Bike recommendations for a beginner
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Bike recommendations for a beginner
Postby chris268 » Sun Aug 12, 2012 10:08 am
First post
I haven't owned a bike in a very long time and was looking at getting soon for the short commute to the gym from home. At the same time I wanted to move cardio exercise outdoors and give mtb trails a go (novice/beginner runs). Can you guys recommend me a bike under $1000 and maybe a few bike shops in Syd I should check out? Something capable offroad but still alright for commuting. One bike I was recommend was a Trek 4500 - anyone have feedback on these? Once again, I'm a total noob so feedback, info, opinions would be appreciated
Cheers
Chris
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Re: Bike recommendations for a beginner
Postby mitzikatzi » Sun Aug 12, 2012 5:22 pm
Find a bike shop you like and buy from them.
Have a look on bike exchange for bikes in your area.
Lots of bike sales coming up as next years models start to come out.
some general advice Buying a bike: Some general advice for new riders
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Re: Bike recommendations for a beginner
Postby Mugglechops » Sun Aug 12, 2012 7:53 pm
Have a look at the Talon. For a newbie I would recommend a 26er over a 29er.
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Re: Bike recommendations for a beginner
Postby chris268 » Sun Aug 12, 2012 8:41 pm
I'll have a read of that link and look into the Talon also.
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Re: Bike recommendations for a beginner
Postby chris268 » Mon Aug 13, 2012 9:25 am
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Re: Bike recommendations for a beginner
Postby silentbutdeadly » Mon Aug 13, 2012 9:47 am
Given you suggestion of your needs...I'd not be going for a MTB. I'd recommend a cross communter like the GT Transeo 2.0 or even the slightly higher spec 1.0. They'll do everything bar the big drops and rock gardens while the fat 700c tyres don't have the rolling resistance of a MTB tyre. You'll get one for well under your budget too. Sydney has plenty of GT dealers.
Failing that, Cannondale has the similar Quick CX but there's not much chance it'll be within your budget...damn fine bike though.
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Re: Bike recommendations for a beginner
Postby trailgumby » Mon Aug 13, 2012 9:16 pm
An mtb is a perfectly workable - if slower - commuter.
However, a flatbar ... yes you could use on some of the fire trails around my way, but it's going to be an uncomfortable and harsh experience. I see people attempt it, but it's rare unless the trails've just been graded, which seems to happen once every 3-4 years.
As for CX, the guys I know with them are pretty hard men ... and they don't use them that often except when a CX series round is coming up, such as the MWCC one at Terrey Hills.
Personally I reckon a good hardtail can be had for that kind of money, and a 29er is the way to go if you're skipping rear suspension. Avanti have some that look like great value, like the Scratch.
Fit some skinny slicks and it's not that much slower than a flatbar.
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Re: Bike recommendations for a beginner
Postby wurtulla wabbit » Mon Aug 13, 2012 9:34 pm
Great fun, mostly beach side pavement trails and road. (the odd gratuitous wheelie thrown in for fun ! )
Different to my roady but nice change to the more serious roady.
Great for a commuter, in fact , if I wanted a commuter, it wouldn't be a full on road bike.
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Re: Bike recommendations for a beginner
Postby silentbutdeadly » Tue Aug 14, 2012 9:55 am
I suspect our disagreement is a horses for courses proposition. In my part of the country, a fat 700c tyre will go a long way quickly virtually anywhere around here. It ain't the smoothest ride but it is a hoot even before we get into CX racing. But in your part of the world...agreed - it would be a tricky proposition for many a typical Sydney sandstone fire trail. But other cities? Melbourne; Adelaide; Brisbane; Perth....many regional centres across the country...very different from Sydney. You are right though - a 29er wearing 700x42 (or thereabouts) tyres would be a fine compromise between our two positions...trailgumby wrote:Hmm.. sorry, gotta disagree SBD.
An mtb is a perfectly workable - if slower - commuter.
