First Bike (Commuter, Road, or Hybrid?)

[inanout]

Hi! looking for some advice for my first bike. Have never ridden one before but want to start.

My budget is around $400-$500, and I've more or less settle on either a Commuter, road or hybrid. But I don't know what kind of specs I should be looking at and whether I need to look at certain frames due to my weight (115kg/183cm), or what kind of brands are reliable at this kind of price range. It'll mostly be for getting around town and maybe a monthly trip or two.

I have a 99bikes store fairly close to my house, and a couple of them look pretty good, but I can't seem to find any reviews for these kind of cheaper bikes

http://www.99bikes.com.au/bike17-apollo ... lue-chrome
http://www.99bikes.com.au/radius-vista- ... ack-silver
http://www.99bikes.com.au/apollo-exceed ... slate-blue

[fergy1987]

Out of those 3 I'd be selecting the Apollo Exceed - however I think for that price point you would get more bike for your buck if you bought second hand.

If you are just going to ride around town and like the idea of sitting more upright for a casual ride the flat bar road bikes are a good place to start. Just be warned that if you really catch the bug you will end up wanting a road bike and will want to upgrade. Then again its really about trying out the bikes and see which feels comfortable for you

My bike history has gone from Mountain bike to Flat Bar Road Bike and now looking for a proper road bike because the flat bar gets a bit too casual for me as I am trying to do longer rides etc. But everyone is different.

Maybe look at trying to pick up something like a Giant Cross City - they go alright.

[rodneycc]

Yeah another vote for the Apollo Exceed out of those. The Hybrids aren't very good for anything imo. Straight rigid fork is the way to go over the suspension fork at that price point. Hopefully the guys at 99 bikes can fit you up to the bike and go over everything for you. That might be more important than the bike itself! (e.g right size and right advice).

[Thoglette]

Hi! looking for some advice for my first bike. Have never ridden one before but want to start.

I'm with others: get a used bike first. Bikes are quite role specific and that's before you start looking at personal preferences.

What sort of riding are you planning on doing? Where are you riding to? Is the area hilly or flat?

Of the three bikes listed I'd only recommend the Vista for a first bike. Why? fat tyres and flat bars ticks two of my four "must have" boxes. The lack of mudguards and lack of rack are both negatives for a general purpose bike. E.g. the Reid Vintage Roadster is better and cheaper general purpose bike. But it's heavier and more cheaply built. You wouldn't chose it if you want to do "sports" bunch riding on the weekend (you'll quickly decide you need drop bars). Never mind single track mountain biking!

To some degree you've just got to bite the bullet and go ride. You'll soon work out what sort of bike (or bikes) best suits your needs.

[inanout]

I'm with others: get a used bike first. Bikes are quite role specific and that's before you start looking at personal preferences.

What sort of riding are you planning on doing? Where are you riding to? Is the area hilly or flat?

Yeah, used market sounds like a good place to start. But are there any models in particular I should go for or brands I should stick to? For now, I'm just planning to ride around town, so it'll be mostly flat and sometimes hilly.

Which features should I be looking out for though besides fat tyres/flat handles? I look through the spec sheet for these bikes and I have no idea what I'm looking at. Is it better for the frame/fork to be steel or alloy or carbon?

And for the Reid bike for example, the tyres are Kenda Kwest 700 x 35c Black, I think 700 means the diamater and 35 refers to the width, but does that mean the tyres are exceptionally big? Because aren't they usually 21/23/25?

Thank all of you for the advice so far though, I really appreciate it!!

[Thoglette]

Yeah, used market sounds like a good place to start. But are there any models in particular I should go for or brands I should stick to?

Brand is less important than it seems: just avoid the bike-shaped-objects flogged by K-mart and Target. Especially ones with "hi tech" features (like shocks and discs).

For now, I'm just planning to ride around town, so it'll be mostly flat and sometimes hilly.
Which features should I be looking out for though besides fat tyres/flat handles? I look through the spec sheet for these bikes and I have no idea what I'm looking at.

In short: plain is good. A used "city bike" from a bike brand (Giant, specialised etc) /bike chain (TBE, Reid etc) will do nicely. The original price will be a guide to what to expect. You probably want some gears. You definitely DO NOT want a "fixie".

The main thing is that the brakes work; the wheels are round; the tyres hold air and the chain/gear system is functional. Reflectors and a bell are mandatory. Lights are almost a necessity but can be added for a few dollars.

It helps if the bike fits, at least mostly. Beware of bike stores trying to sell you last year's model in a much too-small or too-large size!

Is it better for the frame/fork to be steel or alloy or carbon?

There's a question that's launched a thousand threads and then some!

It doesn't matter that much. But you're first bike is likely to be a aluminium or carbon steel one, just for cost reasons.

And for the Reid bike for example, the tyres are Kenda Kwest 700 x 35c Black, I think 700 means the diamater and 35 refers to the width, but does that mean the tyres are exceptionally big? Because aren't they usually 21/23/25?

The tyre is notionally 700mm, but it's actually about 692mm (35 + 622 + 35) as the rim is 622 mm. Sheldon Brown talks tyre sizing here.

