Road Bikes - what to buy the OH?

Jonty

Hi Cremas

The wife is on a fitness kick, anyway it looks like a road bike is going to join the stables.  What I am interested in as I see many of you have a flavour for mountain bikes.  Rather than highjack that thread, this is the one to get myself educated and help her in her venture... I assume there is a quality factor here......

This is the basic criteria:

1. Road bike, not mountain bike.
2. Second hand not a problem.
3. Willing to spend 800 - 1000.
4. Suppose it needs to be a 'girls bike'  :rofl:

Beanz

I came across this article recently which you might find interesting as input for point 4 http://www.ivanhoecycles.com.au//articles/what-women-are-not-told/cat_216.php

beanflying

Differences between mens and ladies is basically shorter (prorata) upper body dimensions for a ladies frame. So a dedicated female race frame would be fine but maybe fit it up with 28mm tires for a little more road contact and comfort. Personally for comfort go a flat bar over a road bike every time unless speed is the goal. In Warrnambool or Port Fairy AVOID suspension and the associated rust corrosion for bike longevity. Suspension seat posts are a nice compromise. If she will fit on a 19" frame then your welcome to borrow one of my flat bars with 35mm tires. I also have a pair of rims I could drop on that are fitted with 25mm at present. The flatties I hire are circa $6-650 and Shimano fitted. Feeling pure on my fitness kick did 30km tonight now having beer number 3 and 500+g of Steak on the BBQ 

UNM

It's not about 'girls' or 'boys' bikes. Simply, it needs to be designed appropriately for the person using it and the purpose it will be used (Fit for purpose). As ever, you can do worse than have a look at wikipedia as a start. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bicycle_frame You don't need to know all about bike design, but it helps if the person who built the bike does and, depending on your wifes body shape, one may suit her far better than another of the same 'frame size'. Having said that, most mass produced bikes are not too different, but race bikes are usually not suitable for general fitness use - someone should tell the lycra brigade! A lot of the so-called 'hybrid' bikes are  reasonable road bikes for general use and in the price bracket. Also, having someone competent set the bike up will make a huge difference to long term usability. That link Beanz posted alludes to this - it may feel odd/difficult at first, but will be far better once you get used to a properly set up bike. Perhaps you know someone nearby with experience in bikes??? :rofl: Above advice is worth what you paid for it, perhaps more if you're lucky. My cycling experience is somewhat out of date...

Rider

My wife has a road bike.... Yamaha R6...... Probably not helpful and while good for fitness, maybe not what you are looking for... :angel:

Jonty

Thanks guys..... BF - no flat bar as she has a mountain bike...... But sizing up might be an option - will let her know. Rider - your wife needs an R1 not a pussy R6  :stir :rofl:  But I am impressed she rides an R6 At least her goolies don't get crushed on the tank  Hmm maybe I should go see my neighbor across the road who has done a Forster Ironman and a Melb - W'bool in his day..... Thinking he may has some suggestions or ideas just to confuse the OH more!

beanflying

Shop flatties are non suspension front ends and 700c wheels (road) with 35mm tires which work great on te ril trail or road. Fitted some SPD pedals and tried my first set of cleated shoes tonight - still alive  ;D

Rider

on 1332749796:

Thanks guys..... Rider - your wife needs an R1 not a pussy R6  :stir :rofl:  But I am impressed she rides an R6 At least her goolies don't get crushed on the tank 

Jonty.... She is 5' 4"...... The prob with R1 for her is seat to bar reach, though the newer ones are closer.... That is the only reason she has never ridden mine - apart from the raised rear ride height, dropped front, harder springs, race tech gold valves...... apart from that it'd be awesome for her... Dimensional probs, not engine... She is an accredited instructor from learners to advanced... It's kinda hilarious watching guys on bigger bikes trying to catch her at work.....and that is normally on a 600 Hornet.... Rider

Jonty

So this is were we are at.  Reid Cycles were mentioned to us as this company imports direct via China  :thumb: and there is no middle man.... Thoughts from you cycling goons out there? http://www.reidcycles.com.au/2012-reid-falco-road-bike-with-aksium-wheels.html

beanflying

Pricing on the Reid stuff is good. There was some earlier scuttlebutt about some of the first batches from a few years ago and a few teething problems but nothing but good about the company.

Kelsey

My local bikeshop in Melbourne was importing their own-brand carbon-framed bikes from generic stock in China. They matched them with genuine Shimano/Campy/SRAM gearsets and built them up with care - never heard of anyone having a problem with them and this is a shop I'd trust. Bought my very nice Felt roadie from them.

beanflying

I like the Felt's. I nearly brought a TK2 track bike last week for a fixie conversion (BLOODY FIXIE riders  :laugh: ) SRAM are now doing a 2 speed auto change hub with back pedal brake which sounds like a little fun for a no levers conversion.

Kelsey

Yeah, I love Felts. Good brand story too. This is mine: