.

        EDIT: This Abus Sinus Plus D-Lock and Cable Set at about AUD 50.38 is a particularly good buy. Not sure if it includes delivery…

  • SpaceFrog on 06/09/2012 - 16:58

    I take it that you have to assemble the bike yourself? I'm not sure about these lower end bikes, but when I was looking at spending $1K on a bike, There were some ex Azurri dealer bike shops that were offering to assemble the bike as a part of the price.

    I'm tempted to get one of these for my dad, who really needs some exercise, but I've never ordered a bike online before, I'd be much more comfortable if he could sit on it before I buy it. (And these guys are located on the other side of town) But then again at $249…. Maybe I'll keep it as a spare.

    • [Deactivated] on 06/09/2012 - 17:27

      Well, perhaps as low as $179.10 for the large (see my first comment).

      You can always call them - i know they deliver to various affiliated stores around the country for pick-up - it's possible there may be one assembled closer to you.

      In terms of the minimal amount of assembly required, check out their Ride It Out Of The Box page.

  • vash12 on 07/09/2012 - 09:06

    I used to work for Azzurri, their parts are alright, but the body of their bikes are Sh*t house!!! Customers usually buy the bikes, strip off the parts and chuck the frames out.

    • [Deactivated] on 07/09/2012 - 09:17

      I've got one, a MTB frame, and it looks pretty good to me.

      How long ago did you work for them? Are the problems restricted to certain frames or bike types? The Azzurri's seem to go from very cheap frames to very very expensive frames looking at their website.

  • phobaphobic on 07/09/2012 - 15:59

    It is never worth buying a bike online. It will cost a fortune to put together at a bike shop, unless you are a professional bike person (which I doubt, because you are looking at a $230 bike) - don't fool yourself - you will never be able to get the brake system working correctly… getting the tension just right is a nightmare, and ensuring that everything is lubricated correctly is a hassle.

    Spend at least $1000 on a bike.

    • andyman1908 on 07/09/2012 - 16:59

      Of course a $1000>$230 bike. But I think in most situations this bike looks like a suitable/good choice (for me ridding 1km down the road to ferry wharf). I'll report back either way when I take delivery

      • [Deactivated] on 07/09/2012 - 17:44
        +1

        Yeah, tell us what it's like because i haven't actually eyeballed the hybrid. If it's great i'll be happy to take the credit. If it's crap, then it's entirely your own fault ala Caveat Emptor.

        But i can't see how you can go wrong getting a bike with brand name components & alloy frame for about $180.

    • [Deactivated] on 07/09/2012 - 17:36
      +1

      Whether this is a good deal or not, i don't agree with the notion that everyone needs to spend $1000 on a bike. There are perfectly good bikes out there for the mug punter around the $300 mark. Sure, if you're into triathlons or ride competitively, then of course you need a bike built for that purpose, but bikes generally have never been cheaper for the quality. Also a very expensive bike is a bigger target for thieves.

      In terms of buying online, i've already indicated above that i personally would try a bike on for size first, however i think the bikes are basically assembled on arrival apart from a couple of things as detailed on there web page, however it's good advice for the inexperienced to take any bike ordered online to a bike shop & get them to give it the once-over simply as a safety precaution. It's dangerous enough out there for cyclists without having your handle bars going wobbly on you.

      BTW the claimed RRP on the hybrid is $499, but we all know that's not worth much, esp as it's one of there own.

    • SpaceFrog on 07/09/2012 - 20:06

      I bought my Malvern Star MTB for $350, and it's been rock solid. Had it for 5 or 6 years, still ride it everyday to & from work.

      And thieves are a big issue, I've had plenty of bits stolen off my bike. So make sure you don't leave accessories on the bike unattended, and quick release seat posts. I have quick release wheels, and make sure I lock the front wheel when I'm parking it in a dodgy area.

  • jdr on 07/09/2012 - 16:55
    +2

    "Spend at least $1000 on a bike"

    You'd want to be right into riding to pay that. It's way more than your average weekend rider would want to pay. I like my bike, but I'm not wanting something that great (and steal-worthy).