Big is relative: we've been through a few decades of really skinny tyres but the pendulum is swinging back to saner values. (I'm old enough to consider 32mm "normal").

[inanout]

In short: plain is good. A used "city bike" from a bike brand (Giant, specialised etc) /bike chain (TBE, Reid etc) will do nicely. The original price will be a guide to what to expect. You probably want some gears. You definitely DO NOT want a "fixie".

The main thing is that the brakes work; the wheels are round; the tyres hold air and the chain/gear system is functional. Reflectors and a bell are mandatory. Lights are almost a necessity but can be added for a few dollars.

Sooo... do these look okay?
https://www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/melbour ... 1170965674

https://www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/melbour ... 1171424493

https://www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/melbour ... 1170426402

[10speedsemiracer]

In short: plain is good. A used "city bike" from a bike brand (Giant, specialised etc) /bike chain (TBE, Reid etc) will do nicely. The original price will be a guide to what to expect. You probably want some gears. You definitely DO NOT want a "fixie".

The main thing is that the brakes work; the wheels are round; the tyres hold air and the chain/gear system is functional. Reflectors and a bell are mandatory. Lights are almost a necessity but can be added for a few dollars.

Sooo... do these look okay?
https://www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/melbour ... 1170965674

https://www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/melbour ... 1171424493

https://www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/melbour ... 1170426402

I'm with the others, in that a used bike is the way to go, preferably something from the better known brands. Of the 3 gumtree bikes you've listed, (I'll try to be polite in case the sellers are perusing), the first one can be ignored, the Giant has suspension forks which you don't need, and the Shogun Trailbreaker is old but surprisingly the best of the lot depending on how much work it needs.

Maybe aim for something newer. Keep an eye out for things like Kona Dew (Dew Deluxe) or Fuji Absolute. Very decent bikes at your price range.

[inanout]

Maybe aim for something newer. Keep an eye out for things like Kona Dew (Dew Deluxe) or Fuji Absolute. Very decent bikes at your price range.

Thank you for the advice! Would have gotten absolutely nowhere just by myself. I'll keep your suggestions in mind

[Kronos]

Don't ride a hybrid... They're an old mans bike... Not much good at anything. At your price point of $300 to $500 you'd be better off looking for a second hand CAAD or a Giant TCR in your frame size if you're interested in road bikes, or something of decent brand in a hardtail mountain bike if you want something to ride in the dirt. Don't use 99bikes either, they're not a real bike store.

[rodneycc]

As much as I don't like Hybrids the second one (2014 Giant Roam 0) is actually a pretty good spec. Full 10 speed Deore, a good Aluxx Frame plus good discs, you can't go past that for $400. Definitely my pick out of those 3. It would be a good first bike. Upgrade the fork later if you really wanted to...Just make sure it fits for your height (you might be slightly too tall at 183cm)and it test rides well.
183cm tall is usually about a ML or L frame 56cm-58cm as a rough guide I'd say.

[10speedsemiracer]

Depending on size, this sort of thing will be perfect.

https://www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/southba ... 1171518029

If you've decided on a flat bar road bike, avoid the stuff with suspension forks or triple chainrings or the el cheapo generic stuff (Reid/Samson/Iamfree etc, there's a reason they're cheap).

Instead find an appropriate used flat bar like a Giant CRX One, Fuji Absolute, Apollo Allegro (bit older), Norco, Kona Dew, which should cost around $200-ish and then spend a little bit getting it serviced and maybe new tyres/tubes for peace of mind, and enjoy.

They usually have quicker rolling tyres than Mountain-bikes, more appropriate gearing, are significantly lighter. Actually the more I think about it, the more I think the Giant I've linked would be ideal.

Good luck.

[DavidS]

That Giant looks good - get the correct frame size as too small a frame can break. Flat bar roadie is my recommendation too. I had a Giant CRX2 and it was great. Replaced with a Cannondale flat bar and now also have a drop bar bike. For commuting the flat bar is fine so I alternate the flat bar and drop bar commuting (which is 95% of my riding) and use the drop bar for long rides.

Also second hand can be great as many bikes get bought, not ridden much, and then sold. You may end up with a bike with very few KMs on it.

Unless you're mountain biking avoid suspension forks, more to break and more weight you just don't need.

DS

[Mububban]

Don't use 99bikes either, they're not a real bike store.

What on earth does that mean?

[Kronos]

Don't use 99bikes either, they're not a real bike store.

What on earth does that mean?

Its a corporate shell company for Flight Centre.... What you are buying if you go with 99bikes is a Franchise for Flight Centre. Its a simple and very greedy way for big business to make money off bikes and most of their staff who don't come from bike backgrounds would not have a clue about anything.

Don't buy fro 99bikes they're the enemy.

[baabaa]

Don't use 99bikes either, they're not a real bike store.

What on earth does that mean?

Its a corporate shell company for Flight Centre.... What you are buying if you go with 99bikes is a Franchise for Flight Centre. Its a simple and very greedy way for big business to make money off bikes and most of their staff who don't come from bike backgrounds would not have a clue about anything.

