I have come to the conclusion that bike stores in Brisbane suck, after visiting 2 and neither having reasonably priced commuters... I don't need a 1 grand bike to ride to and from work.

Also Aussie price gouging sucks...

i was gonna make a hilarious post about some motorcycle shop being a good shop to go to but then i realised that even if you were talking about motorcycle shops there aren't any good ones in brisbane. :(

i used to get pushy gear from 'tom wallace cycles' in lutwytch but that was ages ago... i dont think it is still there.

Couldn't find a bike with a basket on the front and streamers coming off the handlebars?

Ryders at Mt Gravatt have a pretty big range.

I'd be surprised if you couldn't find something there.

It's on Kessels Road near Video Pro and sort of across the road from JB HiFi and Super A-Mart.

Strathpine Bicycle Centre at Lawnton on Gympic Rd opposite Amart.

They have a HUGE range of bicycles and lots of staff. I got mine there.

Also you will pay at least 1k for anything worth riding.

Mine is pretty standard with Tieagra gear set and cost $1050 plus then I put extra on it totalling aobut $1300 but well worth it.

Anything less than that is just painful to actually ride.

Ohh also buy lycra! padded bike pants FTW!

last edited by CaPt0 at 17:24:56 11/Dec/07

snap

what about the shop across from the normanby? my boss just got a nifty looking bike from there a few weeks ago
he's the type to do some research too

Is that bike store across from the pizza hut+servo on old Cleveland road still up and running?

edit: And go ebay if you're after something cheap.

Capt0 was just looking for an excuse to wear lycra (outside a Kylie concert)

Tom Wallace Cycles
Lutwyche 496 Lutwyche Rd 4030
(07) 3857 1685
www.tomwallacecycles.com.au

Another vote for Riders out at MacGregor. I bought a mountain bike from them for about $500 and it's been awesome. Got one of those Giant Rincon ones.

just a commuter cycle hey obes, if i were u i'd check the forums @ farkin.net and mtbdirt.com.au, i do a bit of dh maself and buying stuff brand new usually rips holes in your pockets, i imagine your just lookin for a xc or road bike, might find some good deals on there, mtbdirt is local so u can prolly go and check out the bikes beforehand, dont know how serious u wanna get but i've bought bikes new only 2 be pissed off at how much better i coulda gone :( if only i'd looked there earlier. But seeing as u dont wanna tip over 1k, and u might have your heart set on a new bike, may i recommend carina bicycles :D

last edited by defcon at 19:30:38 11/Dec/07

just get a flat bar road bike Obes.

A Griant CRX4 can be had for about $500 with full kit included, not great components but if you are just commuting its fine.

Ryders at Mt Gravatt have a pretty big range.

ta for the references... need one of these now

If you just want something that gets you around have you tried kmart or something?

http://www.dealsdirect.com.au/p/mountain-bike-21-speed-dual-suspension-black/

























no im not serious
but I did seriously buy one of these - rode it once whilst drunk and just left it wherever I ended up getting a cab to the next pub in Sydney somewhere

piece of s***

last edited by teq at 01:09:25 12/Dec/07

got my $50 mountain bike from subghey....works fine.

you tried the Anaconda store out at everton park?

they have cheap bikes there. and a sale on this week i think until the 24th

I know exactly your pain, Obes. I've seen k-mart crappy-dap plastic specials or the >$1k excessive to my needs bikes too. It seems to be the way with all the small to mid-size stores.

That $500 Giant Rincon looks _really_ interesting though, that's exactly the kind of bike I knew must exist somewhere: quality built solid bike without rear suspension (pointless on a commuter) and frills that divert manufacturing costs into bells and whistles.

I'll have to check that Ryders place out sometime.

haha
ANACONDA
that ad reminds me of the KILIMANJARO ad from one of the GTA games.

Griant CRX4 can be had for about $500 with full kit included, not great components but if you are just commuting its fine.

Agreed, there's one down in the garage... feels like s*** and doesn't go very fast... but it's decent quality and perfect for getting around.

