Buying a good flat bar road bicycle

[gcaria]

Hi there,
I am doing some research to buy a flat bar road bicycle with a budget of $400 - $700.
I will mainly use the bike for commuting in the city (20min most of the time) and some odd long rides with mates.
Maybe some long touring trip but it would be once in 1-2 years.

I have found the 2016 Avanti Giro F 2 at $620 (original price $799) and was wondering if it's worth this price.

I post here the link of the online shop, but if it's not allowed to do so please remove.

https://www.bikes.com.au/2016-avanti-gi ... road-bike/

Cheers,
Giacomo

[rangersac]

Not a bargain as far as I am concerned. Sure it has a carbon fork, but I'd prefer a better standard of running gear, something more at the Acera/ Alivio/ Sora/ Claris level and potentially hydro discs. Which city are you in. If you are in Perth, for a dedicated commuter I'd be all over this (size dependent).

[LeoBear]

How about a Merida Crossway bike, we have a 2013 Crossway 100 and we both love the bike, top quality,a lovely ride and unbelievable value for money.
During the cooler months we often head out for a 100 klm ride which it handles with never a problem.

[am50em]

Maybe this one
http://www.this link is broken/Cell-Ultimo-2-0

[Zippy7]

Presumably this is your first bike (else you wouldn't ask?)

If so, go the cheapest bike you can get (used even). That way you have more money to spend on the next bike. You'll figure out what you like/don't like, and can select accordingly on the next bike.

I've gone through a few bikes and now am pretty happy with my commuter.
The Merida Crossway 100 mentioned above is a nice bike - has hydro discs which is nice, but it's a heavy bike (suspension forks and seatpost).

A commuter bike is going to be a struggle to keep up with your mates on longer rides. My current commuter is a Specialized Sirrus Elite Carbon (with mudguards and pannier rack) and even with 11-30 rear cassette, I find it hard to keep up on hills and flats. I now have a cheap roadie (relatively speaking) that has 11-25 rear cassette, but its less effort because its a few kilos lighter than my commuter.

Going used is better value (try gumtree) as long as you are mechanically minded.

[gcaria]

Thanks for all your reply !

No, it's not my first bike, now I have a Reid Condor which is super-basic and I want to upgrade to something lighter and more comfortable.

I know that the components of the 2016 Avanti Giro F 2 I've posted are not the best, but given that it has a carbon fork I think the discount from 800 to 620$ might justify the purchase.

Any thoughts on this last sentence ?

[jasonc]

1. no front suspension. it's weight for no reason
disc brakes are good (requirement?) if you ride all weather
e.g.

https://www.bikeexchange.com.au/a/flat- ... /102704403
https://www.bikeexchange.com.au/a/flat- ... /102831718
https://www.bikeexchange.com.au/a/flat- ... /102709423
https://www.bikeexchange.com.au/a/flat- ... /102577023

something with road gearing would be better, but you'd be looking at more than your budget