  • Atre on 08/09/2012 - 13:09

    is the large too large for me? 5' 7" female

    • [Deactivated] on 08/09/2012 - 13:33

      I don't know - women tend to have proportionally longer legs than men, and i've mentioned above about how bike sizing has been explained to me.

      You might be OK - probably best to give them a call & ask. They do have a Bike Size Guide on their website, but it makes certain assumptions about body proportions.

      • Atre on 08/09/2012 - 14:01

        oh thanks, that helped. My current bike is 19 inches..according to their inside leg measurement x 0.64 I could use a max of a 51.5 cm frame, darn. There is such a big difference between the medium and the large.

  • Wish on 23/09/2012 - 13:11
    +1

    My experience with CE is, my bike arrived on Friday 2 weeks after I ordered it and it has 2 buckled wheels, the front one has a snapped spoke as well.
    Should I have to pay to post the wheels back to get them replaced?

    • andyman1908 on 24/09/2012 - 17:13
      +2

      Glad u replied :) I noticed on my first ride (this morning) that my front wheel doesn't really run true. I also didn't receive the "gift" they promised after the dispatch delay. Still reckon it was a good buy imo. Might follow up with them when I get a chance

      Sorry to answer your question, I wouldn't think you'd have to pay postage back. U got a part that was broken before arrival! seems like a reasonable request to not have to pay postage back

    • [Deactivated] on 24/09/2012 - 23:40
      +1

      Call them & ask - sounds like damage in transit.
      They choose how they deliver so they should be prepared to cover it IMO.
      I wouldn't hesitate referring to this post when you do.

      Please report how you go as if i post another deal of theirs i will reference back to this post, and feedback post-purchase is a relevant factor for others when deciding whether to deal with them.

      BTW did you buy in response to this post? If so, what did you get?

    • pw2002au on 25/09/2012 - 11:42
      +1

      I have also emailed them about the gift and definitely noticed the way the front wheel was sandwiched into the peddle area. Havent had time to put it together yet but suspect the spoke may be in the same situation as yours.

      Pretty tatty looking box it came in as well :(

      • andyman1908 on 25/09/2012 - 14:15
        +1

        Your right about that! Holes in the box everywhere

    • Wish on 26/09/2012 - 19:09

      Yea I ended up getting the Large Azzurri Cruiser as advertised from the original post.

      I called them up on Friday arvo regarding the front wheel being buckled, but my first question I asked was what was the free gift so I know what I was looking for in the box, they told me it was sample pack of some energy drink or something and it was odd that I didn't receive it.
      Anyway I told "Michael" who is the guy in charge of returns and warranty about the damage and at first he wanted me to post the wheel back and I just said so when are you sending the courier around to pick it up, he put me on hold and when he came back he said they'll just send another wheel out to me.

      On the weekend I was looking at the bike and decided to check the rear wheel. Gave it a spin and yeah it's buckled as well. Called up CE on Monday left a msg for Michael regarding the other wheel.
      Called up Tuesday afternoon asked for Michael, apparently he was sick both Monday & Tuesday left another message for him.
      It's Wednesday night now and still no response from CE.

      Kinda worried that I can't find the company ABN on the website, and the bike came with no receipt.

      Also the Box I received the bike in was in average condition, but saying that I knew that these bikes were repackaged so I thought nothing of it.

      I'll keep you guys updated

      • [Deactivated] on 27/09/2012 - 23:37

        I wouldn't worry about the ABN.

        This entry led me to this entry which led me to this entry.

        They have a shop front which looks like this though it looks like they've changed their branding from LearSport to Cycling Express.

        I would request a receipt be posted/emailed to you.

        Sending a new wheel aint so bad…

        Apart from the issue with the wheels, is the bike any good?

  • Wish on 28/09/2012 - 06:14

    I phoned CE yesterday and they expect me to post both wheels back at my own cost, which is going to cost a fair bit. Not worth it compared to the cost of the bike. I have put that in writing to them and await a reply. Next step is fair trading.

    I couldn't tell you if the bike is good or not, I am not sure what to look for that makes it a good bike.

    • Red Hippo on 05/10/2012 - 16:04

      I have found CE not great to deal with. They never respond to email enquiries and delivery times can be very slow. Would not buy from them again.

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