However, a flatbar ... yes you could use on some of the fire trails around my way, but it's going to be an uncomfortable and harsh experience. I see people attempt it, but it's rare unless the trails've just been graded, which seems to happen once every 3-4 years.
As for CX, the guys I know with them are pretty hard men ... and they don't use them that often except when a CX series round is coming up, such as the MWCC one at Terrey Hills.
Personally I reckon a good hardtail can be had for that kind of money, and a 29er is the way to go if you're skipping rear suspension. Avanti have some that look like great value, like the Scratch.
Fit some skinny slicks and it's not that much slower than a flatbar.
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Re: Bike recommendations for a beginner
Postby bychosis » Tue Aug 14, 2012 10:06 am
If I had you budget and (I assume) your idea of what you want to ride I'd be getting a 29" hardtail. I won't recommend a particular bike but visit your lbs (more than one) and see what 29ers are available, most brands should have something in your budget. Pick one that fits well and from a shop that gives you good service as well.
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Re: Bike recommendations for a beginner
Postby JustJames » Tue Aug 14, 2012 10:45 am
And as others have said, if you are going to venture offroad, a proper MTB is the right tool for the job.
Either way you will compromise, by choosing one bike to do both jobs. Riding a heavier bike for your commute may add some time to your commute and will add some exercise. Riding a road-oriented bike off road is likely to suck the fun out of the ride.
* And over rules. But there's another thread for that discussion.
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Re: Bike recommendations for a beginner
Postby bychosis » Tue Aug 14, 2012 11:18 am
I think some people get carried away with the weight thing. It's low on the order of what affects a cyclists performance. Aerodynamics and fitness are much bigger factors. I consider myself reasonably bike fit. My old steel commuter roadie weighs near 2kg more than my MTB and yet it is easily 1min quicker over the 17min commute. The commuter does however have wheels and running gear that works well.. Getting a bike with decent, working drivetrain and wheels will be fine and the OP budget will definitely get to that level.JustJames wrote:Riding a heavier bike for your commute may add some time to your commute and will add some exercise. Riding a road-oriented bike off road is likely to suck the fun out of the ride.
Statement should be more like 'riding an MTB for your commute may add ...'
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Re: Bike recommendations for a beginner
Postby chris268 » Tue Aug 14, 2012 11:19 am
I'll be checking out some Trek's on Thursday night and will find some Giant and Cannondale dealers around Sydney on the weekend
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Re: Bike recommendations for a beginner
Postby JustJames » Tue Aug 14, 2012 11:51 am
You should be able to bargain a better deal than that.chris268 wrote:... I've been recommended the Trek 4500 and 6000 (i've seen some places advertise these for $9999)...
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Re: Bike recommendations for a beginner
Postby fassyrider » Tue Aug 14, 2012 12:31 pm
I read your topic these days and I was waiting to answer coz last Friday I just bought my son a fantastic MTB from these guys below:
http://www.italianbicycles.com.au/mtb-bikes.html - We got it delivered yesterday and it is awesome!
I asked in this forum about them on another thread: http://www.bicycles.net.au/forums/viewt ... 42#p838242
They are less known than others but I know very well the brand they sell, coz I ride one of their vintage and one of their road
bike: both bikes are sensational.
At the moment it seems they have plenty of deals on MTB's and on Hybrids too... give it a good check won't hurt.
http://www.italianbicycles.com.au/fitness-cross-1.html
I was very pleased with them coz the bike is very good and the prices atm are unreal! Let me know how you go, Cheers
PS: depends where you live but they do Free Delivery
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Re: Bike recommendations for a beginner
Postby chris268 » Tue Aug 14, 2012 1:05 pm
haha - fixedJustJames wrote:You should be able to bargain a better deal than that.chris268 wrote:... I've been recommended the Trek 4500 and 6000 (i've seen some places advertise these for $9999)...
I checked out a few places during lunch and saw the new 2013 Talon range, as well as the Trek 4500 and the 2012 and 2013 Mamba. The guys i spoke to reckon 29's are the way to go for what i want to do. Now to read the long 26 vs 29 threads...
