Flat bar road bike.

[pez2014]

Hi. I am after a FBR for around $700. I mainly ride on the roads and cycle paths and the odd dirt track. Any recommendations please, good brands or brands to avoid.

Thanks.


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[DavidS]

I have ridden a couple of flat bars and ride to work every day on one.

There are differences between the brands although I think most of them would be fine and you should get a decent bike for that price.

My advice is to take each brand for a ride. I did this when I bought a new flat bar about a year ago and, for me, Giant and Cannondale had the geometry which suited the way I like to sit on a bike. Your preferences may be different and what you want is a bike you feel comfortable on and will use regularly. Compare equipment levels and have a look around for specials, but make sure you take any contenders for a spin so you know you will be comfortable.

For the record I bought the Cannondale for 2 reasons: I liked it slightly more than the Giant, and they didn't have the Giant model and size in stock at the distributor in March and the distributor wasn't willing to bring any more in because next year's model would arrive soon (in March?). Haven't regretted buying the Cannondale.

DS

[rangersac]

Choose a brand with a good warranty history and then take 'em for a ride. Warranty wise I've had good experiences with Giant and Orbea. There's not a lot of differences between brands at this level, depending on how much you weight have a close look at the wheels as at this price level they will be the weak point. Also compare drivetrain components, at this level I'd be expecting at least Deore/ Sora equipment.

[rodneycc]

As the above comments. You could also have a look at a Trek fx 7.5 apparently on sale (20% off) according to another thread.Worth a test ride at least.

[SheikYerbouti]

http://www.avantiplus.com.au/products/s ... -metrix-30" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[n0mad]

As the above comments. You could also have a look at a Trek fx 7.5 apparently on sale (20% off) according to another thread.Worth a test ride at least.

yes, i'm due to test a Trek FX 7.5 $920 from $1149, If you don't mind red or green you can also get an FX7.4 for $679 marked down from $849.

Sale ends 27/4/14

http://www.trekbikes.com/au/en/bikes/road/fitness/fx/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[Top_Bhoy]

I don't think you'll find much difference in the level of components fitted to bikes at this price point, pretty all much of a muchness. I don't know what you currently ride but don't expect the same handling from the new bike so you need to take the bikes for a ride and get a feel for them. If you look hard and long enough it might be possible for you to get a 2012 or 2013 bike at the next price point up ie $1k substantially reduced to around your price. Nothing wrong with these but you need to be careful when comparing...sometimes its just a colour change between years other times its substantially more.

I've just recently got a Kona Dew Plus for $700 (more of a commuting type rather than roadie type). I'm under no illusions by it but for my purposes, if I look after it by not much more than cleaning and lubricating, I'd expect a couple of years without needing to do much else. I think the frame is good enough, without going overboard, to keep and upgrade as parts wear out.

[pez2014]

I looked at the Cannondale Quick.4 today $800. Looked nice


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[KenMac02]

Could try the Norco VFR or FBR line:
http://www.bikeexchange.com.au/s/?query=norco%20vfr" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Just picked up a 2nd hand 2008 VFR-3 with disc brakes - excellent bike with rack mounts, Deore & FSA drivetrain, Shimano hydraulic brakes - smooth ride & tough enough to handle rough roads/kerbs. Rode from Auburn to the other side of Sydney in an hour & did it comfortably on my first serious ride with it.
(PS. Current versions all have V-brakes for some reason, but you can find the occaissional 2nd hand one in good condition)

[pez2014]

Sounds good Kenmac. I bought a Merida T3 in the end, picking it up on Thursday.

[KenMac02]

Cool - more road spec components than the vfr, you should be getting some good speeds on the road - looks nice.