Choosing The Right First Roadie

[Piri]

Hi Guys,

New to this forum and hopefuly, new to road biking soon...

I am about to buy my first roadie and need some advice to try to pick the right one...

I have never been on a road bike before, I am 30 and not in my best shape, I am 5.8 and 75kg.

I recently strated a Triathlon training programme for beginners and I have been using my mountain bike (hard tail Merida 09) for the biking bit.

I live very remote and going to my local bike shop to see/try the bikes is not an option, I need to buy online... Unfortunately, and for the same reasons, fitting probaby won't be an option either...

I have decided that I don't want to expend more than $1500 on my first bike, and I still need to pay for $hipping, $hoes, pedal$, etc... However, I would like to get a good bike for training and, if I get serious on this Triathlon bussiness, competing on it...

All in all, I want to get the best I can put my hands on for this budget, and it probably has to be a new bike, as buying second hand in my circumstances is not the safest option.

After an exensive online research this are my top 4 (in no particular order) on specifications, price and look:

Norco CRD1 (2010) - $1439.95
Azzurri Tigre (2009) - $ 1399
KHS Flite 700 (2007) - $1400
EMC2 Etape R2.6 (2010) - $1499

This was the runner up
Malvern Star Oppy A4 (2010) - $950

This was a last minute addition as I found a good offer and it looks like a bargain but do I really need that much? will I notice the difference for the extra bucks?
Azzurri Uno Monocoque 2009 - $1595

Any thoughs on Brands/Specifications/Prices/etc????

Anything to avoid?

Sorry about the nuisance...But it's my first bike!!! jeje

Many thanks guys for your time and thoughts...

Cheers

Piri



P.S: These are some general specifications for the above bikes:

Azzurri UNO Monocoque 2009:

Frame Azzurri Monocoque Carbon T700
Fork Azzurri Monocoque Carbon
Groupset Shimano 105
Brakes Shimano 105
Handle Bar FSA RD250N
Stem FSA 150LX
Seat Post FSA RK 260 Carbon
Saddle FSA RD 170 Carbon w Cro-Mo rails
Wheelset Shimano WH-R500
Tires Vittoria Rubino Pro 700 x 23
Bike Weight 8.3 kgs
Shifters Shimano 105
Front Derailleur Shimano 105
Rear Derailleur Shimano 105
Crank Shimano 105 52-39T
Cassette Shimano 105 12-25T 10spd
Head Set FSA carbon intergrated 1 1/8

Azzurri Tigre 2009:

Key Features:
light alloy frame/carbon fork
carbon seat post
compact 50/34 crank set
12/25 rear cassette
Description / Specification:
this bike has a stong yet light wieght alloy frame equiped with a full shimano tiagra 9sp group set. the wheels are shimano R500 , it also comes with shimano clippless pedals. This is a great first bike or a good upgrade from your old steel steed.

EMC2 Etape R2.6 2010:

Frame: Super light XXL3 tubing, SPF top tube, smooth flat welds
Fork: Carbon fiber with alloy steerer
Headset: FSA integrated
Shifters: Shimano Tiagra 18 speed
FrontDerailleur: Shimano Tiagra
RearDerailleur: Shimano Tiagra
CrankSet: Shimano Sora Compact 50 x 34
Pedals: Nil
BottomBracket: Shimano Sora
Brakes: EMC2 cold forged dual pivot
WheelSet: EMC2 RA2
Cassette: Shimano Tiagra 12-25
Chain: HG-73
Tyres: Vittoria Zaffiro II, 700 x 23c
Stem: EMC2 3D forged with 4 bolt head cap
Handlebar: EMC2 designed shallow drop
HandlebarTape: EMC2 with gel
Seat: EMC2 designed sport comfort
SeatPost: EMC2 carbon

KHS Flite 700 (2007):

Key Features:
FSA crank
Shimano RS10 wheels
Description / Specification:
Alloy frame with Carbon seat stay and fork. Shimano 105 10 speed with Shimano wheels.
Custom Build...

