I'm thinking about getting a new bike in the new year. I was gonna get another Apollo like a Vispo or a Giro. But went in to a bike shop and they sell Orbea which I was very impressed by. But I dont know what to get as in a full carbon or a very good alloy bike. I'm not going to ride in races just community events and a good long ride by myself or a group.
Any suggestions or advice?
Permalink Reply by Ian Rawley on December 20, 2011 at 21:50 Nice bike Dean.
My two cents - If buying new go for the absolute best frame you can afford and spend plenty of time getting the right fit. Components can all be changed and eventually wear out but the frame IS the bike.
Alternatively you can buy a very good hardly used mid to high end bike second hand for $1500. Top quality frame and at least Ultegra group but you have to know what you are buying and have confidence in your own judgement so it's not for everyone.
Finally I would be very wary of cheap or secondhand carbon frames, you can't tell if they are internally damaged or have had a bang so I would go for best quality Aly + carbon fork, rear triangle or Titanium.
In the end if you are at all unsure, as has been advised, find a good bike shop and take their advice.
Good luck
Permalink Reply by Darren on December 24, 2011 at 10:45 I was told the same thing by an LBS yesterday. They'll be sub 2k but the spec will be watered down somewhat (it won't be a complete 105 groupset anymore)
Permalink Reply by Dstone on December 24, 2011 at 11:40 Frame is the foundation. Wheels are what makes it go fast then the other bits.
Permalink Reply by hozozco on December 20, 2011 at 20:36 Off topic (sort of) -
I colleague of mine at work went to a store in Marion (suburb) to get a bike for her adult daughter. The daughter test rode a couple and one was agreed upon. The shop didn't have one in the right colour, and it was Thursday night so they couldn't check availability. My colleague was surprised when the shop didn't phone on Friday. My colleague then phoned the shop on Saturday to see what the availability was. "Oh, we haven't ordered it yet. We'll order it on Monday."
My colleague checked the internet to see who else supplied this brand. One short Google search, one short phone call and Standish Cycles have it available in the desired colour and will price match. One short phone call to cancel original order.
If you're buying a new bike, don't forget to choose the shop!'
Simon
Will take it on board thanx and I will go and see Glen, I have an Apollo Volare just an entry level bike I love riding it but want somthing a bit more special
Permalink Reply by Dstone on December 20, 2011 at 22:01 I may be the odd one out here. But chose the bike you love, the one that really does it for you. There is no better feeling then looking at your bike and thinking "shit yeah thats my rig". Specs smecks go for what you love, even if it means waiting longer and taking forever to get it. But make it your bike, if it is a mass produced bike make it your interpretation of that bike. Probably explains why i dont change bikes very often and why I couldnt sell any of my 4 key bikes.
Yep I'm with you I just go in look at a bike and love it, but this time i'm taking my time to look
Take your time and get a ride, you be surprised how different some bikes are in the way they ride!
Permalink Reply by Bec on December 21, 2011 at 9:15 +1 for buying the absolute best bike and most appealing bike you can afford. Also cheaper in the long run as you won't be off to the bike shop again in 12 months to upgrade.
Permalink Reply by Darren on December 21, 2011 at 9:31 I bought a Trek Madone 4.2 about 6 months ago, have ridden it from Adelaide to Pt Lincoln for a charity ride and found it fantastic. It is a lower range Trek but highly recommend a Trek (I really punished it, even off roading unintentionally) . Good stiff bike, highly dependable. But whatever you go for, Carbon Fibre is the way to go. Ultegra pedals at the least..
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