First Road Bike purchase

[Azee]

Hi everyone,

I am looking to buy my first on road bike (and bike for that matter since being a kid).

What I want:
Full carbon frame
Minimum 105 groupset

I am looking at this bike currently, and just wondering if it is good, and if there is anything better that costs the same:
http://99bikes.com.au/merida-ride-carbo ... ilver-2013" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[MattyK]

Not a bad deal; it's the older 6700 Ultegra series though (10 speed, not the current 11 speed). If that is important...

My wife has the 905 Scultura which has been a good bike, though I did spend some time dicking around with the handlebar position (moved the lever position significantly) and took heaps of excess length out of the cables.

Best to take a few bikes for a ride and see what you like.

[rodneycc]

Reckon a Cell Akuna 1.1 is the best deal going around at the moment for $1100. About the same spec but $600 cheaper than the one you have listed. Definitely worth a test ride

Search BNA for it and you will find the Dave Halfpenny review and info on it.

[rodneycc]

On the off chance you are about 170-177cm in height and in the local district then I like this one a lot!

viewtopic.php?t=78851" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Reckon you could bargain hard and get it for the same price as that Merida even. Lots of ifs there though.

[TZ2102]

Get a Giant, Cannondale or Specialized - good value for money. I got a CAAD 8 - great bike; sorta wished I went carbon cause I love riding so much now but if I did I would have snapped it in a crash so...

[outnabike]

Hi everyone,

I am looking to buy my first on road bike (and bike for that matter since being a kid).

What I want:
Full carbon frame
Minimum 105 groupset

I am looking at this bike currently, and just wondering if it is good, and if there is anything better that costs the same:
http://99bikes.com.au/merida-ride-carbo ... ilver-2013" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

I wouldn't think about that one long, they appear to only have one MD and on LG in stock... seem like good value. Allow for lights and stuff as well though.

[AndrewCowley]

Hi everyone,

I am looking to buy my first on road bike (and bike for that matter since being a kid).

What I want:
Full carbon frame
Minimum 105 groupset

I am looking at this bike currently, and just wondering if it is good, and if there is anything better that costs the same:
http://99bikes.com.au/merida-ride-carbo ... ilver-2013" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Be wary, the brakes, crankset and cassette are not 105. Merida often do this.

Brakes: Shimano R561. Similar to 105 but not the real deal.
Crankset: Shimano R565. As above.
Cassette: Shimano CS-4600 which is Tiagra.

Nothing wrong with any of this, but if it matters to you then be aware of it. Not a fan myself of Merida's mixed up groupsets.

[jasonc]

Hi everyone,

I am looking to buy my first on road bike (and bike for that matter since being a kid).

What I want:
Full carbon frame
Minimum 105 groupset

I am looking at this bike currently, and just wondering if it is good, and if there is anything better that costs the same:
http://99bikes.com.au/merida-ride-carbo ... ilver-2013" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Be wary, the brakes, crankset and cassette are not 105. Merida lots of brands often do this.

Brakes: Shimano R561. Similar to 105 but not the real deal.
Crankset: Shimano R565. As above.
Cassette: Shimano CS-4600 which is Tiagra.

Nothing wrong with any of this, but if it matters to you then be aware of it. Not a fan myself of Merida's mixed up groupsets.

ftfy

[jaythefordman]

For $2k buy an Azzuri Forza pro, full carbon frame and FULL Ultegra 6800 11spd groupset.

i got one and love it, can't beat the value. Rode the Merida and was not 100% with the ride and the fact that it was a mixed groupset. the brakes on the 6800 groupset are worth it alone

[SheikYerbouti]

For $1700 you can get a Colnago with almost full 105 from Bikebug

http://www.bikebug.com/bikes-frames-roa ... 28144.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[AndrewCowley]

For $1700 you can get a Colnago with almost full 105 from Bikebug

http://www.bikebug.com/bikes-frames-roa ... 28144.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

+1

Except a 25 tooth rear cassette might be tough going if it's a first time road bike. You may want to ask the kind folk at Bkkebug to swap it for a 12/28 instead.