I have recently started riding road bikes. For my first bike, at the age of 15, for my birthday was a VERY cheap Reid Condor. I went cheap because I was not sure whether I would get into bike riding. Over the last few days/weeks I have been thoroughly enjoying riding it and I'm using it for almost everything and everywhere I go e.g football training (4km's 2 nights a week), cricket training (6km's 2 nights a week) and going into town to see my Nan (12km's few times a week) not including the rides I go on nearly every day (varying from 6-12km's). So I am just curious to know what the big differences from a bike costing around 2-300 dollars would be to something around 800-1500 dollars is, and do you think I should consider getting a more expensive bicycle taking into consideration the amount of use I get out of it?
Cheers Gus
How much should I spend on a bike?
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Re: How much should I spend on a bike?
Postby Fixie82 » Mon Feb 18, 2013 11:18 am
Gus, welcome to cycling. The main differences you will see as you go up in price will be stuff gets lighter, components work a little better/smoother and quality gets a bit nicer. There is a point of diminishing returns though. For your usage I would suggest sticking with the Reid, its a functional bike and perfect for commuting around. I like to commute on cheaper bikes as they cop a lot of abuse in terms of weather, being locked up, road grime etc. I am also not all that worried if they were to go missing. $300 dollars is a little less bitter than $1000.
If you were to get into racing, training, longer rides etc than I would suggest looking at an entry level race bike. But keep the Reid for commuting duties.
If you were to get into racing, training, longer rides etc than I would suggest looking at an entry level race bike. But keep the Reid for commuting duties.
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Re: How much should I spend on a bike?
Postby AUbicycles » Mon Feb 18, 2013 2:08 pm
I agree, it sounds like a functional bike and that it does the job. For more serious riding where you are riding longer distances and weight, speed and performance start to become truely useful then it is easier to justify the upgrade. While you would still notice the difference of an upgrade now - it is may simpley make sense to hold off for now.
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