5 replies to this topic

[Maffrew]

I'm looking to add some cycling to my running for some variety and another dimension to my fitness activities. I don't have a bike at the moment and don't really have a good idea of who is good and who isn't. I don't really want to spend anymore than $1000, though I understand that I may have to.

Cell bikes have some cheap road bikes, starting around $600, but I've never heard of them before I found them on Google today. Any opinions?

I'd guess to start with I won't be doing that many kms, especially as running will still be my main focus, but i'd like to have a bike that gives me the scope to improve and expand the cycling if I enjoy it enough.

[nando]

I've bought a bike from Cell bikes, and have been quite happy with it. Admittingly I don't ride it much, as, like you, my main focus is running.

And I know of at least two other CRs that are also happy with their bikes from them.

Edited by nando, 08 March 2010 - 02:14 PM.

[number163]

For 1K$ on ebay you can get a superb used bike 1yr - 2 yr old very little use. - buy someone elses mistake.

It works like this - Get that - get bitten by the bug - and then start looking at 5K$ carbon time-trial bikes when you finally get into Triathlon which is inevitable.

Be careful buying Carbon bikes 2nd hand - if they have a crack in the carbon they are worthless and dangerous. If you stick wiht an alloy/carbon or alluminium frame you'll be far safer.

Look at Giant, Trek, felt, EMC, Teschner, Merida, Avanti, Specialized (Expensive!) etc are the main brands , you want Shimano 105 or better gears because that will give you the thumb control on the shifters and more durable components (sora and tiagra are the lower ones) ultegra and dura-ace are the better ones above 105 (Campagnalo also make a range but I cant rememebr the exact names of their different options).

You will eventually want to get clipless pedals and cycle shoes when you start putting in 20k+ on a regular basis which happens ridiculously soon after you first go "Wow I just cycled 20K" then its "I might get up at 5am to do a 100k this sunday dear if you can look after the kids" << repeat every week

Keep money in your budget for a good helmet.

Generally - when starting ebay is your friend. Go to a bike shop get a look at some bikes to get an idea of your size. You will read a lot of stuf about bike-fit and how important it is to get right. I figure you can get it "about right" that for a recreational/semi serious bike rider you are ok wihtout spending 200$ on a pro bike-fit at the local bike shop.

Also check out probikekit.com (PBK) from UK and wiggle.co.uk and ribble.co.uk they are the place to get cheaper clothes/accesories and are 100% reliable. Dont buy Cell cycling knicks -they're crap compared to the 60$ ones from PBK (yes they're 3x the price of cell but you'll want to eb on the bike 3x as much because your bum wont hurt).

I know ebay isnt for everyone - but for a spend like this when you dont know if you'll keep with it - buying used is and being able to reap some re-sale value is better than buying new and copping a 30% depreciation when you ride out the store.

Edited by number163, 08 March 2010 - 05:43 PM.

[wombatoutofhell]

Funnily enough Maffrew, I was going to start a similar thread when I saw yours. My needs are possibly a little different though. For one, not being in Sydney I wont buy a Cell Bike-I refuse to spend that sort of money without some sort of test ride.

Ok-my questions. I do have a bike now that I ride every now and again. I went for a 53km ride on Saturday and apart from a case of sorearse I enjoyed it alot. My current ride is a Malvern Star LA84-yes the bike that put out to commemorate (or cash in on) the 1984 Olympics. Steel frame, 27" alloy wheels, 12 speed. The seat, pedals and rear derailleur have been upgraded a little but otherwise it's all original. Needless to say, it's a little out of date.

What I'm after is something light, comfortable and fairly quick. I want to use it as a to and from work commuter, something for long weekend rides and maybe a triathlon or 2 in the future. Also something that will be reliable and last. I'm not sure of a budget, lets say under $3000.

Firstly, is it worth spending a bit extra to get a carbon frame over an alloy one? I have never ridden either so I have no idea of the difference apart from weight. I am used to steel.

I'm told the minimum level groupset I should look for is the Shimano 105. I was looking at a bike with an Ultegra groupset which was about $700 more than the same bike with 105-is it worth the extra? Both bikes sneak into my "budget".

Last question is simple, although it might be a hart one to answer. How do I get the right seat?

There will be a big learning curve. I've never ridden an alloy or carbon framed bike, never used indexed gears, never used cleats, never spent more than $100 on a bike.

I'm rather taken by this bike which I've seen advertised for $2700 in Geelong-worth the drive I think, or this one which is almost the same save for the lower spec 105 groupset. It's $2250 just up the road from home.

Mind you, I'm very taken by this Merida bike (PDF File) which is available for $2399 if I can find the right size-it's cheap as it's last years model.

Any advice would be appreciated.

[TarrMcMann]

Hi Everyone ~ newbie here on this forum to running, although have been lurking quite a while.
Bikes in the price range $800 to $1,800 IMO are much of a muchness between brands: you are essentially buying a frame, with a varying level of componentry. This will generally be Shimano or other brands. Shimano 105 works pretty well, although I'd look at the rear derailleur being higher (Ultegra), if the budget can extend that far. This is an area worth spending a little more on. Try to wrangle a discount package: especially if you are buying a helmet, shoes etc.
Similar with wheels: there is a concept known as 'rotating mass'. The principle is also applicable to motorcycling and car wheels (hence the lighter weight with alloy wheels). Because the wheels are constantly moving (spinning), any money spent in this area (ie to therefore buy lighter rims) is money well-spent. An upgrade to Mavic rims, for example, may not be that expensive. Things such as saddles are as individual as running shoes.
For a first bike, a full carbon frame is not necessary. In fact, there is sometimes not a significant weight difference between high-grade aluminium and carbon in the total weight of a bike. Carbon may be stiffer and has a 'softer' ride: this is why some frames have carbon rear stays (ie, the rear part of the bike holding the back wheel), although many would argue a high quality aluminium frame is better than a low-grade carbon. This is why you'll pay a premium for some brands such as Trek, even for an aluminium frame.
Have a good one,
Tarr Mc

[JustinS007]

Maffrew, on Mar 8 2010, 02:15 PM, said:

I'd guess to start with I won't be doing that many kms, especially as running will still be my main focus, but i'd like to have a bike that gives me the scope to improve and expand the cycling if I enjoy it enough.

As a runner who does a bit of cycling (200km per week average), my advice is to get a bike that is reliable, but not necessarily 'fast'. By this I mean that unless you plan on competing against someone other than yourself, then the speed you ride at is irrelevant. As a runner the only two things that matter in my opinion are intensity and comfort.

Look at it this way:
1 - you pay $8000 for the latest CF bike and ride at an HR of 150 for 2 hours. You go 60km.
2 - you pay $399 for a Giant (quality) low end MB and ride at an HR of 150 for 2 hours. You go 48km.

What is the difference between the 2 above in terms of your fitness and training outcomes? Absolutely nothing.

Of course vanity, ego, the need for speed, desire to compete etc. all alter this equation. But in essence, determine what you really want the bike for and then go and buy something appropriate to those needs - not other needs which are often irrelevant.

FWIW I own a 2009 Sora equipped Giant Defy 2 (road bike) which cost me $1299. It's done 15000km and has been fine. Never had any issues. In recent months I purchased a Giant Upland SE (MB) which cost me $350. It's done 2000km and is starting to get as much road time as the road bike.