Entry level bike for $400-500
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Entry level bike for $400-500
Postby tron07 » Wed Jul 09, 2014 4:54 pm
So far I have shortlisted the Reid Ospery as its now $400 and I think its a good value for money.
Others in the list are Cell SS2200 and Merida Speeder S1, but I fell Ospery have better components. The Reid Ospery looks nice on picture as well, but I will need to go do a few test before committing to it. The Sydney Reid and Cell shop are quite near each other so I can probably check them both at the same time.
reidcycles.com.au/osprey-road-bike.html
I think I had posted this at another thread like New Bike Under $500 or something, but it seems to be missing.
I think there should not be a huge difference for entry level bikes, but any feedback would be appreciated.
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Re: Entry level bike for $400-500
Postby rodneycc » Wed Jul 09, 2014 9:20 pm
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Re: Entry level bike for $400-500
Postby tron07 » Thu Jul 10, 2014 11:31 am
I notice that Reid bikes upgrade the groupset for every $80 pr so, but the other components are basically the same, except maybe with the higher end you get some better parts, but the frame, handle and fork looks to be the same part.
Osprey $399 with claris
Ospery elite $479 with sora
Falco sport $559 with tiagra
Falxo advance $639 with 105
Would these components play such a huge difference?
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Re: Entry level bike for $400-500
Postby TonyMax » Thu Jul 10, 2014 11:49 am
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Re: Entry level bike for $400-500
Postby rodneycc » Thu Jul 10, 2014 12:02 pm
Wouldn't just be the group. The frame quality on the Falco's would be better. I'd stay away from the Claris group unless you want to do some regular adjusting!tron07 wrote:Thanks for the feedback.
I notice that Reid bikes upgrade the groupset for every $80 pr so, but the other components are basically the same, except maybe with the higher end you get some better parts, but the frame, handle and fork looks to be the same part.
Osprey $399 with claris
Ospery elite $479 with sora
Falco sport $559 with tiagra
Falxo advance $639 with 105
Would these components play such a huge difference?
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Re: Entry level bike for $400-500
Postby tron07 » Thu Jul 10, 2014 12:09 pm
If Claris need regular adjusting, what about the sora?
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Re: Entry level bike for $400-500
Postby m@ » Thu Jul 10, 2014 12:09 pm
Remember that a bike's more than just a spreadsheet of components though Aside from more expensive parts being lighter, mid-range (say Tiagra and up) shifters and deraileurs will make a noticeable difference - though Sora and some Claris/S2200 parts are fine for commuting/path riding. My wife's bike has a mix of non-series, Claris, Sora and Tiagra and runs very nicely.
I can't comment on Reid (though see the BNA reviews for the Aquilla and Harrier), but the S2200E frame looks similar to my 2008 CELL Team, which I think is pretty decent. Both shops should let you take a test ride (the guys at CELL insisted I go for at least half an hour!), which will give you a better idea of how the bikes compare than comparing on paper.
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Re: Entry level bike for $400-500
Postby rodneycc » Thu Jul 10, 2014 12:59 pm
Yeah Sora would be the min I'd suggest for anyone to buy. It is better. If you look at the Big brand bikes like Giant, Trek etc. Sora is the usual minimum for a reason (e.g Giant Defy 3 for example). But still its not all about the group. I'd rather a nicer frame as my first priority and then the group. But hey go and test ride them all yourself and see what suits. And above all else get one that fits right (all important and doubley so on a road bike).tron07 wrote:At $360, i think i will go test ride it NOW.
If Claris need regular adjusting, what about the sora?
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Re: Entry level bike for $400-500
Postby lobstermash » Thu Jul 10, 2014 1:42 pm
If what you really want is a road bike that won't be interfered with, I'm not sure a Reid or Cell would do the job, as they don't look as low end as their price tag. I'd go a 2nd hand older roadie. Save for a few forum members on here, most people don't recognise the value in even the nicer old roadies. You can usually pick up a good condition, nice to ride and functional old roadie for $50-150. Bikes to avoid in this category are anything with stem shifters, kick stands, steel wheels and nutted axles.
