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Avanti Blade 2.0 or 3.0

Posted: Tue Mar 24, 2009 10:51 pm
by charchie
Hello All,
I am very new and fresh to cycling, I want to start cycling to improve my fitness level and get back into shape.
I will be commuting to an from work around 35k and the occasional bike track.
I have been to a few bike shops and read loads of forums. I have decided on a flat bar road bike.
I like Avanti Blade range but not sure of which model to get as I don’t know much about the running gear and stuff.
I cant find reviews on the 2 models any where on the net
The Blade 2.0 or Blade 3.0

Blade 2.0 specs
• Frame: All New ADT 7005 Series Alloy
• Fork: Cro-mo A-head with 1-1/8" Steerer
• Front Derailleur: Shimano C051
• Rear Derailleur: Shimano Acera
• Brake Levers: Shimano EF50
• Shifters: Shimano EF50 24-Speed
• Crankset: Shimano M-191 48/38/28
• Brakes: Tektro RX1 Mini V-Brake
• Hubs: Alloy QR Front, Shimano RM30 Rear
• Cassette: Shimano HG30 11-30T 8-Speed
• Handlebar: Alloy Flat, W/Alloy Bar Ends
• Grips: Avanti Comfort Grip
• Handlebar Stem: Alloy A-head
• Pedals: Nylon
• Rims/Wheel Set: Weinmann SEC-16 Double Wall
• Spokes: Stainless Steel
• Tyres: Kenda Kwest 700 x 32
• Saddle: Zero Tempo S1
• Seat Post: Alloy 27.2mm Micro Adjust w/ Suspension
• Bottom Bracket: Shimano UN26
• Headset: Alloy 1-1/8" - Semi Intergrated w/ Avanti Top Cap
• Chain: KMC HG50
• Sizes: S
• Cost $650.00 au
Blade 3.0
• Frame: All New ADT 7005 UL1 Alloy
• Fork: Cro-mo A-head with 1-1/8" Steerer
• Front Derailleur: Shimano R443
• Rear Derailleur: Shimano Sora
• Brake Levers: Shimano R225
• Shifters: Shimano R225 24-Speed
• Crankset: Shimano Sora Triple Octalink 52/42/30
• Brakes: Tektro RX3 Mini V-Brake
• Hubs: Shimano 2200
• Cassette: Shimano HG50 13-26T 8-Speed
• Handlebar: Alloy Flat, W/Alloy Bar Ends
• Grips: Avanti Comfort Grip
• Handlebar Stem: Alloy A-head
• Pedals: Alloy Comfort
• Rims/Wheel Set: Alex DA16 Double Wall
• Spokes: Stainless Steel
• Tyres: Kenda Kwest 700 x 28
• Saddle: Zero Tempo S1
• Seat Post: Alloy Micro Adjust
• Bottom Bracket: Shimano ES25 Octalink
• Headset: FSA Intellaset 1-1/8" - Semi Intergrated w/ Avanti Top Cap
• Chain: KMC HG50
• Sizes: S
• Cost $1000.00 au

Due to not earning a lot of cash I would like the blade 2.0 as its $400.00 cheaper
But will it last me and for the future when I get into it more and more ????

Any advice would be greatly appreciated on which model would be best. D
:?: :?: :?: :D :?: :?:

Posted: Tue Mar 24, 2009 11:10 pm
by cjrich
Hi Charchie

I started cycling about 12 months ago on a 2008 Blade 2. I only had it for a short time (6 months) as I upgraded to a dropbar when I got into more serious cycling.

My Blade 2 was a great bike, never missed a beat. Only thing I changed was the tyres (the K-West are very puncture prone) and put Shimano SPD mountain bike pedals on it.

As far as the difference between the Blade 2 and 3, I'll leave that for someone else with more knowledge to reply.

Either way I think you'll be happy.

Posted: Tue Mar 24, 2009 11:19 pm
by charchie
Hi CJ
Thanks for your feed back.
Cheers Charchie

Posted: Tue Mar 24, 2009 11:23 pm
by Kalgrm
G'day Charchie,

Welcome to the forum.

We really can't answer this question for you. What's more important? the money in your bank or the bike under your bum? That's what it comes down to, and obviously the more expensive bike is going to be a better bike, since they are from the same company.

