Help choosing first bike
Posted: Wed Dec 05, 2012 6:04 pm
Hi there,
First of all - hi to everyone here on BNA! I have only recently stumbled on this forum as I have started researching requirements for the upcoming purchase of my first bike (well - since my teens anyway). I will say straight out I know absolutely NOTHING about bikes & cycling. I have read what I can on here and other sites over the past few days and so far have managed to thoroughly confuse myself
I have been trying to narrow down a short-list of bikes to start getting out and taking for test rides, with my intention being to purchase a bike some time early next year (most likely February or March). I am working to a total budget of roughly $2k, and that needs to get me everything that I need to get started. I would really appreciate if you guys (and girls) could provide some feedback on the bikes in my list so far, to help me either narrow it down further or add other bikes to it that I haven't yet considered.
I intend to use the bike to ride to/from work 2-3 times a week, which is around a 30km cycle each way. Mostly cycle paths but some roads, all in pretty good condition (usually). I am 185cm tall and at the moment (losing weight - part of the reason I'm getting a bike) give the scales a pounding at around 115kg.
The bikes on my list at the moment are:
Avanti Giro 1
Avanti Blade 2
Scott Metrix 30
Giant Cross City 2
Giant Seek 2 Disc
Apollo Volare
Malvern Star Oppy A2
Given my complete lack of knowledge and experience, these bikes were mostly selected based on price (I was looking at sub-$1000 to ensure wiggle room for any necessary upgrades/equipment/accessories/etc/etc within budget but as the bike is the most important part of this, I'm happy to put as much of the $2k as necessary towards the bike); appearance (gotta look cool right?); local availability (as my first bike I really need to go into a store and take it for a ride before deciding on it); and basic specs (it has wheels? Check!);
Any and all advice, guidance and assistance greatly appreciated
First of all - hi to everyone here on BNA! I have only recently stumbled on this forum as I have started researching requirements for the upcoming purchase of my first bike (well - since my teens anyway). I will say straight out I know absolutely NOTHING about bikes & cycling. I have read what I can on here and other sites over the past few days and so far have managed to thoroughly confuse myself
I have been trying to narrow down a short-list of bikes to start getting out and taking for test rides, with my intention being to purchase a bike some time early next year (most likely February or March). I am working to a total budget of roughly $2k, and that needs to get me everything that I need to get started. I would really appreciate if you guys (and girls) could provide some feedback on the bikes in my list so far, to help me either narrow it down further or add other bikes to it that I haven't yet considered.
I intend to use the bike to ride to/from work 2-3 times a week, which is around a 30km cycle each way. Mostly cycle paths but some roads, all in pretty good condition (usually). I am 185cm tall and at the moment (losing weight - part of the reason I'm getting a bike) give the scales a pounding at around 115kg.
The bikes on my list at the moment are:
Avanti Giro 1
Avanti Blade 2
Scott Metrix 30
Giant Cross City 2
Giant Seek 2 Disc
Apollo Volare
Malvern Star Oppy A2
Given my complete lack of knowledge and experience, these bikes were mostly selected based on price (I was looking at sub-$1000 to ensure wiggle room for any necessary upgrades/equipment/accessories/etc/etc within budget but as the bike is the most important part of this, I'm happy to put as much of the $2k as necessary towards the bike); appearance (gotta look cool right?); local availability (as my first bike I really need to go into a store and take it for a ride before deciding on it); and basic specs (it has wheels? Check!);
Any and all advice, guidance and assistance greatly appreciated