Velo Cycles at the Grange seemed to be OK. I bought a bike there a couple of years ago and it was pretty cool.

I don't really know bikes though.

Haha what are you guys f***ing jewish, you'll spend $1k on a video card, but not a bike that won't get outdated in 6 months

^^ I expect to see you at a crit soon jmr.

Tell me where and when

Racing is pretty much over for the year for me (working during race times), but here's the first month of next year.

Christmas/New Year

Sat January 12th - Lakeside

Sat January 19th - Nundah

Wed January 23rd - Nundah (Twilight Series)

Sat January 26th - Lakeside

Wed January 30th - Nundah (Twilight Series)

Twilight series absolutely pwn, <3 night racing, really big turn outs and harder racing (usually 3-4km/hr+ average on top of the day racing speed).

Where are you located, I rarely race at Murarrie now that I moved back to the Northside but I wouldn't mind coming out if you're on the Southside since the competition is WAY harder there.

Got any links for me

See I wouldn't spend 1k on a video card either.

However I can see the difference between a $100, $300 and $600 video card. And can justify that (sometimes).

I need to have the difference between a $300, a $600, a $1200 and a 5 grand bike explained to me in phrases other then "better components". Does better mean more comfortable ? Easier to climb up a muddy mountain path? Knock 2 seconds off a velodrome time ?

All I see is as price goes up, the seats get smaller and harder and the bikes lighter (flimsier), or they turn into mud monsters.

My goal is to ride 5k to work and want to potter around bike tracks on weekends. Not racing. Not Sunday cool gang rides to the coffee shops.

So far 99bikes and Anaconda have been the least painful. Tom Wallace might be a goer tho.

last edited by Obes at 11:29:01 12/Dec/07

Well yeah, if you're a fat c*** and want a massive padded seat, that is going to be an added extra. Most roadies are designed to be worn with Lycra which has padding. The difference between $300 and $1200 is build quality of everything. $300 is what a s*** wheel costs, how the f*** you can get a whole bike for that blows me. Components means the accuracy and timeliness that your derailleur is going to shift between gears, more important if you are unfit, etc, the effectiveness of your brakes, the strength of your rims, tyres, etc the list goes on. Spend at least $1k ffs it will last you a long time

bicycle revolution in west end, you can pick up a 2nd hand very very good bike there for $2-400.

$1k is lol for a bike, that's how much my s***ty Trek 1000 costed second hand, it's terrible to ride.

I get Dad's Giant TCR C1 (about $3500 I think?) when he upgrades to a new bike in a few weeks... the difference is amazing, nearly adds ~5km/hr onto my speed.

jmr, I get most my info off my club website, HPRW

http://www.hamiltonwheelers.com/

Balmoral cycling look after Murarrie (southside), really good comp.

http://www.balmoralcycling.asn.au/

they have cheap bikes there. and a sale on this week i think until the 24th

If you do go to Anaconda, make sure you only look at the Kona and Jamis bikes they stock (and mostly the Kona). Don't bother with their Fluid ones. A Kona Kula is a good entry level MTB for someone using it casually, if you have to go to Anaconda. Personally, without getting a Thylacine Arete SL (we're talking a 1550g $3k5 Reynolds steel frame here) or Thylacine Ether frame, the Kona Kula Supreme frame (a 1380g Scandium frame) would be the one I'd love to get my hands on.

I need to have the difference between a $300, a $600, a $1200 and a 5 grand bike explained to me in phrases other then "better components". Does better mean more comfortable ? Easier to climb up a muddy mountain path? Knock 2 seconds off a velodrome time ?

Let me make something a little easier for you - I ride Shimano XTR parts on my race bike, and have been a Shimano guy since I got into cycling. However, after trying out SRAM X.9 stuff only 6 months ago, if I were building another bike tomorrow, weight issues aside, it'd be SRAM X.0/X.9. IMO, Even X.9 shifts better than XTR.
Unfortunately, a SRAM cassette is a boat anchor, but it's price being the same as an XT cassette would indicate that.

