Hey I'm looking at buying my first road bike with a budget of about $1000-$1300. From looking online it looks like I can generally get tiagra/105 gear sets at that price point but being new to cycling I'm not too sure what features are most important to be looking for, particularly when it comes to wheels and frames.
I've come up with a bit of a short list so far:
http://www.bikeexchange.com.au/a/road-b ... /102209327" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://www.bikeexchange.com.au/a/road-b ... /102544270" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://www.bikeexchange.com.au/a/road-b ... /102633844" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://www.bikeexchange.com.au/a/road-b ... /102674099" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Just wondering if anyone has experience with any of these bikes and has any recommendations or complaints? Or any other pointers?
Thanks
New road bike advice
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Re: New road bike advice
Postby AUbicycles » Thu Apr 16, 2015 9:18 pm
Hi,
The Apollo is listed as a 2013 and cheaper because it is a run-out model. That is not bad however you want to get the right size. Be careful with Bike Exchange, some dealers listings are not up to date and I would highly recommend going instore as it is crucial to get the right bike and the right size and fit. For example the Giant is listed only as XS, small and medium.
One of the things to note on the bike specifications is that it may say Shimano 105 (which is a good groupset) but it doesn't mean that it is all Shimano 105, so some or many parts may be from other brands or further down the Shimano hierarchy.
The Giant has Tektro brakes, the Merida an inhouse brand. The Apollo Silhouette is unisex, and I would not go for this because men and women are anatomically different and for a road bike, a women's specific saddle will be much better. The Giant, Apollo Silhouette and Merida are Aluminium, however Carbon is a nicer ride and there are good carbon fiber bikes in your price range. The Apollo Vispo is Carbon, though the catch is that they may save (or choose cheaper) components.
Interesting to note that for the Merida it says: SPOKES: attached
No mention of brand (they are Shimano R501 wheels - basic but standard in this price category)
While Bike Exchange may be nice to compare, I suggest visiting a few bikes stores. Don't feel pressured but do take the time of the staff (who should be friendly... or they don't want your business). Get their recommendations. Find out your size and be open to older model bikes in your size with higher specced equipment.
Factor in that you will need to buy pedals, shoes and a helmet - probably comfortable riding gear and lights and see which shops are prepared to look after you and set up up with confidence for the road.
The Apollo is listed as a 2013 and cheaper because it is a run-out model. That is not bad however you want to get the right size. Be careful with Bike Exchange, some dealers listings are not up to date and I would highly recommend going instore as it is crucial to get the right bike and the right size and fit. For example the Giant is listed only as XS, small and medium.
One of the things to note on the bike specifications is that it may say Shimano 105 (which is a good groupset) but it doesn't mean that it is all Shimano 105, so some or many parts may be from other brands or further down the Shimano hierarchy.
The Giant has Tektro brakes, the Merida an inhouse brand. The Apollo Silhouette is unisex, and I would not go for this because men and women are anatomically different and for a road bike, a women's specific saddle will be much better. The Giant, Apollo Silhouette and Merida are Aluminium, however Carbon is a nicer ride and there are good carbon fiber bikes in your price range. The Apollo Vispo is Carbon, though the catch is that they may save (or choose cheaper) components.
Interesting to note that for the Merida it says: SPOKES: attached
No mention of brand (they are Shimano R501 wheels - basic but standard in this price category)
While Bike Exchange may be nice to compare, I suggest visiting a few bikes stores. Don't feel pressured but do take the time of the staff (who should be friendly... or they don't want your business). Get their recommendations. Find out your size and be open to older model bikes in your size with higher specced equipment.
Factor in that you will need to buy pedals, shoes and a helmet - probably comfortable riding gear and lights and see which shops are prepared to look after you and set up up with confidence for the road.
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Re: New road bike advice
Postby 2wheels_mond » Thu Apr 16, 2015 9:24 pm
The Liv Avail series is only made in XS, small and medium, so that explains that.AUbicycles wrote: For example the Giant is listed only as XS, small and medium.
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Re: New road bike advice
Postby rachaelgwilliams » Thu Apr 16, 2015 9:47 pm
Thanks for the tips! I wasn't getting very far with comparing online as most of the specifications don't mean much to me. I'm hoping to get in to a few stores over the weekend but thought I'd ask for some unbiased opinions on here first as a lot of the stores around me only seem to stock 1-2 brands so figured most shops would be telling me their brand was the best
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Re: New road bike advice
Postby zero » Thu Apr 16, 2015 10:51 pm
One of the bikes has a carbon frame, the other 3 have alloy frames, 2 of the bikes have 11 speed shifters, chains and cassettes. The 105 components are 5700 (older, but still made/sold) if the bike is 10speed, and 5800 if its 11speed.rachaelgwilliams wrote:Thanks for the tips! I wasn't getting very far with comparing online as most of the specifications don't mean much to me. I'm hoping to get in to a few stores over the weekend but thought I'd ask for some unbiased opinions on here first as a lot of the stores around me only seem to stock 1-2 brands so figured most shops would be telling me their brand was the best
3 of the bikes come out of the box with 25c tires, which are more comfortable and onroad and often not slower than 23c tires. Might want to see what clearance the other bike has for wider tires, and if you have a lot of secondary roads with chip surfaces to ride on, highly recommend 25s or even 28s if they'll fit.
3 of the bikes have wheels with more spokes than the usual 20/24 combo (ie they appear to be more durable wheels someone would use on a training bike expecting to do a lot of kms), but R501s are fine for riders that aren't both heavy and fast.
IMO the rest of everything on those bikes has nothing particularly distinguishable as a difference - so it would come down to which of the above things you care about, and which bikes seem comfortable/right to you when you test ride them. Some people have to change the saddle eventually before they come up with something comfortable.
What do you intend using the bike for ?
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Re: New road bike advice
Postby diggler » Thu Apr 30, 2015 8:22 am
Hi, I'm looking at replacing my 2012 Cross City 2. I've decided on this.
http://www.cyclingdeal.com.au/buy/hasa- ... ike/RX1-13" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Any better options?
http://www.cyclingdeal.com.au/buy/hasa- ... ike/RX1-13" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Any better options?
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Re: New road bike advice
Postby rodneycc » Thu Apr 30, 2015 2:30 pm
I'd actually be tempted to upgrade the components and wheels on your Cross City rather than buy the Hasa (reckon the Cross City frame would be better). You could always go for a test ride and see what you think compared to your Cross City.
Otherwise have a look around for a Trek FX 7.5 either new or secondhand in your size (and I stress in your size). Have heard good things about them. Any reluctance going a drop bar instead of a flatbar? A lot better bike options out there with dropbars.
Otherwise have a look around for a Trek FX 7.5 either new or secondhand in your size (and I stress in your size). Have heard good things about them. Any reluctance going a drop bar instead of a flatbar? A lot better bike options out there with dropbars.
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2013 Giant TCR Adv SL1;2014 Giant Defy Adv SL
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