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Re: Bike recommendations for a beginner
Postby JustJames » Tue Aug 14, 2012 1:51 pm
These guys...at a guess, they either own or are selling 29ers, right?chris268 wrote:The guys i spoke to reckon 29's are the way to go for what i want to do. Now to read the long 26 vs 29 threads...
I'll summarise for you:
1. 29ers roll easier over obstacles
2. 26ers are more nimble (all other things being equal, which they usually aren't)
3. If you're tall, give more consideration to a 29er than if you're short
4. Any discussion on 26 v 29 ends up as a religious battle
Tubeless for MTB, however is the One True Faith (TM).
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Re: Bike recommendations for a beginner
Postby chris268 » Tue Aug 14, 2012 5:15 pm
Thanks for that - i bought a couple magazines yesterday and this was one of the topics that was covered. It's a pretty interesting read. I was looking at 26's initially but will probably test ride a few and i guess go with what feels best.JustJames wrote:These guys...at a guess, they either own or are selling 29ers, right?chris268 wrote:The guys i spoke to reckon 29's are the way to go for what i want to do. Now to read the long 26 vs 29 threads...
I'll summarise for you:
1. 29ers roll easier over obstacles
2. 26ers are more nimble (all other things being equal, which they usually aren't)
3. If you're tall, give more consideration to a 29er than if you're short
4. Any discussion on 26 v 29 ends up as a religious battle
Tubeless for MTB, however is the One True Faith (TM).
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Re: Bike recommendations for a beginner
Postby Shifter » Tue Aug 14, 2012 6:11 pm
Test ride them all. If a 29er is more comfortable going over bumps than a 26er, then you have your answer.chris268 wrote:The guys i spoke to reckon 29's are the way to go for what i want to do. Now to read the long 26 vs 29 threads...
If you head to a Giant dealer, possibly try the following:
1. XtC 2/Talon 0 29er RRP $1499 / $1199 - Hard tail 29er
2. Anthem X1 29er RRP $2699 - Dual suspension 29er
3. Trance X3 RRP $1999 - Dual suspension 26er
4. XtC 1/Talon 0 RRP $1499 / $1099 - Hard tail 26er
note: I mentioned Giant as I know more about their range, and as I own 2, consider them fairly decent bang for buck. You could easily compare models from Scott, Merida, Trek etc.
I'm 5'11" and 85kg and prefer a 26er. To me a 29er looks and feels weird to ride. It could be better, I just don't like it as much.
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Re: Bike recommendations for a beginner
Postby trailgumby » Tue Aug 14, 2012 9:54 pm
Having ridden one for 8 weeks for a soon to appear review, my 26er feels unstable skittish amd slow.
I'll be in the market for one next year.
Hopefully that blows the "well you'd expect them to say that" Bulverism nonsense where it belongs.
Naysayers: read the tagline below
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Re: Bike recommendations for a beginner
Postby bychosis » Tue Aug 14, 2012 10:14 pm
A 26er in your budget may 'feel' faster due to quicker response in steering and lighter wheelset (smaller) through tight stuff or when accelerating but for fire trails and open going a 29er may feel 'easier' when loping along.
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Re: Bike recommendations for a beginner
Postby trailgumby » Tue Aug 14, 2012 10:43 pm
1: One ride isn't going to tell you much more tjan whether you like the bike's setup and geometry. You need some time to tune and play. Cockpit changes can change a bikes handling significantly.
2: Geometry affects steering response just as much as it does on 26ers. You want chainstays as short as possible. Ride a few different 29ers and compare.
.The one I rode had longish chainstays but tje steering response was helped by a steepish 71 degree head angle plus the changes i msde to fork and cockpit as above.
3: Lighter wheels and tyres will help any bike
4: The rougher the trail the more it will suit 29rs. They lose less speed on choppy surfaces.
5: Rapid direction changes will suit a 26er more, but swweping corners favour the better grip of the bigger wheels.
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Re: Bike recommendations for a beginner
Postby chris268 » Thu Aug 16, 2012 9:17 pm
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