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Re: Entry level bike for $400-500
Postby mikesbytes » Thu Jul 10, 2014 2:16 pm
[updated: duplicate post removed]tron07 wrote:I think I had posted this at another thread like New Bike Under $500 or something, but it seems to be missing
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Re: Entry level bike for $400-500
Postby tron07 » Thu Jul 10, 2014 6:43 pm
Yes, when i posted this thread only then i only notice that my post need to be approved first, that is was why it was missing.mikesbytes wrote:[duplicate post removed]tron07 wrote:I think I had posted this at another thread like New Bike Under $500 or something, but it seems to be missing
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Re: Entry level bike for $400-500
Postby Mulger bill » Thu Jul 10, 2014 7:21 pm
What's the price difference between Sora and Tiagra?tron07 wrote:Went to few shops and test some bikes, now i am leaning towards the Osprey Elite with the Sora groupset. Tried the falco with the Tiagra as well but dont find much difference.
Yes, when i posted this thread only then i only notice that my post need to be approved first, that is was why it was missing.mikesbytes wrote:[duplicate post removed]tron07 wrote:I think I had posted this at another thread like New Bike Under $500 or something, but it seems to be missing
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Re: Entry level bike for $400-500
Postby tron07 » Thu Jul 10, 2014 11:02 pm
Ospery elite with sora
Falco sport with tiagra
Falxo advance with 105
$80 to jump a group
Sora have 3 chainring at the crank, while Tiagra only 2. It is one of the reason to push me from claris to the sora.
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Re: Entry level bike for $400-500
Postby AUbicycles » Fri Jul 11, 2014 12:59 am
This retailer may also have frame differences from year to year (or potentially between shipments) so may not be a straight comparison of groupset online.
The range of gears really depends upon the riding - what area and suburbs are you riding? While this can help understand your requirements, groupset level also doesn't equal gears - the latest 105 is pretty good.
The claris is 16 speed, the Sora is 27 speed, tiagra 20 speed and 105 also 20 speed.
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Re: Entry level bike for $400-500
Postby tron07 » Fri Jul 11, 2014 8:05 am
I didnt try out the 105 groupset at all as it, i tried the Tiagra on the falco as it was on the small frame while the sora was on the medium frame to see which frame is better as well as getting a feel of the groupset.
I tested Cell Lappa 1.0, and some not so famous bikes at some local LBS I haappen to pass by.
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Re: Entry level bike for $400-500
Postby m@ » Fri Jul 11, 2014 9:59 am
Of course, nothing is foolproof and any bike is likely to be stripped or vandalised if not stolen if left unattended in a public place for long enough.
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Re: Entry level bike for $400-500
Postby tron07 » Fri Jul 11, 2014 12:00 pm
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Re: Entry level bike for $400-500
Postby tron07 » Sun Jul 13, 2014 8:12 pm
Wanted the Limar 660 helmet but didnt want to pay $76 so went around to shop for helmet and got the Rosebank Sprint black and red from BigW for $30. Not too sure about the built of Rosebank product at the moment, as it looks quite decent to me but i can always refund it as i havent open it yet.
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Re: Entry level bike for $400-500
Postby mikesbytes » Mon Jul 14, 2014 5:25 pm
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Re: Entry level bike for $400-500
Postby KGB » Mon Jul 14, 2014 6:59 pm
As all helmets sold in aust have to pass the 2063 standard, they should all protect you well, AS LONG AS THEY FIT PROPERLY!
A more expensive lid will often fit better or be easier to fit, ve lighter, have more ventilation as well as other features. Fit, fit, fit!
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Re: Entry level bike for $400-500
Postby tron07 » Mon Jul 14, 2014 9:00 pm
I did read about helmets earlier, so i understand a bit about it, test fits and the Australia Safety Standard.
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Re: Entry level bike for $400-500
Postby AUbicycles » Tue Jul 15, 2014 12:20 am
Rosebank used to be a really solid brand but they went downhill in terms of popularity... just couldn't beat the stackhat.
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Re: Entry level bike for $400-500
Postby tron07 » Fri Jul 18, 2014 11:05 pm
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Re: Entry level bike for $400-500
Postby tron07 » Sat Jul 19, 2014 11:26 am
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Re: Entry level bike for $400-500
Postby Homo Suburbiensis » Mon Jul 21, 2014 10:45 pm
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