Good entry level bike?

[adham]

I'd like to get into a bit of riding - nothing heavy, just riding to the gym/station/bike paths and want to try out a road bike. I'm looking for a good entry level bike that will last me a while, but will cost me under $400 (low, I know).

I've found this progear bike, any thoughts?
https://www.progearbikes.com.au/product ... black-blue

Or this Reid bike (I can't tell if it has stem shifters, and how hard are these to use for a beginner? I've never used them before.)
https://www.reidcycles.com.au/condor-road-bike.html

Out of the two, which would be better value and last me a long time? (My family has had progear mountain bikes before and they've lasted more than 10 years without being kept in the best conditions, pretty entry level I would say - would this bike be the same? Will be better kept.) I'm also a fan of drop handlebars.

I feel unsure about buying second hand as I don't really know what is a good deal and what I'm looking for in a bike. Also don't have a car so buying off gumtree and whatnot without trying it out makes me a bit nervous.

Would anyone be able to give me any other suggestions if these two aren't what I should be looking for? Thank you!

[redsonic]

I can't really comment on the Progear, except to say that the componentry looks better than the Condor.
The Condor does not have a good reputation:
Reid Condor Review

Aldi brought out a road bike in your price range some months ago now. Not sure if they are planning to sell them again. I saw them at my local Aldi ages ago for $350.
Aldi Bike Review

At your budget, you probably should be looking second hand, if you can find a knowledgeable friend to come with you.

[tez001]

Something like this, which is a bit dearer will be better than the Progear or Condor

https://www.bicyclesonline.com.au/boa-s ... tic-damage

Or if you're a short fella,

http://www.amartsports.com.au/Product/B ... nuFrom=701

[Arbuckle23]

Something like this, which is a bit dearer will be better than the Progear or Condor

https://www.bicyclesonline.com.au/boa-s ... tic-damage

This is the bike Aldi sold. Good bike, did 3000 km on mine before upgraditis kicked in. Still got it as my backup bike.

[Thoglette]

I'd like to get into a bit of riding - nothing heavy, just riding to the gym/station/bike paths and want to try out a road bike. I'm looking for a good entry level bike that will last me a while, but will cost me under $400 (low, I know).

Why do you want to "try out a road bike"?

Road bikes are far from the best general purpose bikes out there, with skinny tyres, race-specific positioning and no room for sensible tyres or fenders.

Something like the (very cheap) Reid vintage roadster is a far more sensible choice for "normal" riding.

[OnTrackZeD]

Or if you're a short fella,

http://www.amartsports.com.au/Product/B ... nuFrom=701

This is cheap and a good price even at $800 to bad about the small sizing.

[koshari]

at a minimum regardless of new or used, at least get something with 8 speed cassette/freehub and claris/sora/tiagra shifters.

theoretically the tourney brifters arnt too bad however they will only be matched with a bike with a crappy tourney rear derauller and crappy 7 speed freewheel.

there are gazillians of older roadeys that pop up with sora 8 speed groupo or higher that would be better than the linked reid/progear.

[adham]

I can't really comment on the Progear, except to say that the componentry looks better than the Condor.
The Condor does not have a good reputation:
Reid Condor Review

Aldi brought out a road bike in your price range some months ago now. Not sure if they are planning to sell them again. I saw them at my local Aldi ages ago for $350.
Aldi Bike Review

At your budget, you probably should be looking second hand, if you can find a knowledgeable friend to come with you.

The Aldi bike looks great, exactly what I need and in my price range. Only issue I've seen reading the reviews is that it doesn't seem to be a suitable road bike for women, and I'm not quite knowledgeable enough to know how "unsuitable" it would be. I'd fit on a 54cm frame (the medium I believe), just not sure what the great hindrance would be.

[adham]

Something like this, which is a bit dearer will be better than the Progear or Condor

https://www.bicyclesonline.com.au/boa-s ... tic-damage

This is the bike Aldi sold. Good bike, did 3000 km on mine before upgraditis kicked in. Still got it as my backup bike.

Thanks for this. It seems perfect as I'm tending to swing from going for a great expensive bike to a cheaper bike because I'm not sure what will really suit my riding, but would theoretically want to get into much longer rides over time. This looks great, will have to look around for one.

[AUbicycles]

The Polygons from BicyclesOnline are generally good value for money.

As a bike for getting around, I too would ask whether a road bike with the curved drop bars is the right choice, instead would go for a city bike with flat handlebars. You can still be sporty but with more comfort.

Comfort is the main criteria in a bike, usually doesn't have to be a womens specified bike... rather you need to be confortable. On city bikes I often see reach as an issue for women where they are far more stretched to reach the bars so if the frame size is right, then a shorter stem or handlebars with a sweep can provide a more relaxed reach.

Saddles is also where there are typical anotomical differences, women typically need a wider saddle for better support of the sitbones.

A city bike also gives you are more upright than stretched riding position so is more confortable.

[Ivanerrol]

If you are in Melbourne, you can always go over to the Cycle Saloon in the Maribynong Pipework park.

They are a non profit organisation that repairs bikes and puts them up for sale.
They have lots of various bicycles.

Here's their URL : https://cyclesaloon.wordpress.com/

[alexrmiranda]

I've the same doubt... I'm thinking to buy a Reid Aquila. I saw that have another brand called progear.
Someone have a opinion to help with ?
Tks