Buying a bike: Some general advice for new riders
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Re: Buying a bike: Some general advice for new riders
Postby Venus62 » Sun Jul 21, 2013 6:47 pm
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Re: Buying a bike: Some general advice for new riders
Postby RonK » Mon Jul 22, 2013 12:09 pm
I would be cautious about this. Unless you are tall, mens frames will have the wrong geometry, and you may also encounter issues with bar width and lever span. That you are looking at a 50cm size indicates that you are probably not tall enough to get away with a mens bike.Chesterini wrote:...I will be looking at the mens bike. Not sure how wise this is but I'm struggling reviews wise for the ws models and the Allez Sport has stellar reviews all around.
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Re: Buying a bike: Some general advice for new riders
Postby Chesterini » Thu Jul 25, 2013 4:35 pm
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Re: Buying a bike: Some general advice for new riders
Postby RonK » Thu Jul 25, 2013 9:15 pm
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Re: Buying a bike: Some general advice for new riders
Postby billy70 » Wed Jul 31, 2013 6:00 pm
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Re: Buying a bike: Some general advice for new riders
Postby Summernight » Thu Aug 01, 2013 10:24 am
I added my 2 cents to the reviews on the Selle Italia Diva Gel Flow when I purchased one last year. I will probably buy another of this particular saddle for every future bike I buy (whenever that happens).Chesterini wrote:Might have to swap the saddle though it's nothing flash and I'm loving the reviews of the Selle Italia Diva. Thanks guys!
Yes, I believe they do.billy70 wrote:As a newbie to riding and the forum, may I ask if the manufacturers have specials/deals throughout the year? I'm looking at the 2013 model run outs now, but am struggling to find the right model in my size.
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Re: Buying a bike: Some general advice for new riders
Postby Duck! » Fri Aug 02, 2013 2:08 pm
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Re: Buying a bike: Some general advice for new riders
Postby billy70 » Fri Aug 02, 2013 8:22 pm
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Re: Buying a bike: Some general advice for new riders
Postby tekapo » Thu Aug 08, 2013 8:00 pm
My advice would be a test ride. I am about 178 but with short legs at 80. My legs would suggest a smaller frame, but my torso would suggest a larger frame. So its a compromise, do I want a top tube right up my crack or do I want my arms to be cramped up top? So test ride it, adjust the height of the seat, the stem and give it a whirl. The actual nominal frame size is not that important, its just a rough guide for a starting point.SouthWest wrote:Hi,AUbicycles wrote:This is a basic calculator which I have used before:
http://www.ebicycles.com/bicycle-tools/frame-sizer" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; (select cm rather than inches)
50cm however is really too small for your height - in these forums you could try a trade however the chances of getting a match are slow (it is a small frame and a specific style of bike).
I assume that you would end up selling this bike - and if it is still in good condition you may be able to sell it for the same price (or at only a small loss).
Cheers
Christopher
I'm interested in purchasing a flat bar road bike. I'm at 174cm, ~ 78-79cm inseam. So I guess my ideal frame size would be 54cm but would it still be alright going for a 55cm bike?
If you would have to choose between one, would you go with one size smaller or one size larger?
Thanks.
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Re: Buying a bike: Some general advice for new riders
Postby Jondalar » Fri Aug 30, 2013 1:59 pm
Yes very true, got a great runout deal on a Giant Defy Advanced 1, saved $800 over the full price from 2013 plus the 2014's are $200 more so saved $1000 although the 2014's do have 11 speed Ultegra.Duck! wrote:About now is the time runout specials will be happening, as the 2014 models will be starting to come through. The problem can be finding the right size.
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Re: Buying a bike: Some general advice for new riders
Postby briztoon » Fri Aug 30, 2013 3:37 pm
http://www.bikeexchange.com.au/bicycles ... /102019360" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
And this is cracking value. Save $4000. Exactly the same frame geometry, material and frame construction as this years model, just with the older Dura Ace group set.
http://www.bikeexchange.com.au/bicycles ... /102097305" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
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Re: Buying a bike: Some general advice for new riders
Postby Sangua » Mon Nov 18, 2013 8:41 pm
So my questions:
When buying a new bike what is legally required to be on the bike? NSW Road laws require a bell or horn and when riding a bike at night, lights. As this equipment is required by law, should it be included on a new bike at the time of purchase? If not what should be?
