New to cycling

[blueoval]

TZENU - That ridley is sex on wheels mate. Bloody nice. I see what you mean by workhorse bike though. The Bianchi still looks in good working nick still. Perhaps when the time comes, my Kona can be used as a work horse, I'll see how I go. But the Trek looks dam nice.

Specs are here for anyone interested --> http://www.bikeexchange.com.au/bicyc...e/sa/100247544

If funds permitted, I like the componentry of the Kona Zing Deluxe
http://2011.konaworld.com/bike.cfm?content=zing_deluxe

[geckoGT]

Originally Posted by blueoval

TZENU - That ridley is sex on wheels mate. Bloody nice. I see what you mean by workhorse bike though. The Bianchi still looks in good working nick still. Perhaps when the time comes, my Kona can be used as a work horse, I'll see how I go. But the Trek looks dam nice.

Specs are here for anyone interested --> http://www.bikeexchange.com.au/bicyc...e/sa/100247544

If funds permitted, I like the componentry of the Kona Zing Deluxe
http://2011.konaworld.com/bike.cfm?content=zing_deluxe

What is the price difference out of those two?

Looking at the specs, the 105 group of the Kona is a much better option than the Sora/Tiagra of the Trek.

[TZENU]

Originally Posted by blueoval

TZENU - That ridley is sex on wheels mate. Bloody nice. I see what you mean by workhorse bike though. The Bianchi still looks in good working nick still. Perhaps when the time comes, my Kona can be used as a work horse, I'll see how I go. But the Trek looks dam nice.

Specs are here for anyone interested --> http://www.bikeexchange.com.au/bicyc...e/sa/100247544

If funds permitted, I like the componentry of the Kona Zing Deluxe
http://2011.konaworld.com/bike.cfm?content=zing_deluxe

Thanks mate.
Not to throw a spanner into the works but take a look at Giants too (they are great bang for buck)...
http://www.cyclingexpress.com.au/cyc...ria-elite.aspx complete bike with 105s which I have heard good stories about..

Spend a weekend down at a couple of LBS' and ask whether you can take some for a test ride.. You'll find that some are very accomodating and will let you take the bikes for a 20km+ ride... Comfort is a very personal thing and when riding you want to ensure that you are comfortable or you will quickly become discouraged.

[geckoGT]

Originally Posted by TZENU

Thanks mate.
Not to throw a spanner into the works but take a look at Giants too (they are great bang for buck)...
http://www.cyclingexpress.com.au/cyc...ria-elite.aspx complete bike with 105s which I have heard good stories about..

Spend a weekend down at a couple of LBS' and ask whether you can take some for a test ride.. You'll find that some are very accomodating and will let you take the bikes for a 20km+ ride... Comfort is a very personal thing and when riding you want to ensure that you are comfortable or you will quickly become discouraged.

Nice work there, I would spend the extra $300 for that Azzuri than the Sora equipped Trek, the Azzuri is a much better equipped bike and well worth the extra money.

[blueoval]

Price difference is $1090. The Kona Zing is $1899, the Trek 1.2 is on special at $809.

[geckoGT]

Originally Posted by blueoval

Price difference is $1090. The Kona Zing is $1899, the Trek 1.2 is on special at $809.

More than I expected but having said that the Kona has a much better wheelset and other components too.

A really good option is to have a look at second hand bikes, many people update frequently to get the new model and sell their old steed at a great loss.

[DBourne]

50,000kms Gecko? Jebus!!

My Sora set has done just north of 6,200kms still going fine.

I have no doubt that the high end stuff has it's advantages but for someone only JUST getting in to cycling there's no point.

Exactly the same as camera gear. Yes a $2,600 camera body takes a meaty dump on a entry level $800, but for a beginner photographer it's not worth it.

[geckoGT]

Originally Posted by SgtBourne

50,000kms Gecko? Jebus!!

My Sora set has done just north of 6,200kms still going fine.

I have no doubt that the high end stuff has it's advantages but for someone only JUST getting in to cycling there's no point.

Exactly the same as camera gear. Yes a $2,600 camera body takes a meaty dump on a entry level $800, but for a beginner photographer it's not worth it.

At the height of my road racing 6,000 kms was only about 6-8 weeks of riding for me. Training for Ironman (my present group set has done 2) I was clocking up those sort of k's in under 12 weeks.

You are very right at entry level riders but sometimes it is a good idea to carefully consider just how far you intend to take it. If you only plan on doing up to 100 km's a week and no more, Sora is ok. If you think it may go beyond that then I would suggest 105 at least. Buying a $800 bike and then getting rid of it after 1 yr for a $1800 bike is more expensive than spending $1800 initially and getting 4 years or more use out of it.

My last frame gave me 7 years of service, I only replaced it because I found a Merckx. I will eventually build the old frame back up as a time trial bike, the components are still going as they are now on the Merckx.

[EB#]

This is a good read... A bit inspiring too.
I reckon more riding would certainly help with my fitness and hopefully I
could drop a few kilos as well. Maybe this summer I can jump on the
bike more often !

