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?

Tags: Orbea, alloy

Views: 1519

Reply to This

Replies to This Discussion

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

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)

Frame is the foundation. Wheels are what makes it go fast then the other bits.

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

I suggest u ride them and see, I personally had a negative experience with my orbea, an onix and a Orca. The onix was very twitchy downhill and almost killed! Sold it for a song! The orca was smoother but never truly comfy! Could have just been me but that is my experience, had a super comfy alloy cinelli, sold it to a mate that has it hang on his wall! Nice!
Than test rode every bike under the sun and most of my mates. Finally found what suited me perfectly, settled on a Time frame and rest I build.
if you currently have a bike, save up as much as you can, even if it means another 6 months and than buy what you really want, makes getting out of bed and riding just so much more rewarding!
And remember, if even one person had a bad experience with a brand, many have had good ones also!

Most are from Thailand or so now, so if you want something special, save up and be patient is my motto.
Perhaps even a custom steel frame Baum, that will last you the rest of your life!

That sillier from Trak cycles looks a good deal, Glen is a mate of mine and I am sure he will look after you!

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

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!

 

 

+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.

Unless you crash it 10 weeks after buying it.... ;)

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..

RSS

Support our Sponsors

© 2013   Created by Gus K.

Badges  |  Report an Issue  |  Terms of Service