Bike Problems

This seems like a large amount of repairs that you are having to deal with. You stated that you are riding on a three year old bike that is a hybrid. I am not familiar with the make and model of the bike so I do not know how durable the components are. This could be a primary problem.

Are you riding mostly on road or mostly on trails? Are your problems occurring after some accident or mishap on the road? Are you riding in inclement weather or in a bit of mud/water? All of these things can help point to the problem.

Above all, your local bike shop should be able to candidly advise you on what would be most cost effective for your riding style and body shape. It may be that you have simply outgrown your bike and need to purchase a more durable and road worthy model. A good salesman/mechanic should be able to help you make these decisions.

You should not have to pay for any thing with a bike that new, Unless you have taken it through some giant pot holes in the pavment.

Quoted post said:

Originally posted by SonicNEC
This seems like a large amount of repairs that you are having to deal with. You stated that you are riding on a three year old bike that is a hybrid. I am not familiar with the make and model of the bike so I do not know how durable the components are. This could be a primary problem.

Are you riding mostly on road or mostly on trails? Are your problems occurring after some accident or mishap on the road? Are you riding in inclement weather or in a bit of mud/water? All of these things can help point to the problem.

Above all, your local bike shop should be able to candidly advise you on what would be most cost effective for your riding style and body shape. It may be that you have simply outgrown your bike and need to purchase a more durable and road worthy model. A good salesman/mechanic should be able to help you make these decisions.

Where I am riding:
I only ride my bike on road surface including bike tracks, no dirt trails at all. I have never come of my bike or had an accident, most the times is just starts from riding the bike. I am riding in the rain and try to keep the bike as clean as possible but I am not an expert so could be doing things wrong. I keep asking my local bike shop and they keep saying just replace components or get them to work on it. I am starting to feel they are sucking me in.

Thanks for your reply.

The advanti discovery specs:
Frame 6061 Alloy, Replaceable Hanger
Fork RST 791 CL,50mm Travelor Cro-moly Rigid Option
Brake Levers Shimano EF29
Brakes Alloy V
Shifters Shimano EF29 21-Speed
Front Derail Shimano TY32
Rear Derail Shimano Altus
Crankset Shimano TY30, 28-38-48
Bottom Bracket Semi Cartridge
Chain UG50
Pedals Resin Comfort
Headset Cartridge 1”
Stem Alloy Adjustable
Bars Steel Riser
Hubs Alloy QR Front and Rear
Cassette Shimano MF-HG37 14-34
Spokes Stainless Steel
Rims/Wheels Alloy Weinmann 520
Tyres Kenda Komfort 700 x 40
Seat Post Suspension Post
Saddle Dual Density Comfort Sprung

You shouldn't have to spend that much on your bike -- something is amiss. Try a different bike shop.

If you decide to go with a new bike, stay away from the hybrids. They make terrible road bikes and worse mountain bikes. Since you're on the road all the time, get a road bike and don't be afraid to spend a few extra dollars to get good components. Buy it from a small bike shop with employees who are willing to spend time with you. Make sure they're willing to give you a year's free service with the purchase of a new bike. Then go back and see them a couple times throughout that year even if you don't need to -- just ask them to true the wheels, tune the shifting, and check for loose parts.

Get your current bike fixed up and sell that thing on eBay before it kills you! Good luck & let us know how it turns out!

Well I hate to say it but descibing your bike, the parts are very low quality.

Usually people that buy these type of bikes ride is a total of 400kms in their lifetime. So they last.

You are defiently riding it more than many. Sadly the parts as you already seen fail as they are very low quality. Hopefully you are replacing with better parts. Especially the wheels.

You have 2 choices. Replace most of th eparts for better more durable parts or buy a whole new bike. In your case I would reccomend a road bike.

The shop should be replacing with better parts if possible. Of course it deends on what you tell them to do. They should have talk to you about getting better wheels at least.

If th ebike is new the parts may be considered warranty depending on how they broke. So look into that.

Thank you for your help, I have decided to buy a new bike.

I am looking at a few bikes:

TREK 1400 or 1500
Advati Kona or Giro
Specialized Allex Elite

As I am a novice with bikes, I just ride them which would be the best for someone like myself riding between 100 and 400km a week. I plan on riding on flat and steep roads. I usualy ride up Mt Lofty in SA Australia which is around 750metres above sea levelfrom my home which is around 75 metres above sea level. The distance of the ride is 25km.

Thanks once again,

Hi Laserradial,

I too am a complete novice at this cycling thing, but for what it's worth I bought an Avanti Kona'03 about 2 months ago and have so far been very happy with it. I got it for about AUD1800 which was a fair bit off the RRP due to it being '03 stock.

I am a pretty big guy (6"3, 105kgs) and I haven't had any problems so far in the 1100km that I've done on it. The shimano WHR-540 wheels have also performed well and haven't needed truing, which I thought may be a problem given my size.

One thing you may condsider changing if you went for this bike is the rear cassette (12-23). I have found myself running out of gears on some steep hills. The GIRO has a triple crankset which you would probably find useful climbing Mt Lofty! (although it is only Tiagra compared to full 105 on the Kona)

Anyway good luck, let us know how you go,

James

Laser Radial

I recently bought a Giant OCR 3 for 900 bucks Aussie. The new 2004 model is coming out soon and will be about the same price.

I have enjoyed it so far after 600 kms. Only problem is a little creak in the handle bars but that will be rectified soon. all in all a very good bike and good for any entry level cyclist.

It sounds like you do a bit of riding and may want something a little more than entry level though.