As far as parts go, as jmr used the example of a $300 wheel... sure, a set of Mavic Aksiums (Road) or Mavic Crossrides (XC) will cost just under $400. They're a great training wheel, but don't confuse their quality in how well they roll etc with that of something like a set of sheels build on a Hope Pro2 hub with American Classic rims and DT Swiss Comp spokes. Similarly, there's Chris King hubs which will cost over $1000 retail per set - that's just for the hubs btw - you still need your rims, spokes etc.
On my race bike I run spokes that cost (retail) about $1.50 each (remember, 32 spokes to a wheel, so we're talking about spending more on spokes here than those Subway bikes that are currently going). Those ones are 2.0guage. Comp spokes run at about $3.00 each, and go from 1.6mm at the outside down to 1.4mm on the inside. The difference? About 50 grams per 32 spokes, and you don't want to ride them if you're 85kg. $100 more for a set of wheels to save 100 grams. But when spinning at 40km/h, that 100 grams becomes about 6kg.

Gear cables - Shimano XTR. $50 just for gear cables. That's without the housing. 'Why!?' you ask? Because they last, that's why. If you go out and spend $10 on a gear cables, it's probably going to stretch so much after 500km of riding that your derailleurs will be jumping all over the place. Mine might maybe have issues so small I can adjust with the barrel adjuster on a single gear after that distance. Not to mention what sweat and/or water will do to those steel cables.

You get the idea.

last edited by Raven at 11:58:11 12/Dec/07

jmr I am expecting extras.

Rear rack, pannier (particularly a laptop one) is going to hurt, the clip in sandals and obviously pedals +the normal extras (pump, skid lid, lights, tool kit and spares). And a saddle (any saddle with a nose is apparently not safe puts pressure on your prostate or some crap... so says my reading). Also, as for comfy seats... the padded bike shorts, and gel covers and all the other crap tells me even the super fit skinny bike freaks, find the "pro" seats about as comfortable as being rammed by a black dude with 20" wang.

Probably in the order of ~$300-$500 of "extras". So a 1k bike becomes a $1500 bike

I also hate the process, niche products with no Bunnings style category killers to keep them honest. No one just comes out and says here is the cash price. Heck I even got told no extra off for cash, but they all offer no interest ezi pay type options which cost them money... And the internet tells me they are whacking an extra 20 to 40% on extras like the shoes etc etc.

2nd hand might be the go (I imagine bikes are like cars and lose a lot of their value the second they leave the store).

2nd hand might be the go (I imagine bikes are like cars and lose a lot of their value the second they leave the store).

As an example to confirm this for you, the Felt team guys just sold their Virtue Ones ($9k new - they're getting 2008 Virtue Teams in a few weeks) - each for around $2500-$3000. These were less than one year old.

That may be true raven but that is off topic.

Obes is looking at a under 1k, closer to $500 bicycle. so no idea why you are talking about $3000 bicycles.

You're going to get the same with bikes in the lower range. Expect anything that cost aroun $1500 new to be around the $800 mark after 1-2 years.

Giant Anthem 1s ($3500 new) tend to go for around $1800-2000 after a year.

There are lots of bicycles that aren't used and are sold second hand... it's a bit like gym equipment.

i wouldn't bother buying a new one seriously, check out the shop I mentioned obes, I think it's run on volunteer staff so they hardly make any coin off the bikes they do sell and they are pretty top notch from what I hear. Don't fall for the wank value of an expensive bike when you're only going to be using it for what you've described above. I used to ride my roommates $150 bike from that shop almost every day for 10km and it was fine.

Yeah I spent $100 on my current bike and have done thousands of k's on it, and have only spent money on 2 sets of slicks after I wore them through. Oh, and I just spent $60 to get the bearing race in the crank replaced... but that's after many years.

I think I got a decent deal from a friend, and the bike I got isn't a cheapie, but I'm definitely a big fan of buying quality second hand bikes... because the market it full of people who spend money on bikes only to a) never ride them or b) upgrade.

That shop you mentioned sounds like a goer imitation, thanks for the pointer.

