*Help* First Road Bike - MBC Alloytech Ultra R4?

[Gio]

Hi Ladies and Gents,

It's my first post on here so I would like to thank you all for the information I have been reading before signing up.

I have looked at threads relating to first time buyers and I have read some really useful information, maybe too much

I have been looking around for a bike for a while now and I want to get into riding because I am sick and tired of being inactive,I used to be a sport fanatic

I live in Brisbane (Auchenflower) where it is quiet hilly and am looking for a bike that can take on the hills but also perform on flat roads.

I have been looking at the MBC R4 because it is in my price range for a first bike ($900.00) and has been discounted down from $1499.00

Carbon forks and handlebar, Shimano Tiagra (2011) set up 11-25T 9 Speed with a Shimano RS20 wheel set.

This is offered online and obviously I need to get measured up to see what size would suit me.

From what I have read a lot of riders strongly suggest that I should buy my first bike from an LBC?

What are your thoughts on buying this bike online and what do you think, will this bike suit me?

I'm having a bit of an information overload so your thoughts on this specific bike would be much appreciated.

Thanks in advance,

Chris.

[briztoon]

Hi Chris,

The reason why many people suggest buying your first bike from a store is because you get the bike fit included in the retail price. This is not just the store making sure you have the right size frame, but making adjustments to seat hight and position (set back I think is the correct term), same with the handle bars and possibly stem length.

If you buy online, you are probably still going to have to take the bike in to a store to get a correct fit which is still going to cost extra.

I'm not sure if you can up or budget just a little, but I think you should consider looking at 2011 Cannondale with Tiagra for around $980.
http://www.bikeexchange.com.au/bikes/li ... omens%5D=1
Hopefully they have one in your size.

[Gio]

Hi Briztoon,

Thanks for the reply and link mate. I will try and get to planet cycles on the way home from work and have a look at this bike and see what they can offer me, hopefully they have other sizes because I won't be a large. $980.00 and then an extra $200.00 or so for perks and I will still need to buy shoes, a helmet and peddles so I'm guessing a total of around $1400.00 or more for the Cannondale.

I guess both bikes will work out at around the same price after postage and fitting on the MBC (if not the MBC might even be more expensive).

Are there any others I should look at in a similar price range?

Do you have any experience dealing with Plant Cycles at Woolloongabba?

Thanks.

Chris.

[briztoon]

Hi Chris,

It might be an idea to phone around and see if any of the Cannondale dealers have a frame in your size left in stock.

Maybe checkout Giant and see what bikes they have in your price range. Looks like most brands are just out of your price range if you looking for a bike with Tiagra. I'm not sure if you can or are willing to go a bit higher or not. I'm also not sure how the 2011 9 speed Tiagra will go with upgrading componentry now that Tiagra has gone to 10 speed in 2012. Basically you will need to replace parts of the groupset over time as they ware out.

[Gio]

Cheers mate, thanks for sharing the link.

I didn't have time to go last night but I will go tomorrow night as they are open later.

I'll let you know how I go.

Cheers.

[jules21]

that sounds like a great deal.

re: sizing. bikes come in only a few sizes, it's not rocket science. use an online fit calculator to be sure.

if you're lucky, an LBS might do more fine tuning, but i've never enjoyed that service. i recently bought a high end bike and was shuffled out the door after the guy fiddled with the seat post height and got it all wrong. they're usually busy and distracted. i had no objections as it's easy to adjust it yourself (including with online advice).

i think that MBC is an ideal first bike.

[Gio]

Thanks for the reply. It looks like they have stocked out of the MBC R4 for the time being. After all, I think after getting a fit and what not it would only work out a bit cheaper then buying something from an LBC.

I went to Planet Cycles today and got measured up and was helped for over an hour and a half, the service was really good. I learned a lot and the salesman was really helpful and not pushy at all and took the time to explain things to me which I really appreciated.

Everything with Tiagra (2012) was over $1500.00.

I was measured up as a size 52.

