Avanti Corsa for a first timer???

[Oakley]

Hi all,

I have been inspired by the tour de france ( and my physio ) to take up cycling.... I had previously played a high level of soccer in sydney before i distroyed my ankles and was told cycling is the best thing for it and maybe even a switch of sporting codes from soccer to cycling. After searching though the multitudes of lingo and bikes at various stores around Sydney i have been told that the Avanti Corsa is great value for money, has the ability to be able to be used in competitions ( after alot of training) and the Ultegra Shimano kit, has a longer life than the lesser shimano gear.. So I was hoping to get some thoughts from those experienced riders, as for me it looks great and i am very keen to get into it asap... Also i live in the hills area and was wondering which would be the closest cycling club to join and if there are any locals to C'Hill that would be able or willing to show a keen and enthusiastic beginner some of the ropes.

Cheers

Andy

 

[gclark8]

As you are new to this and living in the hills I sugggest a bike with a triple crankset. A good quality bike suitable for racing is Felt, the F80 would be a good bike to start training and racing. http://www.deanwoods.com.au/store/prod1339.htm

More important is correct size and bike fit, have this done by a professional, not any bike shop: http://www.trysport.com.au/services.htm

 

[62vette]

The hills round Castle Hill aren't that bad from memory. If you're fairly fit you're not necessarily going to need a triple for club racing, they're more applicable for longer endurance events and/or seriously steep and long hills.

I agree on getting a professional fit done to ensure you get the right size bike, and any necessary adjustments made once you have the bike.

 

[Oakley]

The hills round Castle Hill aren't that bad from memory. If you're fairly fit you're not necessarily going to need a triple for club racing, they're more applicable for longer endurance events and/or seriously steep and long hills.

I agree on getting a professional fit done to ensure you get the right size bike, and any necessary adjustments made once you have the bike.

Sorry i think there must be another Castle Hill in Australia but im from NSW and not to hilly

 

[gclark8]

Probably pay to put state and country in the location details on he left.

If not too hilly where you are, then go for the F75 Felt, it is on special at the moment. http://www.deanwoods.com.au/ For example.

On bike fit, I've seen too many guys turn up for a bike fit with a new bike and its the wrong size, bloody LBS . You sound like a professional sportsman so get professionally assessed before buying the bike.

 

[Oakley]

Probably pay to put state and country in the location details on he left.

If not too hilly where you are, then go for the F75 Felt, it is on special at the moment. http://www.deanwoods.com.au/ For example.

On bike fit, I've seen too many guys turn up for a bike fit with a new bike and its the wrong size, bloody LBS . You sound like a professional sportsman so get professionally assessed before buying the bike.

Is there any other company's that perform assesments other than deanwoods and does that mean i buy the bike first then take it to someone that does an assesment or wait to be assest then get the bike as the later would be how i thought it would have worked aka when you get a training program you dont train first then get assessed on what you cant do...

 

[Oakley]

Probably pay to put state and country in the location details on he left.

If not too hilly where you are, then go for the F75 Felt, it is on special at the moment. http://www.deanwoods.com.au/ For example.

On bike fit, I've seen too many guys turn up for a bike fit with a new bike and its the wrong size, bloody LBS . You sound like a professional sportsman so get professionally assessed before buying the bike.

Sorry mate ill fix that up now

 

[gclark8]

I suggest you contact AIS Canberra, and ask for their Sydney bike fit consultants. Another option is contact Trysport (see below) and ask if they know of any professional fitting service in Sydney. Do this before buying a bike.

 

[artemidorus]

If you are going to race, then you may be better off with a double crankset. You don't absolutely need a triple for riding around any part of Sydney, or even the Blue Mountains. If you are not going to race, but may prefer longer rides, then a triple may be better.
Steve Hogg of Pedal Pushers in Rosebery has the reputation of being one of the two best bicycle fit specialists in Australia. I can't personally vouch for him, only because I've never had a bike fit done myself.

 

[Albert 50]

Hey George you got 2 to update locality in 2 days, should make you administrator

 

[62vette]

You should be able to get a fit package where you get measured first for a recommendation on frame size, crank length, handlebar width etc. Then when you have bought your bike, take it in to get the fit fine tuned for saddle position, handlebar height, stem length etc.

