Australian Cycling Forums - Bicycles Network Australia

I'm looking for a budget bike to go riding with my kid on public bike paths around the northern suburbs of Perth. This is just weekends so its easy riding for a few kilometers 2 to 4 times a month. Budget is around $250. I've checked out a few online and would like to get some advice on them.

1. Diamondback Bronco $160 from BigW:
http://www.bigw.com.au/sports-leisure/b ... ntain-bike" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

2. Malvern Star Hurricane 0 $250 from Bike Force:
http://bikeforcewoodvale.com.au/bicycle ... /102150812" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

3. Reid X126 $280 (includes free bottle w cage, pump, front & rear blinkers) from Reid Cycles:
http://www.reidcycles.com.au/bicycles/m ... -bike.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

As I've read some comments that department store bikes should be avoided if possible, should I pony up the extra cash for the Malvern Star or Reid given I'm only doing very light recreational riding? If yes, which would be better?

Thanks.

Can't believe I'm recommending a Reid, but from the scenario you've described there's every chance you won't really get into more cycling.

The City 2 has a great price and has a rack as well.

If you are handy with spanners why not go for a second hand bike, that will help stop the dept store bikes from being made in the first place.

Any particular reason you're hesitant on Reid bikes? And why the City 2 instead of the X126? I don't need the extra rack and mud flaps plus the X126 is about 3 kg lighter.

I'm handy with the spanner but may not be handy enough to spot any issues with second hand bikes. Its been a long time since I messed with brakes and derailleurs etc, something like 30 years since I've touched a bike - as in self maintenance.

Hence I thought I'll go to a LBS so they can make sure everything is good to go.

Thanks.

I reckon that the Reid X126 is a bargain for what you get and as a budget run around bike cannot be beaten even by second hand machines of similar quality/fitout.

At least options 2 & 3 present a better chance of the bikes being assembled & set up properly and safely, if you'd not mechanically inclined yourself. Beware of the false economies of Big W, KMart et al.

I too am inclined towards option 3 - Reid 126 - as it should be set up properly at the LBS when I purchase it.

I could get my own hands dirty with the Diamondback on an initial service (like what ldrcycles did with his BigW Repco):

viewtopic.php?f=9&t=51119" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Perhaps swap out a few parts like crankset, derailleurs etc to try and bring it up the spec with option 2 & 3. But that will probably bring the price point on par with the 2 dearer options, plus a whole heap of labour thrown in as well.

Might be better off getting it done right the first time by an expert.

terencewklau wrote:Any particular reason you're hesitant on Reid bikes? And why the City 2 instead of the X126? I don't need the extra rack and mud flaps plus the X126 is about 3 kg lighter.

$20 gets you the guards and racks that help keep the spray off your components, away from your son following and a trunk bag that stops you having to use a backpack. You can't buy them separately for less.

Your bike paths won't need 26", the 700c will roll better.

Thanks for the tip regarding the wheels clackers.