In-seam 52.3 and torso/arm 52.7

I was recommended the following:

EMC R2.4 (2012) with Shimano 105 20 speed, Shimano FC 56 50 Crank and EMC racing wheels with Vittoria Rubino tires at $1350.00 rrp 1499.00

Specialized Allez C2 (2012) with Tiagra 10 speed complete group set with DT Axis wheels and Specialized tires at $1350.00 rrp 1499

and finally the Cannondale CAAD8 6 with Tiagra 10 speed but it would be a size 54 or 51 for around $100 less then the above.

Are these prices competitive, I also have to buy a helmet, shoes and peddles...

[BrisVegas]

There are lots of choices in decent alloy bikes under $1500. The Oppy A5 is another worth considering too.

I've been happy with my EMC and that 2.4 with 105 seems quite reasonable value. Specialised and Cannondale are probably better known brands, with more cred etc, but really it comes down to which ones feels the nicest to ride. You can always upgrade wheels and components later on if you manage to avoid upgraditis!

Good luck with the test riding and your decision.

EDIT: I gotta admit if I was looking at spending $1500, I'd be tempted to bracket creep up to $1700 and get a CAAD10!

[The 2nd Womble]

MBC? Aren't they French? I haven't heard of them since the '80's

[jules21]

that's MBK. i think MBC is Melbourne Bicycle Centre

[Gio]

There are lots of choices in decent alloy bikes under $1500. The Oppy A5 is another worth considering too.

I've been happy with my EMC and that 2.4 with 105 seems quite reasonable value. Specialised and Cannondale are probably better known brands, with more cred etc, but really it comes down to which ones feels the nicest to ride. You can always upgrade wheels and components later on if you manage to avoid upgraditis!

Good luck with the test riding and your decision.

EDIT: I gotta admit if I was looking at spending $1500, I'd be tempted to bracket creep up to $1700 and get a CAAD10!

I have to stick with my budget because I know it will blow out on accessories.

What size did you go for Brisvegas, did you get the 2011?

[Big_Red]

You're sure to have noticed if you have a look at the prices on that interweb thingie, that lots of stores will be discounting their 2011 stock, by around the
20% - 40% mark. Some more knowledgable people in the forums here may know if there is much of difference between the 2011 & 2012 frames & componentry but the 2011 stuff may give the best bang for your buck. Bums on Bikes at Strathpine have some 2011 Cannondales & Azzurri's on sale at the moment. Having only bought gear online from them and never been there for a bike fit I cannot tell you if the service is comparable to Planet Cycles (where i bought my Giant mtb, but that was in 2008). Sub $1500 bikes in 2011 are going for $900 - $1200 now. Mostly tiagra groupsets, but the odd 105 if you are lucky. Frankly, while 105 would have better longevity over the tiagra & smoother shifting, if you are commuting and not racing, tiagra should be fine. Bear in mind rule #58.

Expect to pay sub $300 for decent quality helmet, shoes & pedals. I bought a Giro helmet from the UK for ~$90, which retails here at LBS for ~$160, fairly basic shimano mtb shoes (size eu52 scarce as hen's teeth in this size) cost me $120, and a shimano m520 SPD cost ~$40. I got the MTB stuff as i ride mtb & road and i didn't want to look like a dork with road gear on the mtb (see rule#34). Doing mtb gear on a road bike is apparently not altogether frowned upon but YMMV.

Finally, watch out for rule#5

*rules: http://www.velominati.com/the-rules/

[The 2nd Womble]

that's MBK. i think MBC is Melbourne Bicycle Centre

I remembered that literally just now

[Gio]

You're sure to have noticed if you have a look at the prices on that interweb thingie, that lots of stores will be discounting their 2011 stock, by around the
20% - 40% mark. Some more knowledgable people in the forums here may know if there is much of difference between the 2011 & 2012 frames & componentry but the 2011 stuff may give the best bang for your buck. Bums on Bikes at Strathpine have some 2011 Cannondales & Azzurri's on sale at the moment. Having only bought gear online from them and never been there for a bike fit I cannot tell you if the service is comparable to Planet Cycles (where i bought my Giant mtb, but that was in 2008). Sub $1500 bikes in 2011 are going for $900 - $1200 now. Mostly tiagra groupsets, but the odd 105 if you are lucky. Frankly, while 105 would have better longevity over the tiagra & smoother shifting, if you are commuting and not racing, tiagra should be fine. Bear in mind rule #58.