 

[samwell]

On the topic of the Avanti Corsa - I have a 2003 Avantia Corsa Pro Series which is quite a similar spec to the bike you're looking at. Personally I really like the bike and have had no real problems with it. One difference is that mine was the last year they did the standard frame - they have gone to the compact now but other than that it's a very similar bike.

 

[Oakley]

On the topic of the Avanti Corsa - I have a 2003 Avantia Corsa Pro Series which is quite a similar spec to the bike you're looking at. Personally I really like the bike and have had no real problems with it. One difference is that mine was the last year they did the standard frame - they have gone to the compact now but other than that it's a very similar bike.

yeah i ended up buying the bike and its awesome but one problem i have with it is the really hard seat is that usual for a first time rider to get a small bum or is it dependant on the bike as i have done two rides that equal about 94ks and my bum is getting very saw

Cheers

 

[62vette]

LOL Welcome to cycling and the world of accessorising.

Finding a comfortable saddle is perhaps one of the biggest challenge you will find. Getting the right width saddle is crucial so your sit bones are supporting you on the saddle. Go to a shop that sells Specialized brand saddles and they will have a thing that measures your bum and they can tell you the right width saddle for you.

 

[Albert 50]

yeah i ended up buying the bike and its awesome but one problem i have with it is the really hard seat is that usual for a first time rider to get a small bum or is it dependant on the bike as i have done two rides that equal about 94ks and my bum is getting very saw

Cheers

Bike seats aren't lounge chairs Seriously though cycle shorts with padding matched to the correct width seat are about as good as it gets. Your bum tends to "harden up" after a while so the more you ride the less discomfort you experience. Tip:- make sure you sit far enough back on the seat so the narrow front isn't wedged between the cheeks

 

[jock.c]

Ultegra is generally smooth, quiet, and reliable. It wears reasonably well and is more than suitable for training and racing.

As for starting out, it's not a bad idea to start with an entry level bike like the Avantis and Felts already put forward. That way you aren't going to be blowing loads of cash if you try it out and find you aren't really into it after all.

Be savvy and shop around: there are plenty of other brands out there with similar features and plenty of stores clamouring for your cash. Ask questions and be slow to open your wallet.

 

[Oakley]

Bike seats aren't lounge chairs Seriously though cycle shorts with padding matched to the correct width seat are about as good as it gets. Your bum tends to "harden up" after a while so the more you ride the less discomfort you experience. Tip:- make sure you sit far enough back on the seat so the narrow front isn't wedged between the cheeks

Hehe Excellent thats what i wanted to hear, as i already have the padded shorts (as stunning as they look hehe) but i was hoping that my bum would harden up.. as for sitting on the back of the seat as i do see what you mean as i seem to be edging forward is that a case of the seat being a tiny bit to far back or cause it is a bit to high as i think you seating changes from riding a bike in the shop and being measured up to when you have been riding awhile and start to get tired???

 

[ozbiker2]

Hehe Excellent thats what i wanted to hear, as i already have the padded shorts (as stunning as they look hehe) but i was hoping that my bum would harden up.. as for sitting on the back of the seat as i do see what you mean as i seem to be edging forward is that a case of the seat being a tiny bit to far back or cause it is a bit to high as i think you seating changes from riding a bike in the shop and being measured up to when you have been riding awhile and start to get tired???

Be wary of "comfort saddles". I started with one, but they press on all the wrong parts of your anatomy. Several hundred bucks in specialist consultations and a rather painfull needle biopsy and I have learnt my lesson.

I went back to my "plain ordinary narrow italian mens racing saddle". Hurt like hell for a while (couple of months) until my butt got used to it, but it never caused any injuries. The Iti's have been making saddles for a long time - they must have got something right!!!

 

[badsac]

Buy the dearest bike you can aford. Then you'll be forced to ride it as you'll top yourself for wasting your money if you don't. + dear bikes are nicer to ride.

 

[Oakley]

Buy the dearest bike you can aford. Then you'll be forced to ride it as you'll top yourself for wasting your money if you don't. + dear bikes are nicer to ride.

hehe yeah i got the Avanti Corsa as it was only 2400 with specialised shoes and peddles a repair kit with pump another rubber, bottle holder and bottle (yay)helmet and sunnies so yeah was pretty happy with it and love riding it... i used to be a smoker and i feel this is my new addiction... hehe i hope this is harder to give up than smoking cause i am loving it and hopefully i dont have a sore bum for a few months