Need opinion for first road bike

[suencien]

Hi guys,

I noticed there's now a sale at wiggle and so I decide to get my first road bike.

From the so many choices, I managed to pick three that are most suitable for my budget. The only problem is picking the best one out of the three. I so so need your expert opinion on this one.

They are:
- Prorace Moros Ultegra 2011
- Moser Bikes 111 Ultegra 2011
- BH Bikes Prisma 7.8 Ultegra 2011

Which one would you pick if you were me?

Thank you for your help guys!

Cheers,

Andry

[mtb159]

If possible I would go to a bike shop and look, sit or ride each of those bikes to see what you think is the best for you.

Alex

[wombatK]

None of the above. If you can't work it out by yourself, you need to buy some professional advice at a nearby LBS.

[toppity]

I'd be buggered if I'd buy a bike from overseas. If something goes wrong I want to be able to get it fixed on the spot at the LBS. LBS helps with tweeking the setup and making sure everything is correct before you go as well.

[toppity]

Oh yeah....if is was looking for a first bike i'd get a CAAD10 with 105. They should be cheap around the traps at the moment.

[im_no_pro]

+1 to buying your first bike locally. Only buy a bike sight unseen from the other side of the world if you know exactly what dimensions you need. Try having a look on Bike Exchange to see what deals are available locally. 2012 models are starting to hit the stores so the bargains will be out there.

And keep in mind that if you do go down the Wiggle path, anything over $1k will attract extra charges from customs (GST at least, I think complete bikes may be exempt from import duties, but don't hold me to that)

[ValleyForge]

Never buy a whole bike online unless you really know how to set one up and you are confident in what dimensions you need. It's a big mistake if you do.

A decent LBS will not only look after you but be there to tweak it as time goes by. Warranty concerns too are all sorted out.

[brendeng]

Try having a look on Bike Exchange to see what deals are available locally. 2012 models are starting to hit the stores so the bargains will be out there.

And keep in mind that if you do go down the Wiggle path, anything over $1k will attract extra charges from customs (GST at least, I think complete bikes may be exempt from import duties, but don't hold me to that)

These points are both excellent advice.

I asked customs about importing a bike when I got my Look 695, they told me to be on a safe side with GST and Import Duty to bank on 20% on top of purchase price for charges on the way in to Australia.

Bike Exchange is a great place to find a bargain, and it is the right time of year for them.

The other suggestions about needing to know your size and dimensions, and to the millimeter are also right when It comes to getting a bike, if you make a mistake on size and have to send it back, most places will make you cover all the return costs, or if you need to change bars, stems, cranks etc etc etc to make it fit then it turns out not to be a great bargin.

Giant offers great value for money in Australia (that was my first bike), check out your local Giant dealer, you could be surprised !!

(I will qualify this advice by saying I got my first bike at a local bike shop, built my next 2 after buying frames in Australia, but all parts oversea’s, then got my most recent as a complete bike in Australia through bikeexchange as I couldn’t have built it myself through parts from oversea’s at anywhere near the same price)

[Seabreeze]

Giant offers great value for money in Australia (that was my first bike), check out your local Giant dealer, you could be surprised !!

+1

Buy the best Giant you can afford!

[ValleyForge]

My LBS says the same thing. New models on the way and things at the shops are quiet after people have spent their tax refunds!

August/September is is good haggling time. When the weather warms up, they are less likely to bargain!

[Dr.Nate]

+1 for the best giant you can afford,

Just bought my first road bike a Giant defy composite 2012 and I'm very happy... Great comfort for someone new to road bikes. The guys at mc cyclery were great in their help etc ....

[stinhambo]

I saw a Defy Composite 3 with 10 speed Tiagra today (black) for $1,700. Thinking this would be a great first road bike.

But something inside me lusts after a CAAD10!

[Mainee]

A Giant Defy 1 2010 was my first road bike after deciding to get some extra miles in the legs to help with training for the Otway Odyssey. I enjoyed the road bike so much, that I've recently upgraded to a full carbon Ultegra bike.

So I guess my advice would to be buy something that is going to allow you to enjoy riding, but not put you too much out of pocket if you don't stick with it.

But be aware that you'll probably want to upgrade your first road bike with 12-24 months after buying. I always like getting new toys.

[redcorpsjames]

The moser looks like the best option to me from the bikes you are showing, however I buy all my bikes locally because of the service. Can I just say that I purchased my first bike from my lbs in 2009 for its full price. After buying four bikes over the past years I purchased a new bike today for 40% off all because of my relationship with my lbs. It may not be worth it now, but when you upgrade (and you will upgrade) it will be worth it then. . . .

[ozdavo]

I saw a Defy Composite 3 with 10 speed Tiagra today (black) for $1,700. Thinking this would be a great first road bike.

Happened to be in a local Giant dealer today who has 20% all road bikes... incl. 2012 stock... these are $1360... amazing price!