Here is my Giant Suede.

https://www.fordforums.com.au/photos/data/2937/DSC05859.jpg[/IMG]

https://www.fordforums.com.au/photos/data/2937/DSC05804.jpg[/IMG]

https://www.fordforums.com.au/photos/data/2937/DSC05872.jpg[/IMG]

Specs page here

This bike is certainly not for long distance riding, but is very comfy for
general cruising around town. I did replace the rubber with a pair of
'CST City' tyres which make the bike quicker and smoother.

[blueoval]

Thanks TZENU and yes for that price the Azzuri has the goods and better pricing. One thing I personally want to avoid is buying and selling bikes often. If I can get 3-4 years plus out of a good bike worth paying a bit extra for, I'd rather do that. Than skimp out and wanting to P it off after 12 months.

Also considering the second hand route as well.

I know there are risks to buying online sight unseen. But when it comes to sizing, how do you guys get that right? Like Im a 59cm for my FB road/hybrid bike but I know with the full road bikes the position is different, so would the sizing be different then? Or would I be some other size?

[geckoGT]

Yes your sizing on a road bike is likely to vary, how tall are you?

Seat tube length seems to be less important with the popularity of compact geometry frames, it is the top tube that is more important now. You will see terms such as centre to centre, centre to top and relative seat tube used in bike sizing now which can make it confusing for the novice.

The best way to really know what you need is to get sized up by someone that knows what they are doing.

[TZENU]

Yep best way to do it is pop by your LBS who do bike fits and ask them...

[GT0132]

Sam

Just on the weight loss need, a lot of your progress is related to diet change.

I have been a regular gym goer, jogger, cycler etc for years..For about 20 years on and off I've done roughly 45 min a day a mix of cardio and weights..plus on weekends a 8k jog. I used to be able to eat and drink what I wanted within reason without worrying about adding weight. In the past 18 months though my weight has started to creep up to the point where I'm now 7kg overweight.

So about 6 months ago went to see a personal trainer 2 days a week for 13 weeks who started me on a program of circuit training involving weights. I did 45 min of cardio the other 3 days and 2 days rest. While I became much fitter and being able to benchpress twice what i could at the start I didn't lose one gram of weight. My problem?...I love my food too much, especially chocolate and deserts.

I don't use the trainer anymore but now but I made 2 night time meals a week out of 7 a vegetarian (ssteamed vegies with no sauces) , cut lunch down to one sandwich instead of two with tuna instead of meat and have fruit salad and muesli/yogurt for breakfast. I lost 5kg in a month. I could never give up beer and wine though. Any diet plan has to work around that little obstacle

[Sam_Boss260]

Originally Posted by GT0132

Sam

Just on the weight loss need, a lot of your progress is related to diet change.

I have been a regular gym goer, jogger, cycler etc for years..For about 20 years on and off I've done roughly 45 min a day a mix of cardio and weights..plus on weekends a 8k jog. I used to be able to eat and drink what I wanted within reason without worrying about adding weight. In the past 18 months though my weight has started to creep up to the point where I'm now 7kg overweight.

So about 6 months ago went to see a personal trainer 2 days a week for 13 weeks who started me on a program of circuit training involving weights. I did 45 min of cardio the other 3 days and 2 days rest. While I became much fitter and being able to benchpress twice what i could at the start I didn't lose one gram of weight. My problem?...I love my food too much, especially chocolate and deserts.

I don't use the trainer anymore but now but I made 2 night time meals a week out of 7 a vegetarian (ssteamed vegies with no sauces) , cut lunch down to one sandwich instead of two with tuna instead of meat and have fruit salad and muesli/yogurt for breakfast. I lost 5kg in a month. I could never give up beer and wine though. Any diet plan has to work around that little obstacle

Thanks Pete. I know diet is a big part of my problem, as I just eat way to much. So I have really cut down on my portion sizes, restricying carbs and cutting the sweets and desserts down.

As to beer? Same as you, some things I simply can't cut out.

But I really need to focus on some regular exercise, as this will be a big factor, as I don't do any at all, which is sooo bad. So I have to suck it up and start doing some serious exercise now.

Originally Posted by geckoGT

Teschner is a very good brand and make bikes up to the $10,000 dollar bracket. They are very popular here in Bris with roadies and for a good reason, they are good frames and that bike is a very good buy, it is easily a $4000 bike. Ultegra components are competition level stuff and will last many years if you are doing regular fitness type rides.

If you don't buy it I will, it would be great for my daughter.

Thanks Gecko. Part of me is crapping my pants about the cost, but then part of me also says that in 6 or 12 months time I don't need to upgrade or change. Just get good gear now and stick with it. But your sentiments reinforce that it is a pretty good bargain.

[blueoval]

My lbs fitted me up with my kona however i suspect i would need to be resized for a road bike to be safe. im about 170cm. so pretty short. lol My weight is about 80kg. I have shortish legs.

[geckoGT]

Originally Posted by blueoval

My lbs fitted me up with my kona however i suspect i would need to be resized for a road bike to be safe. im about 170cm. so pretty short. lol My weight is about 80kg. I have shortish legs.

