New bike! I'm excited.

[norbs]

Well the bride green lighted a new bike, much to my surprise.

So, this is what I am after in a roadie.

A relaxed frame geometry.
Rack mounts if possible.
As low a low gear as possible on a roadie.

There will be more as I think of them.

I am looking around the $1200 to $1400 mark, as long as I can sell my current bike for about $500-600.

Any of these worth considering?

http://www.cellbikes.com.au/Cell-2011-Team-Road-Bike" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

http://www.bikeexchange.com.au/bicycles ... /100293504" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

http://tbsm.com.au/index.php?main_page= ... ts_id=8475" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

http://tbsm.com.au/index.php?main_page= ... ts_id=7486" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[CLP]

for what it's worth, i've always been impressed with the Oppy range. seems to be spec'ed well enough.

You could also consider the Giant Defy series, or the Avanti Giro series. For a bit more you might start looking at the Giant TCR Comp2, though this may not have the relaxed geometry you are after.

You may find it difficult to get rack mounts on these bikes though .. but i know you can get racks that clamp on, so these may be an option for you?

CLP

** edit.. how much was that Merida cross bike that your mate has? thought you were drooling over that one a while ago?

[norbs]

Ok, I have got pricing on the following bikes that I can get locally.

Avanti Giro 3, 2011 model. $1200 on special.

http://www.avantibikes.com/endurance-ro ... px?bid=419" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Merida Ride Lite 94-com $1600

http://www.merida-bikes.com/en_int/bike ... ite+94-com" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Merida Ride Lite 93-com $1350

http://www.merida-bikes.com/en_int/bike ... IDE+93-com" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Jamis Ventura Race $1450

http://www.jamisbikes.com/usa/thebikes/ ... _spec.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;


I have ridden the Avanti Giro, and it feels a bit weird, but I haven't been on a road bike since I was 15.

[Hz-Lab]

The Lite 94 looks rad, and that is all I have to go by as I know shit all about roadies...lol. However, in the world of MTB I would be avoiding Jamis's, they're not overly impressive.

[CLP]

I would say probably the Giro, or the Merida 94 based on specs. the pic of the merida shows a triple chain ring, but the specs say a double. I would think that a double should suffice

i think the Jamis looks ok too, but might be let down by the Tektro brake calipers. Merida 93 is in a lower class because of the tiagra components

hope that helps a bit!
CLP

Ok, I have got pricing on the following bikes that I can get locally.

Avanti Giro 3, 2011 model. $1200 on special.

http://www.avantibikes.com/endurance-ro ... px?bid=419" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Merida Ride Lite 94-com $1600

http://www.merida-bikes.com/en_int/bike ... ite+94-com" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Merida Ride Lite 93-com $1350

http://www.merida-bikes.com/en_int/bike ... IDE+93-com" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Jamis Ventura Race $1450

http://www.jamisbikes.com/usa/thebikes/ ... _spec.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;


I have ridden the Avanti Giro, and it feels a bit weird, but I haven't been on a road bike since I was 15.

[Duke]

Norbs, some nice choices there.

Avanti Giro;
Confirm the brake calipers are 105 5700 models, it's important due to the new cable pull ratio of the 5700 levers?
Gearing choice is fine, compact chainset with an 11-25T will be fine for most riding you do.
The geometry is relaxed a bit which is probably a good thing for you and is what this style of bike is like. Not sure why you thought it felt weird.
The wheelset is also good for the money, it very dependable & durable being Shimano's training wheelset, I know a guy who has raced 3 crit season's on a pair in A-Grade.
Getting pedals is good and not that common these days, do you know what brand & which cleat they are compatible with? If Shimano SPD-R's then they are easy to get.
Be a hard one to pass up for the price you've been given. What do they RRP for?

Merida Ride Lite 94-com;
As CLP said confirm crankset is Double or Triple, go with what you want but a true Roadie only rides Double's.
You get a better cockpit & seatpost but sacrifice on the wheelset compared to the Giro. Stem & Bars are cheaper to upgrade than a wheelset.
No Pedals so that will add more cost if you decide to have a road specific pedal system later on.
Good Luck keeping that clean, White might be Euro pro looking now but it's a bugger to clean, trust me.