What should be included in the price of a new bike? Some bike shops offer bike adjustments and services in the first few months? Is this normal for most bike shops or not?
How is a proper fitting conducted? Is it just sitting on the bike and having you stand over frame and try the pedals or is more involved? I was told at my last bicycle lesson that there should be a hand span between my crotch and the top bar of the bike? They also told me my current bike it too big for me. Yet at the bike shop the bike they tell me is the right size is almost touching my crotch the way my current bike does. Which is correct? When I purchased my first bike all the bike shop had me do for a fitting was stand over the bike and sit on the saddle for a minute or two.
If you can't test ride the bike what can you do to better ensure the bike is comfortable when riding?
When I bought my first bike 6 years ago I had problems with the gears. Being new to cycling and unfamiliar with gears I thought the problems were caused by my ignorance. After two frustrating weeks I put the bike away and didn't touch it again until six years later when my local council offered a day of free bike lessons. It turns out that my gear problems were caused by faulty gears and not my ignorance. I couldn't take the bike back to where I purchased it since it was long out of warranty and I no longer have the receipt. What can I and other newbies do to avoid these types of problems. How do we check that the gears, chain, brakes etc. are as they should be?
I purchased my first bike (a rigid frame mountain bike) from a LBS for $600 back in 2006. As mentioned above I only took it out for 6 to 7 rides not getting very far due to problems I was having with the gears. I went no further than 2 blocks and back each ride. After I gave up I stored the bike in a lock up garage that is very dry and clean. Except for perished inner tubes (which is too be expected after not being used for so long) which I changed, I expected the bike to be decent ride. Yet after only 2 months of riding, in which I have covered 55kms so far according to my bike computer, I have experienced the following:
- * the gears are faulty and need adjusting every week as they go out of alignment after every 3 rides or so,
* the base of the saddle cracked on the left hand back corner and lost a screw which held it place over one of the springs and due to the crack the screw can't be replaced,
* after purchasing a pannier I discovered the dropouts (I hope that is the right term) have no threads and the store I purchased it from had to organise a work around to install the pannier,
* the bike stand has bent yet no weight other than the bikes has been placed on it,
* the pedal of the right hand side of the bike has a large crack in it and needs replacing,
* the light sold to me with the bike won't stay in its cradle and constantly falls off.
Due to the problems above I have been trying to decide between buying a new bike and starting over or just getting repairs made to the bike to fix the above problems. As you can imagine, I'm now rather weary of bike shops and my ability to purchase a bike without problems or organising repairs without being ripped off.
So I have been researching, lurking about bike forums, and visiting one of my local bike shops (not the one I purchased my first bike from) while trying to decide on repairing or replacing my bike. I have been asking a lot of questions of the staff at the LBS and I explained the problems and experience I had with the purchase of my first bike to the bike shop so they knew where I was coming from and why I was asking so many questions.
Unfortunately the last time I visited this bike shop and asked about the gears the bike shop had suggested replacing my faulty ones with, one of the floor staff took the mechanic behind a door near the counter and, not realising I could hear him, called me derogatory names and told him I was a time waster. I left the store in tears and am determined not to return. How do I avoid annoying local bike shop's staff in future while trying still getting the information I need to make a decision?
After taking some time to get over my last visit to the LBS, I decided to try another bike shop. I checked out their web page and they had some great clearance specials. Since the price of the bikes on sale were only $100 to $200 dollars more than the repairs the LBS had suggested I decided it might be better and start again with a new bike.
Unfortunately when I arrived at the store the majority of the bikes on sale had been sold or were too big for me. The bike shop suggested a bike that meets my requirements but it is not in stock and needs to be ordered in. They want me to leave a 20% deposit. What happens if I don't like the bike when it finally arrives? What if it is the wrong size, uncomfortable etc? Am I obligated to buy it or do I lose my deposit money if I don't want it, leaving me unable to buy a bike because I now don't have enough money left to buy one? I did ask at the bike shop but they were very busy that day and didn't really answer my questions.