170 cm and you are on a 59 cm frame, you must have no seat post sticking out of that. I am 181 cm and I am on a 57 cm.

Frames that are too large leave you with a very long top tube and therefore you end up too stretched out.

[XYGTHO]

Yep get a good bike mate makes the world of difference, and you don't need to spend to much. I spent $500 but have saved that several times as I ride it to work. I just got a flat bar road bike (race is over the top). It is comfortable, quick, light and smooth. And yes just tryes make the biggest difference in my opinion. Mine has tyres which are about 2/3" wide and basically slick with slight grooves. Even with these (I am know quite fit) it is tyring when the pressure is down in them to like 20-30psi. Pump them up close to the recommended pressure of about 70psi and wow so much easier.
I have the one of these but the 2008 model I think. http://www.malvernstar.com.au/range/bike-2677.aspx

[blueoval]

The measurement for 59cm I think is measured differently on the Kona if you compare the chart on this website.

http://www.konaworld.com/asphalt_com...ent=dew_plus#2

[gtfpv]

i am 167 cm and on a 51cm frame . thats just right for me . at 170 cm there are 52 cm frames . 54cm would be pushing it . my range was 48cm to 54cm .
i love the AZZURA posted here . nice bike .
i agree with most posts here , as a beginner , most has been said already . but starting at $800 is fine . but you will trade up and end up spending $1300- $3000 within 12months to two years anyway , you may give upo the game though , thats where the $800 bike comes in handy . the loss is not great .
BIKE SHOPS . There are bike shops and then there are bike shops . dont judge the bike shop on size or looks , bike shops trying to sell you a bike from a catalogue with nothing in stock . stay away from , bike shops who steer you to a different brand because the one your looking at isn't your size , beware , they are just trying to flog off stock , a good bike shop will have atleast an example of the bike you want and let you spend the day there test riding any bike you desire, and not push anything on you . but make suggestions and let you decide . i test rode 5 bikes 2 times each aver 4 hous with no pressure at all then i made my decision after changing my mind several times .
ohhhhhhh , the week AFTER I BOUGHT MY BIKE . i went back to spend a few hundred on accessories , i then looked at the $1300 bike i was considering at the top end of my budget . the owner asked what am i doing , i said , just looking at what i missed . he laughed and said , if i bought that bike , i'd be here today looking at $1899 one next to it . he said even people who spend 5k come back and gawk at 8k bikes LOL . its all part of the fun

[Sam_Boss260]

This is becoming a good thread.

Well, it looks like I might be looking into this bike - I think it's a 52 cm, so it should fit me ok. Waiting for the guy to bring it into work so that I can try it out. Brand new, never been ridden and full carbon fibre. Now whilst i think that this is over the top for what I need, the price is pretty good, almost too good to pass up - $1,500.





Does anybody know about this brand? Apparently it is worth over $4k brand new.

[gtfpv]

Buy It !!!
BUT BE WARY . have a look at those tyres , that bike will not like rough roads , where is the flat bar road bikes like mine have 32mm tyres and are a little more forgiving , thats why they arent as fast .

[Sam_Boss260]

Originally Posted by gtfpv

Buy It !!!

lol... don't tell me that !! Even the missus is saying to buy it. But I'm thinking " geez $1,500 for a bike?" What am I nuts?

[gtfpv]

Originally Posted by Sam_Boss260

lol... don't tell me that !! Even the missus is saying to buy it. But I'm thinking " geez $1,500 for a bike?" What am I nuts?

i'm not experienced enough to give you advice on that bike , but it's a steel at less than 1/2 price . make sure the frame isn't micro cracked or something . you can crack these frames just by overtightening the seat stem when adjusting seat heights . everything needs to be tightened with a torque wrench . lots to know here before jumping in deep .

[Sam_Boss260]

It doesn't have any tyres on it, they are just the rims.

They will put some tyres on and bring it into work for me to try. And I don't have to pay until the end of the year too....

[DBourne]

lol @ the "look at those tyres" comment haha

Yeah man that looks like a great bike, and for $1,500 even I'd buy it

[blueoval]

That looks like a sexy bike Sam. like everyone has been saying, be ware with second had gear. but that looks like a steal of a bike. never heard of the brand but doesn't mean its no good. not many people know of the kona brand and those that do associate it with mountain bikes only. if unsure just Google what ever you can online.

[XYGTHO]

Ha ha was thinking the same, where are the tyres. Dam nice bike for that money but as you say alot of money. I want to upgrade one day but only ride like 4kms at a time. My bike was $500 and is still going well years later so makes it hard to upgrade.

[Sam_Boss260]

Originally Posted by XYGTHO

Ha ha was thinking the same, where are the tyres. Dam nice bike for that money but as you say alot of money. I want to upgrade one day but only ride like 4kms at a time. My bike was $500 and is still going well years later so makes it hard to upgrade.

That is exactly what I am thinking....

[blueoval]

Here is the Teschner website

http://www.teschnerbikes.com/why-teschner

Seems to be a an Australian manufacturer.

[DBourne]

for 4kms at a time then no it's not worth it.

But if you are riding 20-30kms daily then it could be ..