Merida Ride Lite 93-com;
My only comment is the groupset is a big step down from 105 and given the price & other bikes you've listed not worth it imho.
Intersting that they have the Shimano R500 wheelset on this lower spec model, be worth asking the shop if they would swap em to the 94-com but only if you'd like to.
Love the colours though.

Jamis Ventura Race;
Umm, biggest thing that sticks out here is they've tried to keep the costs down by using 3rd party items, like CLP said the brake calipers but also the crankset & chain are not Shimano 105. Saying that FSA & KMC aren't that bad but something to consider when deciding.
It has a good cockpit & seat but it's at least a white stem (ew!) and seats are a very personal thing. Speaking of which when buying you should ask if they are prepared to swap seats if nesecary?
I'm surprised that is has a full carbon fork and carbon rear mono-stay at this price hence the sacrifices in some parts to keep it cost competitive.

At the end of the day they are all very similar and it probably only comes down to a few things like,
Test Rides; usuually you can tell straight away which you like.
Customer Service; what is the shop prepared to do to help you buy.
Personal Feelings; Which one you like the look of the most, it's an important aspect as much as it may seem illogical.

Hope it helps mate.

[norbs]

Thanks for the input gents. I will give it some thought during the week and do some more test rides. I have been told the Giro 4 is being discounted this month, much like the 3 was in March. If it is, it could be a goer.

As to pedal. I have only just bought new shoes, so I will be sticking with the SPD double sided pedals, EURO COOL BE DAMNED!

The Merida Ride lite 93 is now out of the running after all the comments people have made compared to the 94.

I am pretty sure the 94 is a double crankset. That said, looking at the gearing, I will have to grow another ball to get up Berry Mountain with the double. It is way taller than the current bike.

[Duke]

Norbs, The Giro4 would be a great step-up depending how much the discounted price is. What's the difference in RRP between the 3 & 4 now?

As for this comment,

I am pretty sure the 94 is a double crankset. That said, looking at the gearing, I will have to grow another ball to get up Berry Mountain with the double. It is way taller than the current bike.

Remember it'll be a lot lighter & quicker beast your riding.

[CLP]

EURO COOL BE DAMNED!

you'll never fit in with that attitude :P

I am pretty sure the 94 is a double crankset. That said, looking at the gearing, I will have to grow another ball to get up Berry Mountain with the double. It is way taller than the current bike.

As Flinty says, this will be a lighter bike overall so it should take a whole bunch less effort to get up a hill. Also, were you actually in your smallest gear to get up berry mountain? For most people, the compact double is pretty equivalent to a triple on the road. It'd be a pretty serious bit of hill to really need a triple crankset.

[norbs]

Norbs, The Giro4 would be a great step-up depending how much the discounted price is. What's the difference in RRP between the 3 & 4 now?

As for this comment,

I am pretty sure the 94 is a double crankset. That said, looking at the gearing, I will have to grow another ball to get up Berry Mountain with the double. It is way taller than the current bike.

Remember it'll be a lot lighter & quicker beast your riding.

Well I found a shop in Brisbane doing the Giro 4 for $1299, and the LBS is 90% sure he can match it. Now I am waiting by the phone like a kid a christmas.

Hows this look Flinty and Carl?

http://www.avantibikes.com/endurance-ro ... px?bid=420" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[CLP]

Hows this look Flinty and Carl?

http://www.avantibikes.com/endurance-ro ... px?bid=420" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

that looks really good, especially for that price. Ultegra rear derailleur is an especially nice touch think you'd be doing pretty well on that. I suspect that they have down spec'ed the brake caliper on that too.. if it's like Miss V's avanti, they will put a Tiagra level caliper on there.

Only thing i would highlight is those tyres might need replacement sooner rather than later.. Miss V had a set of them on her Avanti Vivace and she had no end of trouble with punctures.