Don't buy fro 99bikes they're the enemy.

So enemy is the best of what you really think.
Mate, quick tip for free, seems that you just come here to BNA just to bellyache and try and crow about how much you know. Drop it, you really offer little to help others here on this forum but you certainly do come across as a fool in doing so.
GO for a ride, learn real stuff, read and try to understand what others here may post and then you maybe able to help when you start to know what you are talking about not what you think you know.(Disclosure, I have no connection to 99bikes).

[Kronos]

What on earth does that mean?

Its a corporate shell company for Flight Centre.... What you are buying if you go with 99bikes is a Franchise for Flight Centre. Its a simple and very greedy way for big business to make money off bikes and most of their staff who don't come from bike backgrounds would not have a clue about anything.

Don't buy fro 99bikes they're the enemy.

So enemy is the best of what you really think.
Mate, quick tip for free, seems that you just come here to BNA just to bellyache and try and crow about how much you know. Drop it, you really offer little to help others here on this forum but you certainly do come across as a fool in doing so.
GO for a ride, learn real stuff, read and try to understand what others here may post and then you maybe able to help when you start to know what you are talking about not what you think you know.(Disclosure, I have no connection to 99bikes).

Eh? Where did that one come from, you haven't been around me for 5seconds and you've decided what I do and don't know... Who's the arrogant twat here. I don't know you, and I don't pretend that I would like to get to know you. Pro tip: Next time you want to admonish someone think twice about it.... What did your mother tell you about saying things if you don't have anything better to say at all.

Anyhow... considering I have a sum total of 1 post per day I highly doubt I'm annoying anyone here.

[10speedsemiracer]

Ummm, not quite. I've noticed some weird posts in inappropriate places as well.

Even in just this thread, you've suggested to OP (who is new to cycling) that he buy a TCR or CAAD (too aggressive for a new rider) and that a flat bar road bike is an old man's bike thereby injecting your opinion into the thread as opposed to anything helpful.

[Kronos]

Ummm, not quite. I've noticed some weird posts in inappropriate places as well.

Even in just this thread, you've suggested to OP (who is new to cycling) that he buy a TCR or CAAD (too aggressive for a new rider) and that a flat bar road bike is an old man's bike thereby injecting your opinion into the thread as opposed to anything helpful.

Save your personal values judgement for yourself. Saying a bike is too aggressive is even more problematic and limiting.

[10speedsemiracer]

Thanks for that, needed a chortle.

[Kronos]

Thanks for that, needed a chortle.

As to the comment the person in question did say they were comparing the three. On a personal level I wouldn't bother with the other two unless its made exceedingly obvious that the person wants a bike just to get around on while having no further interest in bikes what so ever.

Other than that sure work into 99bikes and pick something off the rack in your size and never be any wiser about the matter, or anything to do with bikes. Don't listen to the fact that you won't get much of a bike at all for $500 or to consult with what bikes of high quality are better value second hand as compared to anything you could get at 99bikes.

[10speedsemiracer]

Read the thread properly. No-one advocated that he walk into 99bikes or anywhere else with his $400 and buy whatever. Most have advised him to buy used and have even provided relevant examples.

[Kronos]

I'll reiterate what I said since you took contention with it I'll also elaborate. Don't buy a hybrid, in fact don't buy six of one half a dozen of the other bike unless you have no interest in furthering your pathway in cycling in one direction or the other... Then for the simple purpose of getting from point A to point B then consider a hybrid, commuter, or an old mountain bike frame without suspension.

There are really only (or should be) five types of bikes

Track: incluses fixies, etc..
Road: includes touring, tri, etc..
Mountain bike: hard or soft tail.
CX
BMX

No in between bikes unless you have no interest in cycling as a sport or hobby what so ever, no recumbents either unless you have a special need for one... In my case and only my case so N=1 here. I bought an old touring road bike because at the age of 33 I had no interest in furthering myself as an athlete but I still enjoy going fast on bikes and its cheap. I have had the habit of growing up learning things from people with far more knowledge than what I have. But thats OK these days you can buy an old frameset off anyone and learn how to put it together on Youtube.

The invariable problem with an in between bike is that you'll come back invariably in either 6months or 2years and say you either want a full mountain bike, a CX bike or a road bike, then you'll have to sell your in between bike at a loss and buy something else instead. No side grading... always upgrading.

[10speedsemiracer]

the OP posted seeking help and listed Hybrid as one of his options. New riders, whom we should be encouraging, often find it easier to start with a flat bar bike for various reasons,mostly ease of use and comfortable riding geometry. The bike I recommended as an example would be perfect for OP who provided that he is 183cm and 115kg. A TCR as you suggested, is probably a bit too race-oriented for a new rider with geometry designed for responsiveness and 25mm tyres. Not conducive to comfort and easy riding.

[10speedsemiracer]

And if someone likes their Hybrid bike, how does that affect you? European streets are literally full of hybrid bikes and I would comfortably argue that commuter cycling in Europe is far more prevalent than in Aus.