Expect to pay sub $300 for decent quality helmet, shoes & pedals. I bought a Giro helmet from the UK for ~$90, which retails here at LBS for ~$160, fairly basic shimano mtb shoes (size eu52 scarce as hen's teeth in this size) cost me $120, and a shimano m520 SPD cost ~$40. I got the MTB stuff as i ride mtb & road and i didn't want to look like a dork with road gear on the mtb (see rule#34). Doing mtb gear on a road bike is apparently not altogether frowned upon but YMMV.

Finally, watch out for rule#5

*rules: http://www.velominati.com/the-rules/

This was very helpful and was the laugh I needed on this never ending Friday afternoon.

Thanks for the great advice. I think the EMC is the better pick because of the components.

[teak81]

I bought the best bike that i could afford and then bought all the accessories later as i went. So i put a cheap set of pedals on the bike and straps then upgraded to clippless. Same with the jersey's i bought them as i went, so as to not have to get a cheaper bike , i just waited for the accessories, as they all add up and i would of ended up getting a $100 bike, so i just made do to make the initial purchase better.

[jasonc]

1. buy the helmet is australia. it needs ADR approval.
2. shoes/pedals - buy the pedals OS if the shop won't give you a good price. shoes - buy the first pair here so you know your size/fit.

don't forget all the accessories you'll need
lights, seat bag, tubes, tyre levers, pump for home, pump for your bike, chain lube
and if you're commuting, either a decent bag (cannot recommend my deuter with air-comfort enough) or panniers
you're in brissy, more than happy to have a chat about the how's and wheres.

[Gio]

So the EMC is in available due to supply issues. I have been offered a C5 Specialized frame with Shimano 105 group set for 1250.00, I'm going to go check the specifics now.

[BrisVegas]

There are lots of choices in decent alloy bikes under $1500. The Oppy A5 is another worth considering too.

I've been happy with my EMC and that 2.4 with 105 seems quite reasonable value. Specialised and Cannondale are probably better known brands, with more cred etc, but really it comes down to which ones feels the nicest to ride. You can always upgrade wheels and components later on if you manage to avoid upgraditis!

Good luck with the test riding and your decision.

EDIT: I gotta admit if I was looking at spending $1500, I'd be tempted to bracket creep up to $1700 and get a CAAD10!

I have to stick with my budget because I know it will blow out on accessories.

What size did you go for Brisvegas, did you get the 2011?

Mine's an XL, which I think is 58cm. I'm 188cm tall, 105 kgs.

[Gio]

I'm a size 52 on the dot pretty much. Comes with the 105 group set except the crank. Decided on the Shimano 105 pedals and am getting an S Works helmet. I'm getting it on Thursday and am so keen for a ride, I can't wait to feel my chest burning and my hamstrings burning :p the joys of getting fit again...

[Gio]

Yesterday I went to pick up my bike and get fitted at Planet Cycles.
I was very happy with the time Anthony put into getting this bike perfect for me and the way he explained everything.
They had a 52 made up and put me on it and started fitting me. Turns out I'm a 54! That wasn't a problem, they quickly changed the components around and then fitted me to the 54 which felt a lot better and they took the time to fit me perfectly to the bike. I was really impressed with the service and information I was receiving.

I can't wait to go for a ride this weekend, I just need some of those sexy Lycra shorts...

[Big_Red]

I can't wait to go for a ride this weekend, I just need some of those sexy Lycra shorts...

Gratz on getting your new bike mate, you should be able to get on it this weekend and rack up a few km, weather should be nice.

There ain't nothing wrong with knicks - you'll certainly feel unsexy if wearing normal shorts doing longer rides and the associated chafing!
It's more about the functionality than the looks anyway.

[Gio]

Hey big red, I ended up getting some riding pants, best thing I did. I did 35km yesterday in two sessions, my body let me know how unfit I was. Was a lot of fun though.