Strathpine Bicycle Centre at Lawnton on Gympic Rd opposite Amart.

That is a big second from my Girly. She likes bikes, muchly. Staff are friendly, can be willing to bargin and excellent after sales support.!!

w00t.

jmr, I'll probably ride Nundah crit this Saturday before work if you want to come out.

C grade, probably 38km/hr average, 40 minutes + 2 laps, 8:00am start (will have to double check).

Ya would love to but I am workin at 7, be doing laps of the river till then prob

^Oh and haha I just bought a TCRC1

So ... detecting quality components in an effort to identify value ?
Keeping in mind I don't want to win medals or ride down k2 blindfolded.

Apparently Shimano doesn't always mean quality anymore. And nor does having a big brand name on it like Giant or whatever.

Most of the bikes (hybrids) I have been looking at have had MTB style drive trains.
What would the local experts consider reasonable/reliable for town use ?

If it has MTB gear Acera, Altus, Alivio, Deore ? (I am guessing Alivio or above ?)
I am guessing if it has road stuff then Sora or above (Sora, Tiagra, 105 ?)

Rims/tyres etc ... does it really matter for recreational riding ? (Alex rims seems to be a common name on the lower-middle end) obviously looking I am looking at 700cc being a hybrid as opposed to 26" MTB ones.

Tektro pull brakes ? (discs are for real mud type terrain? or gadget freaks)

I prefer shimano and would aim for 105

so jmr 105's on a bike under $800ish new?

i would like to see that.

and no idea why you would need 105's riding 5km's to work each day. Migth get you there 20 seconds earlier.

Yeah no need for 105's, I use Sora gears and ride 150 - 200km a week no problem.

Dad's OCR1 has 105's, quite nice, definetely a lot better on the hills then my Sora's.

I think you could find something around the $1k mark in a cell

I think you could find something around the $1k mark in a cell

Still don't think you can read.

What part of not $1k don't you understand?

Obes has said many times he doesn't wnat to spend that much.

Maybe you can't read - I'm trying to convince darling sean to buy something that is going to be pleasurable to ride, I am sure if he did a few extra hours work he could fit the difference.

Well if its pleasurable rides we are talking about... insert your mum joke here ...

I am in 3 minds.
1. I could well end up being lazy not riding to work and not riding on weekend, in which case spending as little as possible (sub 500) is probably the wisest move. Then if I decide to keep riding I'll actually have a better idea of what I do and do not like (heck I might just be fine plugging along on my crap bike).

2. Buy a second hand bike for better value. Found a couple of Giant CRX2 for between 600 and 700.

3. Buy a new "good" bike and hope I choose a style and quality I like.

Haven't ridden a bike for about 10 years, so it should be humorous no matter what I do.

Might be worth having a look at NRG Cycles at Jindalee. Admittedly they do market to the cyclist looking at spending over $1k but do stock cheaper models. Like most places they offer a few free services and the staff are helpful and friendly.

just get a 4x4 obes

Also you will pay at least 1k for anything worth riding.

Obes is looking at a under 1k, closer to $500 bicycle. so no idea why you are talking about $3000 bicycles.

Still don't think you can read.
What part of not $1k don't you understand?
Obes has said many times he doesn't wnat to spend that much.

Capt0 wtf make up your mind

notice after that he mentioned that he was talking about not riding distances. didn't take me 10 posts to fully understand he wasn't interested in spending that much.

Buy a $200 kmart cheapy. If you're still riding it in 6 months, spend more money.

$200 is a great bike from kmart. Can get htem as cheap as $89. Cept hte last kmart bike i rode my feet hit the front wheel as i peddalled.

I think stinky might have the clues

obes heed my advice buy a cheap 2nd hand bike

$200 will feel like a piece of s***.

Get something AT LEAST around the $1000 mark, more if you can spare it... it will make riding 100x more enjoyable.

Well if its pleasurable rides we are talking about... insert your mum joke here ...

