Australian Cycling Forums - Bicycles Network Australia

Firstly hello all !!..

I've come here here to seek assistance as I'm an absolute newbie when it comes to bikes and I have limited friends that take an interest in bikes.

I'm try to find out what bike would suit me for a budget of about $300 (open to preowned).

I have dogs, so i just want to do offroad riding, Im thinking a mountain bike?

Any suggestions ideas? Websites that i can check out? Particular models?

Thanks in advance

Respectfully,

Danny.

(Oh and im 5 foot 11 not sure would size bike would suit me? M I would suggest?)

Not a lot of choice in that price range. Out of these two I would pick the 26 inch bike because it has rigid forks.
2013 Reid X129 Mountain Bike 29er

2013 Reid X126 Mountain Bike

Second hand is the way to go but you need to know what you are looking at.

or
Cell 2013 Max-1

As has been said $300 isn't going to get you much worthwhile new, so for bang for buck second hand is the way to go, but you'll need to have someone who knows what to look for. Bike type also depends on what you walk the dogs on, if it's just formed gravel paths then you could get away with something like this, otherwise for single tracks or fire trails It's a full mountain bike like
this

Thanks for the respones guys, that was quick. To be honest I dont really have anybody who could come out with me and check the bike itself. Is there a model i can look for second hand on gumtree or something? I actually went and baught a second hand bike, paid $50.. worst bike ive ever ridden. The dog riding would be more at parks.. not so much heavy duty mountain bike riding.

But hey thanks for the lead's lads!!

(ps what does it mean by size? 15inch etc?) What is suitable for a adult male of 70kgs 5 foot 11?


I like the one you recommended in terms of looks.

"HASA Mountain Bike and the Cell 2013 Max-"

Revisionist Theory of Bicycle Sizing

5"11' a M or a L or 16" to 19" really you need to ride the bike to know.

Google bike fit calculator.

Since it's just parks I'd look beyond a Mountain Bike as they'll be heavier than you need. Go for a hybrid, or flat bar road with wide tyres.

Size in inches in Mountain Bikes refers to the length of the seat tube from the centre of the bottom bracket to the tube's top. They are always in inches in mountain bikes.

Second hand bikes, the brand isn't really important. It's more about the components that are stuck on the frame, and whether everything is straight and working well. It's not complicated, a bit of reading up on this and other forums would give you a good grounding. Have a look what's nearby you and you could always post up something for opinions.

Gum tree is full of over priced bikes. You need to know what you are looking at there is no one brand or model to look for. The bike can be a good brand or model but it can be worn out. A lesser brand or model might be a better buy because it is in better condition.

For riding in the park a bike with a rigid fork would be better than the pogo sticks found on cheaper bikes.

There is so much information its like a bloody culture. When you say do not get SPD's, what is a SPD?

I guess I should pop into a bike shop ay , and get fitted out? Im in melbourne about 20mins from the CBD. I did plan to just do it all online due to my busy lifestyle but i think you guys are right its difficult to measure up without having sat on it.

But going once I check out a few shops ill keep my eyes on the 29ers and the HASA??

The only benefit of having the heavier bike is I have a 40kg German Shepherd .. and the weight behind me actually might be an advantage to slow her down a bit. It has never happened but if she decided to chase a bird and I'm on a feather bike she will take me out.. (which is why I plan to invest in a good helmet also) - It should not happen but better to be safe than head injuries =)

Really appreciate the responses lads, great community you got here.

What is SPD?

Bicycle pedal

Buy Flat pedals.