If someone could answer my questions or at least tell me of a few sites aimed at Australian newbies unfamiliar with cycling jargon I would be very grateful. I really don't want to annoy staff at another bike shop.
Thank you.
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Re: Buying a bike: Some general advice for new riders
Postby AUbicycles » Tue Nov 19, 2013 12:32 am
I believe that the front and rear reflectors are required by law however most sports bike owners would remove them. You need to buy the horn / bell and lights.NSW Road Rules wrote:Your bicycle must have:
• At least one working brake
• A bell or horn to help sound a warning to other cyclists or pedestrians.
If riding at night, your bicycle must also have:
• A steady or flashing white light that is clearly visible for at least 200 metres
• A flashing or steady red light that is clearly visible for at least 200 metres from the rear of the bike
• A red rear reflector that is clearly visible for 50 metres when light is projected onto it by a vehicle's headlight on low beam
On a bike fit, there are a number of calculators online that can give you a rough measurement based on height, weight and inseem. Shops will do different types of fitting and there is no standard or requirement - for a race bike or serious MTB a better fit is more essential whereas a hybrid or city bike will be more generous. But for a proper fit then you should get a professional fit which would influence a number of factors - frame geometry, seat tube height, top tube length, stem angle and length, seat position... the list goes on.
On testing - a quick or basic test may give you the opportunity to spot serious issues - but a longer term test will likely reveal more. Testing however is always good however not always possible. You can ask and shop around.
On gears, many bike shops offer a free service and I recommend that this is used. It is inevitable that when a new bike is ridden that some adjustments may be needed. You will notice that when shifting is not working properly, it wont shift to the top or bottom cogs or wants to shift too far or isn't fitting properly in the gears that the gears should be tuned. Brake pads wear and if they are squealing, not braking properly or things seem wrong, they should be checked. Yes, these are things that can be done yourself - usually a locally library will have some books which can be easier that shifting through the multitude of info online.
On the specific issues:
• Could be a cable problem and need replacement - the bike shop should be able to advise if you explain
• In warranty, the saddle could be replaced however noting that $600 is not a high-level bike.
• On the pannier - not all bikes accommodate panniers and some may require adjustments or adaptors to fit
• Other bikes will add weight, it is likely a simple budget stand but also not suited to take too much weight
• Plastic can degrad, but a split suggests that it suffered a knock or stress.
• Lights, particularly in 2006 can be crappy. Current silicon strap type lights have less problems - but may be more expensive
For many of these problems within two months, I would have suggested visiting the bike store. After 6 years however these are wear and tear.
On chosing a bike shop - you want to make sure you feel comfortable. Even if you feel that your questions are silly, ask them - if the people in the shop don't want to know then they are not the right shop for you and from experience I can tell you that there are plenty of shops that don't think about customers.
Have a look in the Great Shopping Experiences section and see if any of these stores are nearby. A good bike shop should be able to look after new cyclists as well as experienced cyclists and provide good answers such as regarding the deposit. Now the deposit is a way of locking you in (locking in the sale) but you could leave your number and ask them to call when your size is in stock. If they don't want to do this or you find they you are not getting a call - look for the next bike shop.
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Re: Buying a bike: Some general advice for new riders
Postby turtle rider » Wed Jan 01, 2014 2:04 pm
Not having much luck in finding a decent bike. The shops have either sold the 2013 range and have left overs in odd sizes heavily discounted. I found this proper road bike at Anaconda , looks good and priced at $899.00. Has Shimano parts and only weights 10.59kg.
tp://www.anaconda.com.au/Product/Bikes-and-A ... -road-bike" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Frame: Hydro formed lightweight 6061 series alloy with smooth weld head tube
Fork: Bladed Alloy
Wheels: Alex R-500 wheel set
Tyres: 700 x 23C
Derailleur: Shimano 2300 Claris
Shift levers: Shimano 8 drop bar 2300 series
Crank set: FSA compact
Brake set: Shimano 2300 front and rear calipers
Stem: A-head alloy
Seat Post: Alloy
Saddle: Fluid velo
Weight: 10.59 kg
Primary activity(s): Road riding, commuting
Warranty: Lifetime frame warranty relating to manufacturing defects, 1 year on parts
Do you guys think this a good buy and with the parts mentioned is it a quality machine.
