Novice rider, bike purchase advice

Hi all,

I am just looking into getting into riding, partially to start commuting, and also for fitness. I haven't ridden in the past 5 years (well less than 100km combined), and have been into a few bike shops asking questions.

From what I have researched I am leaning towards a Avanti Giro 3 for $899 (incl pedals) which uses full Shimano Tiagra componants, which seems to be the best deal that I can find. I want to know if anyone has tried this bike, and any suggestions of other bikes to consider. Not looking at anything over 1k.

A bit of information on the commute,

I live in Belair, and will be commuting to Flinders Uni, and possibly riding down to the city and back on occassion which is one reason I am looking at a road bike as opposed to a commuter.

Any advice would be appreciated.

Cheers

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Permalink Reply by heather on July 4, 2012 at 20:59

The bike co-op has an AC page at http://www.adelaidecyclists.com/group/bikecoop You could email Mike Brisco via AC just in case, although I expect you are more likely to find what you need new. The bike-co-op is also a good place to learn how to do some work on your bike, e.g. cleaning chain.

When it comes to cheap good extras, buy a Tioga Dual Eyes for rear lights for $20 to $35. I have attached mine to my helmet using wide waist elastic with velcro. My U-lock is outdated but there is a better Vulcan U-lock for $30 to $40 that requires two cuts by thief. Lights and U-lock recommended by Bicycle Network Victoria.

Permalink Reply by Michael Kitselaar on July 5, 2012 at 1:28

is there a difference between a U-lock and a D-lock? 

Also a really like those rear lights, any recommendations for front lights

Permalink Reply by Matt "Boz" on July 5, 2012 at 10:10

Also - another consideration - if you are going to insure your bike, some insurance companies require to purchase a lock that is over $60 to be covered.

With lights - I went a little more expensive to get ones that are rechargeable via USB - which makes it easy for me when I commute as I just plug them into my laptop to recharge.

Permalink Reply by Clive Palfrey on July 5, 2012 at 10:55

Re insurance, check with your household insurer, some will cover the bike for accident and/or theft both at home and away from home, CGU will cover your bike.

If you join BikeSA their membership includes 3rd party insurance for accident and personal medical and loss of income but not theft

As for front lights, plenty of people favour the Expillion Cygolite 250, it's rechargable, very bright, 3 modes, bright/very bright and very bright flashing. Available on line from Cell Bikes and is often on special for about $120. If you're going to be belting down hills in the dark you need good lights so you can see where you are going

Permalink Reply by Gus K on July 5, 2012 at 11:09

Cygolite or Sefras - upwards of 150lumens and rechargeable by USB. I recommend staying away from a separate battery pack light system.

If they are a bit too expensive get a reflective vest and a 1 watt flasher like a Planet Bike one and upgrade pre-dark ages next year.

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