Pls help me decide on a new bike!

[yawyawland]

Hi all!

I've been struggling to decide on a type of bike I need for my commute and hope you can help give me some advice.
I'm looking for a new bike for my 15km (one way) commute to work which I'm hoping to eventually ride 3-4 times a week, 30km a day.

The ride currently takes about an hour with 132 elevation gain (riding app told me so), and I suspect will include more hills since I started a new job last week. Most of my journey will be on bike paths with some road cycling in Melbourne city.

What I'm looking for is a faster ride so speed is a factor, as well as comfort and style. I love the vintage look and have test ridden a Tokyo Bike CS today which I thought was a nice and easy ride but not overly exciting. I have also tried a Surly Straggler which in my opinion may be an overkill for what I'm using it for, also, I think it's little chunky. Based on my research, a light/sport touring bike may also be suitable but I've not found any in Australia.

I'm quite small framed which also means a limited range of bikes available to me, such as the Somer.

These are the only few bikes that I'm currently considering and I would love your opinion on other bikes I should consider.

Thanks.

[Velt]

Malvern Star Oppy S1/S2 (I reccomend the S2)
Avanti Giro AR2

[yawyawland]

Thanks for the recommendation Velt,

I think the Malvern Star Oppy S2 is a good looking bike, unfortunately I don't think it comes in my size, 42 frame.

Again, do you think this is an overkill for commuting?

[Velt]

Thanks for the recommendation Velt,

I think the Malvern Star Oppy S2 is a good looking bike, unfortunately I don't think it comes in my size, 42 frame.

Again, do you think this is an overkill for commuting?

How tall are you?

And no, I personally don't think it's overkill. It's what I would buy. They've both got disc brakes for wet weather and rack and fender mounts so it ticks all the boxes. Other's may disagree.

[P!N20]

Jamis' Coda range are great commuter bikes: http://www.jamisbikes.com/usa/codaseries.html

(US site, but you get the idea.)

[Trevtassie]

https://www.bicyclesonline.com.au/2016- ... -city-bike

[Ivanerrol]

Here's my H.O.
Find a bike shop - not too big like a bike barn.
The sales people selling you the bike should look like they ride bikes.
They should ask you:
What do you want the bike for.
Your general physical condition fitness level - any ailments - back, knees arthritis.
Look at your flexibility.
The condition of your commute - (if you're after a commuter). Some bike paths are rougher than others.
Do you need lights, fenders, racks and/or panniers.
They can then make some sort of recommendation.
They should have a bike or selection thereof with which you can test out.
They should set this bike up for you before you take it for a spin.
You may decide on dedicated clothing. - make sure you factor this cost in.

If you decide to purchase a bike - make sure they include a free fitting.

Tryout various bike shops before you decide.

15k's one way is a nominal commute. Nearly an hour when you are first starting out.

[yawyawland]

thanks velt, I'm 5"3 (158cm), inside of my leg measures 73cm.
The smallest frame for the Malvern Star is 46.

Thanks for the advice Ivanerrol. I've been to about 5 bike shops and they all seem to have their own agenda; trying to sell me the bike they want to get rid off; including a tiny racer that the owner has built for his daughter whom will be away for another 3 years

It's difficult to find a bike that looks good (retro) and light (between 10-13kg), comes in my size (43/44), with a drop handle bar and available in Melbourne for test ride.

In any case, perhaps I should test ride few racers as well..

[yawyawland]

Has anyone had any experience with Wayward Nullabor bike?

The bike weighs 17kg complete in a box which in my opinion is on the heavier size; presuming packaging weighs couple of KGs.

Your thoughts?
https://www.waywardbicycle.com/products ... lete-build

[Velt]

Perhaps a custom steel frame may be better for you? Or even finding a frame in your size and then building it up with your choice of components

[P!N20]

Has anyone had any experience with Wayward Nullabor bike?

The bike weighs 17kg complete in a box which in my opinion is on the heavier size; presuming packaging weighs couple of KGs.

Your thoughts?
https://www.waywardbicycle.com/products ... lete-build

Looks alright, can't really understand why it weighs that much. Is that something you would be able to test ride before purchasing?

[yawyawland]

Good idea velt, I'll look into that.

Unfortunately no Pinzo, they dont have a distributor in victoria..

I guess I'll keep looking. Thanks everyone, let me know at anytime if you can think of another bike

[yawyawland]

Hi all, just an update.

Came across an Australian bike called Islington by Brown Jersey based in Sydney. Looks good where frameset uses Reynolds 725 CrMo, double butted.

Will test ride a size 49 in a week or so, hopefully it fits.

Had anyone had any experience with it?

cheers!!

[Tim]

Vivente World Randonneur make a very good touring and/or commuting bike.
XS size available, their sizing fits riders from 4'11" and up.
Commuter Cycles in Brunswick (amongst others) stock them.
Australian company with a very good reputation for customer support and an excellent product.
I have one for touring and have nothing but praise for the bike and maker. Quite a few members of this forum ride them.
http://viventebikes.com/
viewtopic.php?f=80&t=50053&start=300

[apatheticaf]

Hey yawyawland, what did you end up getting?

I found your thread after I too found and took the following for a test ride:
* Tokyobike CS https://omafiets.com.au/collections/tok ... assicsport $1020
* Brown Jersey Speakeasy https://www.brownjersey.com.au/shop/pro ... how/id/265 $1085
* Lekker Amsterdam https://www.lekkerbikes.com.au/product/ ... m-to-190cm $850
* Bobbin Noodle http://www.townbikepitstop.com.au/produ ... in-noodle/ $600
* and Reid Roller $500

I have a much shorter commute (7km each way) but quite hilly in bits. Same height as you and had the same experience with the bike shops. Tokyobike has been my favourite so far, so wondering if you went for it and how you've found it?