Buying my first bike, need help !

[Hidalgo]

Hi All,
I've been researching online for a bike for my self, this will be my first decent bike ! Previous bike was a cheap metal frame that weighed a ton..
So, in terms of use, i'll be mainly riding suburbia paved bike paths mainly with my young boys ( 8 and 6 yrs), and the occasional ride on roads for short trips (< 3kms) every fortnight. What i'm after is a low maintenance bike, hoping you guys can help recommend a decent brand / bike with the below specs, budget is AUD $1500 :

- Alloy Frame
- Hydraulic brakes
- Shimano Alfine IGH
- Full Black colour

so far only the Norco Indie IGH A8 fits my requirement and budget. Appreciate if i can get some reviews for this bike ? Also, will be great if i can get some recommendations for other bikes that match the above specs..
http://www.norco.com/bikes/city/urban/i ... h-a8-belt/

Many Thnx
Hidalgo

[RobertL]

I can't find any in plain black, but I know people who ride the

Polygon Path 8: http://www.polygonbikes.com/ww/bikes/de ... 18-path-i8

and a

Avanti Inc 2: http://www.avantibikes.com/cn/bikes/urb ... rban-bike/

Actually, he rides an Inc 3 with the 11 speed hub, but it is a bit dearer.

[grimbo]

I like the style of the Lekker bikes. Their commute series may be of interest?

eg,

Space blue belt drive $1398
https://www.lekkerbikes.com.au/product/ ... m-to-175cm

Matt Black Chain Drive $1098
https://www.lekkerbikes.com.au/product/ ... m-to-175cm

Silver with Nuvnci (infinitely variable) gears $1598
https://www.lekkerbikes.com.au/product/ ... m-to-175cm

[10speedsemiracer]

Felt also make an Alfine 8sp flat bar bike, but I don't know who stocks them any more.

There is a used bike for sale on BikeExchange which ticks all of your boxes although I think the seller is being a bit ambitious with asking price.

https://www.bikeexchange.com.au/a/urban ... /103235117

Also, it's in inner north of Melb, and I have no idea where you are.

[madmacca]

For that kind of money, a Giant Contend SL is going to give you more bike than your specs, especially if you look at 2017 models rather than 2018. Available in black with some colour highlights, rather than plain black.

[10speedsemiracer]

For that kind of money, a Giant Contend SL is going to give you more bike than your specs, especially if you look at 2017 models rather than 2018. Available in black with some colour highlights, rather than plain black.

I thought exactly the same and completely agree with you, but OP wants an Alfine8 IGH for some reason... ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

[eeksll]

For that kind of money, a Giant Contend SL is going to give you more bike than your specs, especially if you look at 2017 models rather than 2018. Available in black with some colour highlights, rather than plain black.

I thought exactly the same and completely agree with you, but OP wants an Alfine8 IGH for some reason... ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

IGH with belt drive, no drive train maintenance (that is what I think, not sure if true in practice). Would be great for commuting. Although I have read durability concerns of the alfine8 with belt drive due to high tension required or something like that.

Not the same bike as a contend.

[Hidalgo]

Felt also make an Alfine 8sp flat bar bike, but I don't know who stocks them any more.

There is a used bike for sale on BikeExchange which ticks all of your boxes although I think the seller is being a bit ambitious with asking price.

https://www.bikeexchange.com.au/a/urban ... /103235117

Also, it's in inner north of Melb, and I have no idea where you are.

Thnx !! Does look good but i'm in Sydney ...

[Hidalgo]

For that kind of money, a Giant Contend SL is going to give you more bike than your specs, especially if you look at 2017 models rather than 2018. Available in black with some colour highlights, rather than plain black.

I thought exactly the same and completely agree with you, but OP wants an Alfine8 IGH for some reason... ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

IGH with belt drive, no drive train maintenance (that is what I think, not sure if true in practice). Would be great for commuting. Although I have read durability concerns of the alfine8 with belt drive due to high tension required or something like that.

Not the same bike as a contend.

Firstly Thnx for all the replies guys, much appreciated.
Going for an internal gear hub as i need something low maintenance but agreed not a 100% sure hoe reliable these hubs are, especially belt driven.

Any comments on the Norco Indie A8 guys ?? This appears to be the only one available in stock and within my budget.
http://www.99bikes.com.au/bike18-norco- ... belt-green

[Hidalgo]

I like the style of the Lekker bikes. Their commute series may be of interest?

eg,

Space blue belt drive $1398
https://www.lekkerbikes.com.au/product/ ... m-to-175cm

Matt Black Chain Drive $1098
https://www.lekkerbikes.com.au/product/ ... m-to-175cm

Silver with Nuvnci (infinitely variable) gears $1598
https://www.lekkerbikes.com.au/product/ ... m-to-175cm

Thnx Grimbo, i did consider these when i first started researching online but not too sure re quality and reliability ?? Anyone here used or knows anyone who's used these bikes ??