Looking for bike advice
SO I've come to the source of the experience and wisdom....
Had a look at two bikes today and can not decide between them,
For commuter purposes each day and dreams of touring.
They are the, Orbea 'Carpe Diem' and the Surly - Long Haul Trucker both with disk brakes.
I havent brought a bike before as I love free bikes and kind of says a bit about as I dont really like to spend money so need all the help I can get.
It's gots to Last 'I say
P.S I am also open to suggestions of other bikes that are known GOLD!
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Edward @bikeadelaide on -
You cannot go wrong with either of them. The Surly in particular generally gets very good reviews. Try them out. Try lots of bikes out. Choosing is great fun.
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Permalink Reply by Kevin White on -
Check out Salsa Vaya, better allrounder and good tourer
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Permalink Reply by heather on -
One can attach a trailer to a bike when you want to carry loads. There are other things to consider when touring. Will you always ride the whole distance? Or use commercial transport (bus, train, plane) to get to the start of your journey? Check out current discussion on AC group Cargo & Utility Cycling where Jim has posted photos with hints on his trailers.
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Permalink Reply by Frank on
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Try b4 you buy.
Merida make great bikes, I have a T3 commuter, no worries and good fun.
Giant is good value, now is great time to buy, EOFY sales.
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Permalink Reply by Blake on -
I have an Orbea road bike, I love it. However if I was looking for a bike to attach a load to I would not be looking at and orbea branded bike. The Surly bike range has a good rep for carrying loads and touring. I believe BMCR sell them. Might be worth talking to the guys there, they have always been good for me!
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Permalink Reply by Don (Who's lost?) Nairn on -
Go out to star cycles and ask Garry to show you a touring bike.
I have been to bike shops and asked to look at a touring bike and the cashier ( they clearly didn't have anough product knowledge to be a sales assistant) didn't know what a touring bike was
If you are serious about touring you want a MTB style drive train and a good steel frame.
or you are interested in dirt road touring a 29er with disc brakes would be worth considering
However you can go touring on nearly anything that is reliable.
Sometimes it is about the ride and not the bike.
Have you considered second-hand?
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Permalink Reply by Clive Palfrey on -
Star Cycles +1
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Permalink Reply by Gus K on -
The Surly has a very good reputation but there is also the Surly Pacer frame that might be a faster ride but still steel and strong. Red the blog posts section on this site for the posts by Luke and his Surly LHT.
Fuji make a tourer that is highly regarded and I thing Star Cycles can get them. Give Gary a call.
For ideas about touring bikes look at Cheeky Transport in Sydney and a Canberra shop that I can't remember the name of but someone will.
Soma frames can be imported and built up as well.
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Permalink Reply by Mike Brisco on
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you need different bikes for different purposes.
Commuting is short everyday riding, in the city, and risk of theft. Also you might want to carry shopping and work clothes or keep fit.
Touring, is a long haul exercise, several days., may need lower gears for endurance type riding. Also more comfort as you are on it several hours a day every day
Why not get both? I have 3 bikes, one commuter, one recretaion, one touring.
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