I am in 3 minds.
1. I could well end up being lazy not riding to work and not riding on weekend, in which case spending as little as possible (sub 500) is probably the wisest move. Then if I decide to keep riding I'll actually have a better idea of what I do and do not like (heck I might just be fine plugging along on my crap bike).

2. Buy a second hand bike for better value. Found a couple of Giant CRX2 for between 600 and 700.

3. Buy a new "good" bike and hope I choose a style and quality I like.

Haven't ridden a bike for about 10 years, so it should be humorous no matter what I do.

1. you could spend 500 if u just need it to get around, but if your going to want to do some recreational riding etc. i'd put in a little more cash, you'll enjoy it more.

2. this option is prolly best, for xc bikes 2nd hand is fine, i think u'll find some that havent seen a grain of dirt and only seen road use.
brakes: if u can, disk brakes are the way to go (hydraulic discs even better), hayes is a good brand.
crank: check the crankset aswell make sure nothing is loose / damaged. truavativ, shimano, and raceface are good brands, although travativ does have some dodgey s***
gearset: check the front / rear derailleur make sure its all strait and had no major hits, check that it changes gears properly, sometimes u just need to retension a cable if its not changing gears all to well.
check the cassette make sure all the cogs are true.
forks: soft suspension is probably the way to go for comfort and u can always take it down trails, but solid forks arent to bad for simple road riding. if they're hydraulic check that there are no leaks from the seals on the lowers where the stanchions lead into. good brands are marzocchi and manitou.
frame: check for cracks around all the welds basically, no rust etc. good brands would be giant, kona, norco, avanti, specialized

3. this option is ok aswell for low end bikes u can get some pretty good deals especially this time of year on 2007 stock as it usually gets superseded and they want to get rid of it, and alot of the time changes from 07 - 08 bikes can be be as little as the colour scheme. but be weary that your not being sold 05 stuff at 08 prices. plus theres warrenty.

basically if your going to use your bike for recreational stuff like riding trails i'd take option 2 and 3, i took up DH/FR not to long ago and went for option 3 initially but after seeing all the awsome stuff u could get for cheap im kicking myself for not going 2nd hand in the first place. gl

Bit of a shocker today in C grade Nundah crit.

Average 39.5km/hr, Max 64.5km/hr (my sprint speed).

Decent field size, ~25 riders... half way through the race, bloke skidded on his brakes in front of me, bloke behind wasn't watching my wheel and ran up my ass... I didn't come off, but he did which resulted in ~5 riders getting pwned (45km/hr, locked into pedals, onto bitumen) and bleeding like mofos.

Come racing Obes, it's GREAT getting injured.

pfft racing, nothing says I win like a trolley bar to the knee.

Got my bike, looked at Bicycle revolution (good place), but ended up buying a hybrid from Anaconda. ZOMG I didn't get tiagra 105 carbon fibre with disc wheels...


Cardboard in the spokes soon for maximum power.

Where do you live Obes, I would really like you to help you out in you're anywhere near Nundah, Murarrie or Lakeside (Alma park zoo?)... adopting a proper riding style will make your speed jump leaps and bounds, your training progress 10x faster and your motivation factor bounce :)

PM me if you're on MSN.

adopting a proper riding style will make your speed jump leaps and bounds, your training progress 10x faster and your motivation factor bounce :)

Watch out obes, i think he's trying to hit on you... or something

last edited by CHUB at 01:15:52 16/Dec/07

I got mine at 99 bikes(?) on Milton Rd near RiverCity eye hospital. They were good and didn't try to sell me something I didn't need.

For cheap one's you could hit my site http://1000gifts.googlepages.com but I've only got up to 22 inch so if you're tall you won't really have much luck
psthreeman

I got mine at 99 bikes(?) on Milton Rd near RiverCity eye hospital. They were good and didn't try to sell me something I didn't need.

First trip I'd agree, second trip ... Scott, Scott... Scott .... Scott ..... 5grand .... Scott ..lol

Me and the missuss just walked out.

last edited by CHUB at 23:53:31 15/Dec/07

you are a fruit

hey obes, don't forget the spoky doky's!