Need help buying a bike.

Daz1980 said:

I want to buy a bike for fitness reasons as i want to get out of the gym. Then early next year will commute occassionaly when i move.

My first instinct would be to say a flat bar road bike seems sensible given your needs.

Daz1980 said:

they suggested i look at a flat bar road bike like an avanti blade. when i went to another bike shop to look at what they had available the guy told me i should think about going for a entry level road bike.

I note you're from Liverpool, so I'm guessing that Russ from Bike Barn recommended the Blade, and somebody from ABC Bikes recommended the entry level road bike - probably a Giant OCR3, knowing them.

Daz1980 said:

what id the difference between the two. Also I dont have a huge budget, so any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

The main differences are the handlebars (obviously) and the geometry. A lot of people think that flat bars are more comfortable than drop bars (the racing type bars on a classic road bike), and find them easier and more comfotable to steer. The only difference in componentry to an equivalent roadie will be the bar, shifters, and brake levers. The rest of it should be the same for an equivalent bike. Drop bars are more comfotable for longer rides though, since they offer multiple hand positions for different functions (eg. drops for sprinting, hoods for climbing).

Flat bar bikes usually have a slightly more relaxed geometry than pure race roadies, because they're more designed for comfort than speed. In practical terms though, there's not a lot of difference between the two if you're a recreational rider. FWIW, the geometry of the Giant OCR series is identical to its CRX Flat bar road bike series ie. their entry level roadie is basically the same as the flat bar bike with drop handle bars.

The Blade geometry is more relaxed than Avanti's entry level roadies (eg. Sprint and San Remo), which are aimed more at racers starting out than comfort riders. If you decided later on, you could add drop bars to the Blade without any problems.

Flat bars are typically $100-$150 less than the equivalent roadie (cheaper shifters and levers).

I've bought bikes (road and MTB) from both of the stores I mentioned above, and both provide very good service.

If you're looking at flat bars, consider Blade vs. CRX4 - I'd go the Blade any day - slightly better componentry that will last longer. If you're thinking roadie vs. flat bar, and can afford the extra money it will cost, go the roadie. Even an entry level roadie will have parts (usually a Sora grouppo) that will outlast the parts you find on the entry level Blade/CRX.

nerdag said:

I note you're from Liverpool, so I'm guessing that Russ from Bike Barn recommended the Blade, and somebody from ABC Bikes recommended the entry level road bike - probably a Giant OCR3, knowing them.

First off thanks heaps for you time and great advice. Secondly, how good are you. Bike barn was right didnt get to go to ABC cause i was in a rush. I ended up looking over at parramatta and blackmans suggested i think about the roadie.

Im going to go have a look around at the bike show on the weekend at homebush, and hopefully will have myself a set of wheels soon. anything will be better than my my old heavy mountain bike.

Thanks Again,
Daz

another question is....

what do you friends ride?

If you like a bit of mtb.... something more solid then a good hardtail MTB with lockout is a versatile option too

but if you are only only road riding, then just get the flat bar....

a slicked up XC MTB with lockout and slicks is pretty quick

I bought an Avanti Blade about a month ago and couldn't be happier. IMO the 2005 bikes seem to be a bit better looking but identically equipped as the 2006 models (check the website www.avantibikes.com). At the moment a lot of shops will still have 2005 stock on sale. If you're a bit older or carrying a bit of weight (my favoutite expression is "excess guttage"😉 then a flat bar bike will be more comfortable than a pure road bike. BTW, the other day I jumped on my previous bike (a Mongoose hybrid) after riding the Avanti for a month and couldn't believe the difference: I felt I was sitting bolt upright on the hybrid whreas in my imagination I thought the riding positions had been pretty similar.

Thanks heaps all. Look forward to getting a bike as soon as i can.
Much Appreciated

Daz1980 said:

Thanks heaps all. Look forward to getting a bike as soon as i can.
Much Appreciated

i suppose i find commuting with my old apollo alot more relaxing and not much slower compared to my CRX

if i am wanting to set a quick pace, the CRX is great but with commuting you may be required to ride up and down gutters and some rough roads... so my slicked up MTB is better for menial duties

I have to agree, my Merida Kalahari (MTB) was my most fun bike. 8 speed 11-30, 48t front, Conti Sport Contact 26x1.3, rigid Crmo froks, Tektro Brakes, Flat Bars. I sold it to a tall chick for triathlons, it was faster across town than my Felt.

My current Project Bike will be similar in concept, however using a Time Trial frame, I can post a list of components if anyone is interested.

bought avanti blade sport 9 months ago. Put 38mm tyres on it and commute 20k a day down frankston dande road. Perfect bike for the trip. bike has done 3000k and still runs like new. Mind you i look after it well.

Thanks for everyones input. Was dissapointed didnt get to look at the avanti bikes on the weekend. Decided to go with a Merida. just deciding between the 2005 T2 speeder or their their 2006 2nd lowest entry level road bike. Cant remember the model number, The 2006 bikes aren't on the net and the book is at home.
Cheers
Daz

I bought a Giant CRX2 '05 just a few months ago - it was a shop's last one and they had a nice discount on it - I got it for $719. Comparing componentry, I found that Giant offers the best bang for buck. Although in fairness, I didn't compare all makes. But the Merida T2 I see has slightly lesser componentry than the Giant CRX2 - I wonder what is the going price? It would compare directly against a CRX3.