Cheers,
Graeme

Re: Avanti Blade 2.0 or 3.0

Posted: Wed Mar 25, 2009 12:47 pm
by charchie
G'Day Graeme
Thanks for your feedback, but what I would like to know is there a big difference between the two models running gear? As this is all new to me and from that I can make my decision
Once again thanks for your help.

Re: Avanti Blade 2.0 or 3.0

Posted: Thu Mar 26, 2009 12:10 pm
by Boognoss
Hi Charchie,

I have a 2008 model Blade 2. It was the right price at the time for me because I was starting cycling and needed to buy other accessories like helmet with the rest of my $1000 budget. My intention was a low-end bike so that any loss if I didn't keep cycling would be minimised. It was/is still a great starting bike and 6 months and 4000km later I bought a drop-bar road bike which I love. As other have said the Blade 3 is better but if you get into it I reckon the upgrade bug will kick in within 12 months. The components on the 3 are better so you should get better wear before replacements are required and so on. Personally I'd go the Blade 2 though.

Cheers.

Re: Avanti Blade 2.0 or 3.0

Posted: Thu Mar 26, 2009 2:36 pm
by gorilla monsoon
Charchie, I have been doing a similar exercise so might I suggest a third choice? Have a look at a Giant CRX 3> Better specced than the Avanti's and at a price (at most of the dealerships I have looked at, anyway) that is about $100 cheaper than the Blade 3.
Best price I have seen on the Giant has been $890.

Re: Avanti Blade 2.0 or 3.0

Posted: Mon Mar 30, 2009 4:48 pm
by charchie
Hi All
Just wanted to say a big thank you to everyone for there help on this.
I bought a Blade 2.0 over the weekend and did my first ride along the M7 bike track.
Once again Cheers
Charchie

Re: Avanti Blade 2.0 or 3.0

Posted: Mon Mar 30, 2009 6:15 pm
by cjrich
Well done Charchie. I'm sure you'll be more than happy with the Blade2

Re: Avanti Blade 2.0 or 3.0

Posted: Mon Mar 30, 2009 9:24 pm
by Boognoss
charchie wrote:Hi All
Just wanted to say a big thank you to everyone for there help on this.
I bought a Blade 2.0 over the weekend and did my first ride along the M7 bike track.
Once again Cheers
Charchie
Good choice :-)

When did you hit the cycleway? I did an early morning ride on Saturday and nothing on Sunday.

Re: Avanti Blade 2.0 or 3.0

Posted: Mon Mar 30, 2009 10:10 pm
by charchie
Hi Simon,
Started at Norwest and went to Richmond RD at around 2pm i left.
Went again tonight at around 7pm. Got back just before the rains hit...
:)
Where do u ride too and from ?

Re: Avanti Blade 2.0 or 3.0

Posted: Tue Mar 31, 2009 9:45 am
by Boognoss
It depends on my mood. Usually it's weekend unless I get out on a Tuesday night ride with the footpath guys. Generally early morning (leave home from Castle Hill at 6:00 and get to Norwest end of the cycleway at 6:20-25). Then might go to the M4, the full length or somewhere in between.

Re:

Posted: Fri Apr 03, 2009 1:48 pm
by fatherofmany
cjrich wrote:Hi Charchie
I started cycling about 12 months ago on a 2008 Blade 2. I only had it for a short time (6 months) as I upgraded to a dropbar when I got into more serious cycling.
My Blade 2 was a great bike, never missed a beat. Only thing I changed was the tyres (the K-West are very puncture prone) and put Shimano SPD mountain bike pedals on it.

ditto...

I started on a cheap mtb, upgraded to a Blade 2 in 2008, changed the tyres straight away to armadillos and put spds on too. Love the bike, it's just getting a bit slow for me 9 months later. So like the others here I'm looking to change to a drop bar roadie too. Saw you've already got it... You'll love the Blade2 and I predict that when you want to change, it too will be to a drop bar, and you'll be glad you didn't spend that extra $400.

Re: Avanti Blade 2.0 or 3.0

Posted: Fri Apr 24, 2009 4:28 pm
by boldenwell
Hi Charcie,

I'm about to buy the Blade 2.0. Where did you get yours and was it for $650? Thanks.