What bike for under $800?

[HelmutHerr]

Long, long story short, I convinced a mate to take his ancient bike for a service, and the thing is shot to bits. It's so munted that the shop won't do anything less than an overhaul because they don't want it on their conscience if he just does the brake basics and has a spill because the thing's a deathtrap.

The bike is his main transport and he's on a super tight budget, so I need some ideas on the best commuter/all-round urban bike he can get for a maximum of $800. The obvious thing to say is "look, if you go up to a thousand...", but 800 is the limit, no matter what, and under that would be even better.

Any good ideas? Here's a chance to get creative.

[le_quiet_uno]

Evilbay or Cell bike might be a good starting point.

[Philipthelam]

Long, long story short, I convinced a mate to take his ancient bike for a service, and the thing is shot to bits. It's so munted that the shop won't do anything less than an overhaul because they don't want it on their conscience if he just does the brake basics and has a spill because the thing's a deathtrap.

The bike is his main transport and he's on a super tight budget, so I need some ideas on the best commuter/all-round urban bike he can get for a maximum of $800. The obvious thing to say is "look, if you go up to a thousand...", but 800 is the limit, no matter what, and under that would be even better.

Any good ideas? Here's a chance to get creative.

$800 is a pretty good budget, you can get quite a few good bikes, you just need to look hard. Does he want a road bike or a flat bar?
2012 road bikes are on sale now, so its a good time to buy 2012 bikes:
there was the Avanti giro 3 (it has tiagra) for $779
You can get the Giant defy 3 (sora) for around $750
Reid Falco (105) $850
Specialized secteur compact (2300) around 800
Specialized Allez
trek 1.2 (sora)
trek 1.5
Merida ride 88
Merida ride 91
Jamis ventura sport
Scott speedster S50
CAAD 8 7 sora
or how about KHS flite 500, it got a good review on bike radar. It has carbon chainstays and 105/tiagra http://www.torpedo7.com.au/products/KHB ... -bike-2012

put a search into http://www.bikeexchange.com.au/ and you can get heaps of results

A lot of these bikes have mudguard/ rack mounts so will be good for commuting

[HelmutHerr]

Good stuff. Thanks for that. Time to check some reviews!

[Philipthelam]

Good stuff. Thanks for that. Time to check some reviews!

No problem

Haha finding a bike for $800 is easy! I have got a budget for a road bike of $600 waiting for a good deal to pop up. I am looking at the 2012 avanti giro 1 now (it's $599 in some stores).

Generally a 2012 $1000 road bike will be discounted to around $800 at this time of year.

Good luck for finding a bike for your friend.

[HelmutHerr]

Haha finding a bike for $800 is easy! I have got a budget for a road bike of $600 waiting for a good deal to pop up. I am looking at the 2012 avanti giro 1 now (it's $599 in some stores).

I'm being a snob. There's some great deals out there on late model bikes.

[SouthWest]

Hi guys,

1st post.

I've just started cycling again riding to work with my 8 year old MTB.

I am quite enjoying it at the moment and think I will keep this up!! =)

So now I too am looking for a bike around $800 as well.

Can you guys perhaps recommend me some? I'm looking for a flat bar road bike around 10 kg!

Much appreciated! Thanks!!!