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Re: Buying a bike: Some general advice for new riders
Postby danny the boy » Wed Jan 01, 2014 2:51 pm
No idea where you are located or what size you want, but for the same money you can get something like this http://www.bikeexchange.com.au/bicycles ... /102324051. Spend some time browsing before you buy to get an understanding of what you are looking at in terms of the level of quality the gears are and whether or not its is as cheap as the shop are making out. For shimano gears 2300 is bottom of the pile and being 8 speed means you can't upgrade any of it further down the track. Tiagra is the lowest quality of the 10 speed groupsets but is still 2 ranks higher than 2300 but at least you can upgrade different parts later on if you wish rather than buy basically a whole new bike.
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Re: Buying a bike: Some general advice for new riders
Postby tekapo » Wed Jan 01, 2014 2:52 pm
I think Anaconda sells its bikes in boxes and even if it wasn't in boxes, I wouldn't trust their assembly skills based on of the demo bikes in store.turtle rider wrote:Hey Guys
Not having much luck in finding a decent bike. The shops have either sold the 2013 range and have left overs in odd sizes heavily discounted. I found this proper road bike at Anaconda , looks good and priced at $899.00. Has Shimano parts and only weights 10.59kg.
tp://www.anaconda.com.au/Product/Bikes-and-A ... -road-bike" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
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Re: Buying a bike: Some general advice for new riders
Postby nezumi » Wed Jan 01, 2014 3:26 pm
Reid Falco Advanced
Cell Lapa 1.0
Merida Ride Lite 91
These all have a better groupset (gears and shifters) than the Fluid bike you were looking at. The order is:
Claris (aka Shimano 2300)
Sora
Tiagra
105
Ultegra
Dura-Ace
Disclaimer: As a Merida Ambassador I get a reward if you buy from 99 Bikes Fitzroy North and mention my name.
2015 Merida Scultura 5000
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Re: Buying a bike: Some general advice for new riders
Postby Duck! » Wed Jan 01, 2014 3:35 pm
2300 is now a superceded group. The Claris name applies to the updated 2400 series introduced for the 2014 model year, released in July. While still 8-sp. it is more refined than 2300, especially in the shifters (gone is that "mouse-ear" thumb button, the "standard" STI design now features across the full range).nezumi wrote:The order is:
Claris (aka Shimano 2300)
Sora
Tiagra
105
Ultegra
Dura-Ace
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Re: Buying a bike: Some general advice for new riders
Postby nezumi » Wed Jan 01, 2014 3:43 pm
I wasn't sure if 2300 was gone completely or not - I only knew that Claris was a sort of "rebranding" of the groupset.Duck! wrote: 2300 is now a superceded group. The Claris name applies to the updated 2400 series introduced for the 2014 model year, released in July. While still 8-sp. it is more refined than 2300, especially in the shifters (gone is that "mouse-ear" thumb button, the "standard" STI design now features across the full range).
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Re: Buying a bike: Some general advice for new riders
Postby Duck! » Wed Jan 01, 2014 3:51 pm
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Re: Buying a bike: Some general advice for new riders
Postby turtle rider » Wed Jan 01, 2014 10:21 pm
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Re: Buying a bike: Some general advice for new riders
Postby rodneycc » Thu Jan 02, 2014 1:27 pm
http://www.bicycles.net.au/forums/viewt ... 3&start=25" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
cheers
2013 Lynskey Helix;2013 XACD Ti Di2
2013 Giant TCR Adv SL1;2014 Giant Defy Adv SL
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Re: Buying a bike: Some general advice for new riders
Postby turtle rider » Wed Jan 08, 2014 9:15 pm
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Re: Buying a bike: Some general advice for new riders
Postby tekapo » Thu Jan 09, 2014 7:44 am
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Re: Buying a bike: Some general advice for new riders
Postby rodneycc » Thu Jan 09, 2014 4:38 pm
Sent from my GT-I9195T using Tapatalk
2013 Lynskey Helix;2013 XACD Ti Di2
2013 Giant TCR Adv SL1;2014 Giant Defy Adv SL
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