Norco CRD1:

Frame: Double butted Alloy
Fork: Carbon blades w/alloy steerer
Headset: Ritchey Logic Zero Comp
Stem: Norco Lightweight 3D forged alloy stem
Handlebars: Norco Alloy drop bar
Grips: Cork wrap w/Norco logo embossed
Brake Levers: Shimano Tiagra ST-4500
Front Brake: Tektro R530 black
Rear Brake: Tektro R530 black
Shifters: Shimano Tiagra ST-4500
Front Derailleur: Shimano Tiagra ST-4500
Rear Derailleur: Shimano 105 RD-5600 black
Chain: KMC HG-53
Freewheel: Shimano Tiagra CS-HG50 12-25T 9 speed
Crank: FSA Gossamer MegaExo CK-C6020 50/34T
Bottom Bracket: FSA MegaExo BB-4000
Front Hub: Shimano WH-RS10 black 16h
Rear Hub: Shimano WH-RS10 black 20h
Spokes: Shimano bladed
Rims: Shimano WH-RS10 black 16h front/20h rea
Tyres: Continental Ultra Sport 700x23c
Seat: Norco sport saddle
Seat Post: Norco Micro Adjust alloy black

[Redbull]

The Azzurri Uno looks a good buy at that price. Is it new?

That's the sort of price you pay for 105 spec'd alloy frames.

A mate has an Azzurri Primo that is a few years old. Frame cracked and they replaced it no questions asked, so from him there is a big thumbs up about standing behind their product.

I would recommend having a look at www.bikeexchange.com.au and this will give you an idea of the options around in your price range.

[Piri]

Thanks Redbull!!!

Yes, the UNO is new...

All the bike's prces. etc are from BikeExchange.com.au

BTW, now I found this one on Bikes.com.au: MBC R3 2010
it has full 105 shimano gear and is only $1299

Does anyone know MBC???

[goneriding]

Have a look at http://www.this link is broken as well. They do mail order.

Have a look at the Team ($1,500) or Cyclone ($1,800). You are probably looking at a 54cm or a 56cm model.

Before chosing go to competative cyclist http://www.competitivecyclist.com/za/CC ... ATOR_INTRO and use their fit calculator.

[roobab]

I was/am in the same situation as you. I got mine from
http://cyclingdeal.com.au/
Spent $800 on their R2 road bike. I've got some serious road riding mates who were surprised at the price,
considering the components.
Get a new more comfy seat + $50. Spend $60 on getting it serviced and set up properly.
I've done 1000K in the last 3 months and no problems so far.

[Wayfarer]

If you're going new, the prices are a bit steep for what you're getting. Carbon, as your first real road bike, may not be a good idea imo.
http://www.this link is broken/Road-Bike-S ... gory=12632

Cell's an AUs company making bikes in the same factory that makes half the bikes you see on the road today, and my guess is they make azzurri too. That one link is a bike with the same specs as the azzurri tigre, $400 less, and aluminum instead of carbon.

from the list though, i'd go the KHS flite. best specs for the money.

[ozrider]

I was/am in the same situation as you. I got mine from
http://cyclingdeal.com.au/
Spent $800 on their R2 road bike. I've got some serious road riding mates who were surprised at the price,
considering the components.
Get a new more comfy seat + $50. Spend $60 on getting it serviced and set up properly.
I've done 1000K in the last 3 months and no problems so far.

+1, I've got 5500klms+ on my R2, only problem so far has been a couple of broken spokes on the Otway Challenge.

[timbom3]

If you're going new, the prices are a bit steep for what you're getting. Carbon, as your first real road bike, may not be a good idea imo.
http://www.this link is broken/Road-Bike-S ... gory=12632

Cell's an AUs company making bikes in the same factory that makes half the bikes you see on the road today, and my guess is they make azzurri too. That one link is a bike with the same specs as the azzurri tigre, $400 less, and aluminum instead of carbon.

from the list though, i'd go the KHS flite. best specs for the money.

Sorry for jacking this thread, but I'm looking at upgrading to a better bike (was given my previous for a steal), and was hoping to go full carbon - under the impression that they were generally better frames? Is this not the case?

[roobab]

Full carbon I think is more expensive. Not sure about benefits as I am a beginner too and am working on fitness first.