Australian Cycling Forums - Bicycles Network Australia

Hello all,

I am going to buy a bike just to ride to work daily which is just under 10k each way. Unfortunately this is mostly road with traffic lights and some gutter/footpath riding in spots. I am 110kg and 183cm tall so I need something that can handle me and the trip on a daily basis and want something reliable yet as this is my first bike I don't want to spend a ton of money on it. Also I can't ride these bikes prior to purchase and select them on that basis as no one where I live sells them so I will have to order one online from Brisbane.

I have been looking for a while and think I have settled on a couple of flat bar road bikes and was wondering if people could help me choose between them? The two online models i have landed on are:

http://99bikes.com.au/bike/norco-vfr-3/131/7283

http://99bikes.com.au/bike/merida-speeder-s2/131/7181

Also for around the same price in town I can get a: http://www.trekbikes.com/au/en/bikes/to ... fx/7_2_fx/

I realise these bikes are far from the top of the line but I think they will do what I want so if any one can help me decide with some expert advice it would be greatly appreciated.

I'd be careful buying online. Nothing like trying a bike out before you buy. I looked around heaps and tossed up between a number of flat bars. Ended up going for a Giant Seek 2. Similar to a a flat bar but slightly more upright position, disc brakes. Am really happy with it. It flies along without too much effort. In fact my wife got bike envy and got one the same (she had a Jamis Flat Bar). The bikes you have chosen are similar in configuration. The Trek and Merida have a better rear derailleur but the Norco has a more consistent group set. I'd really check out what is available locally. That's my opinion for what it's worth. Have you checked BikeExchange?

I'm a wee bit biased, but I like the look of the Norco VFR!

cheers