Buying a flat-bar for under $500

[Destroid]

It's time for a new bike for me on my weekly 80-100km or so commuting. I'm in Melbourne and my budget is pretty limited, but I've identified a few nearby options, but I don't really know much about components. I'll be putting a pannier on the bike.

The bikes I'll take a look at:

Malvern Star Sprint 5.0 $350
http://www.bikeexchange.com.au/a/flat-b ... /102472961" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Cell 2013 SS200a $350 (only in 50cm frame, I'm 187cm tall, I think this is the right size?)
http://www.this link is broken/Cell-2013-S ... viewHeader" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Merida Speeder S1 2013 $400
http://99bikes.com.au/merida-speeder-s1 ... green-2013#" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Apollo Trace 10/1.0 2014 $400
http://99bikes.com.au/apollo-trace-10-2014" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[rangersac]

I'd take the Malvern Star over the Merida out of that lot, basically on price as there's not much between them, but if you can take them both for a ride and see which you prefer. The Cell is too small for you, and the Apollo has poorer components.

[Destroid]

I'd take the Malvern Star over the Merida out of that lot, basically on price as there's not much between them, but if you can take them both for a ride and see which you prefer. The Cell is too small for you, and the Apollo has poorer components.

Cheers, Cell also have a similar bike in the biggest size (57cm) for $400 (http://www.this link is broken/BEST_Fitnes ... 00_dollars" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;), I'll be checking out Cell and 99bikes first because those stores are a lot easier for me to get to (on my trip to work).

[rangersac]

The Cell is pretty much on a par with the Malvern Star and Merida, except it uses road gearing set rather than a MTB one so the ratios are a bit higher. Not an issue unless you have to traverse a 10%+ gradient somewhere on your journey. I still suggest if you can taking them for a ride. Comfort is your biggest priority, there's no use in throwing money at something that you'll stop using after a while because it doesn't suit.

[rodneycc]

For another $50 go for this one at Cell. Super Cheap at the moment.

http://www.this link is broken/BEST_Fitnes ... Under_1000" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;?


Cheers Rod.

[rangersac]

For another $50 go for this one at Cell. Super Cheap at the moment.

+1 That is a cracking deal.