Best Flatbar Roadie ???

[Chuckles1981]

Im looking for a flatbar for commuting and loking at the Trek 7.5 FX im hoping to pick it up for $1100 MAX with a new helmet...but just wanted what other ppls thoughts are for my budget???

[DaveW]

I have just gone through this - caught between the Avanti Blade 4.0, an Orbea (can't remember exactly which one), and a Merida, but came across a Bottecchia which I bought.

The Bot has slightly lower components as standard but I am getting a few little upgrades - it just felt right.

I found that there is a real trouble comparing exactly because they skimp on different things - for instance the Blade had higher lever gear, but a lesser looking frame construction (appearance only), the Merida had a solid looking ans well finsihed frame and higher gear again, but ordinary looking wheels, while the Bot has a good frame and wheels, and the aforementioned lower grade derailieurs.

I ended up putting the deposit on the one that felt right to me, as many here will time and again tell you - but these all are within the $1100 range - or at least I was offered them below that mark.

[janus77]

Saw a sweet ass bike yesterday on www.bikehub.com.au

Oh yeah, the ridley 105 compact flat bar looks the goods..

http://www.bikehub.com.au/default.aspx

[jasimon]

Im looking for a flatbar for commuting and loking at the Trek 7.5 FX im hoping to pick it up for $1100 MAX with a new helmet...but just wanted what other ppls thoughts are for my budget???

Giant CRX 2 ($995 RRP) or maybe a CRX 1 depending on your bargaining skills (2008 might give greater discounts).

Comparing the specs the 2009 CRX 2 and Trek 7.5 look really close.

RD are both Tiagra.
FD is Sora on the CRX2 and Deore on the Trek
Both have carbon front forks.
Trek has slightly lower gearing 11-26 and 48/36/26 versus 12-25 and 50/39/30
Giant has 28mm puncture resistant tyres vs 32mm with the Trek

Go with the one that sings to you.

[zoom bean]

I recent purchased an apollo zap and although I wouldn't rave about it, it's an okay bike and gets me around well. Think I am more annoyed with the bike store because I think they changed a few of the parts on it and didn't tell me about it as a few of the specs on that site are not the parts on my bike. But it's in your price range and does an okay job of getting me from a to b.

[NotTim]

Im looking for a flatbar for commuting and loking at the Trek 7.5 FX im hoping to pick it up for $1100 MAX with a new helmet...but just wanted what other ppls thoughts are for my budget???

If you want to save a little money I've got a CRX1 for sale, the thread is here

http://bicycles.net.au/forums/viewtopic.php?t=6164

[trimike]

I bought a 2008 CRX1 a few weeks ago, got a good deal with it. It's been fantastic sofar, great to ride and very fast. I changed a few little things on it tho....swaped the tires to 23s and changed the stem and seat and changed the cassette to an 11/23. Also cut the bars in 20mm. It's really comfy and quiet light. I even ride it in a group ride midweek and i have no trouble keeping up. I can recommend the Giant, goodvalue for money.

[Chuckles1981]

So on the weekend i just went into Clarence Street Cyclery to have a look and test ride the 7.5 and 7.6 FX

I was'nt planning on buying anything but the guys were pretty freindly and did'nt try to sell me anything i did'nt need..

So after an hour of testing..i finally decided with the 7.5, and also they had better warrenty deals than any most...

$1250 for the bike a met volvo helmet and water cage and foot cage...it was a fair deal i thought.

I will post pictures if u guys want to see it...

[Mulger bill]

Do we wanna see a pic?...

It aint real til the img code comes out

Shaun