[Duke]

Hows this look Flinty and Carl?

http://www.avantibikes.com/endurance-ro ... px?bid=420" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

that looks really good, especially for that price. Ultegra rear derailleur is an especially nice touch think you'd be doing pretty well on that. I suspect that they have down spec'ed the brake caliper on that too.. if it's like Miss V's avanti, they will put a Tiagra level caliper on there.

Only thing i would highlight is those tyres might need replacement sooner rather than later.. Miss V had a set of them on her Avanti Vivace and she had no end of trouble with punctures.

norbs,
If you can get it for that price then I it's probably too hard to pass up. As long as your O.K with how it feels given your previous comment about the Giro 3.
As CLP said theonly thing I would suggest is find out what model the Shimano Caliper Brake's are, as I pointed out earlier they need to be compatible with the new 105 groupo, suprised if they are not 105 but the specs don't mention them being 5700 105's.
Read next comment, maybe the calipers are also R600 models?:

Something I only just noticed on both the Giro 3 & 4 is that the cranks are not 105's but a step below them. Be nice to haggle the shop to see if you could get 105's slotted in for a small increase in price? Not that there would be any issue with the R600 cranks but the 105's would perform better not to mention they match the rest of the 105 group which is practically black and look like the higher end Shimano groupo's, whereas the R600's look very silver & generic looking in the pic's.
105 Compacts: http://www.shimano.com.au/publish/conte ... ype-..html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
r600 compacts: http://www.bicyclestore.com.au/shimano- ... nkset.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Interestingly I can't find the R600's on the Shimano Website, I get the feeling they are an OEM type product???

The tyres are pretty high-end training / race specific, so they are pretty soft & quick wearing, just use em up then buy Conti GP4000's from OS when you need newies

Your also getting the 105 pedals so when your ready you can just buy some road shoes & cleats & your away.
Sorry I missed you call today but if I read inbetween your croaky voice then yes you can use your MTB type SPD pedals & cleats on your Roadie.

[CLP]

As CLP said theonly thing I would suggest is find out what model the Shimano Caliper Brake's are, as I pointed out earlier they need to be compatible with the new 105 groupo, suprised if they are not 105 but the specs don't mention them being 5700 105's.
Read next comment, maybe the calipers are also R600 models?:

the brake calipers might be R650.. on probikekit they appear to be the same price as 105... hopefully it's not the R450!

a quick google and it appears that the R600 cranks are solid, rather than hollow like the 6700 Ultegra and (i think! ) the 5700 105 series. Given the bargain you would be getting Norbs, it's probably worth the effort to see if you can get a deal on getting those changed over. rotating components are one area where you want less weight! failing that, it's an easy job to change over at a later date.


Cheers,
CLP

[norbs]

Thanks lads. I will see how it goes tomorrow.

[norbs]

Deposit put down on Giro 4 this morning.

The LBS just rang to say they might not have my size. FFS.

Cross your fingers lads.

[CLP]

Deposit put down on Giro 4 this morning.

The LBS just rang to say they might not have my size. FFS.

Cross your fingers lads.

Tell them that they'd damn well better find your size.. or we'll send Hz down there to sort em out

CLP

[Vilante]

Deposit put down on Giro 4 this morning.

The LBS just rang to say they might not have my size. FFS.

Cross your fingers lads.

Tell them that they'd damn well better find your size.. or we'll send Hz down there to sort em out

CLP

... and we'll send Wobbly down to re-write their company policies and procedures

[CLP]

... and we'll send Wobbly down to re-write their company policies and procedures

Gold!

[Duke]

... and we'll send Wobbly down to re-write their company policies and procedures

Gold!

Classic Vil.

Norbs, your kidding me aren't you. Typical whenever you find a heavily discounted bargain then things like this happen.
Either way I reckon they'll bend over backwards to get a sale given you've put your money where you mouth is.
Never know it might lead to a better deal, you hold the power here my friend.

[norbs]

Classic Vil.

Norbs, your kidding me aren't you. Typical whenever you find a heavily discounted bargain then things like this happen.
Either way I reckon they'll bend over backwards to get a sale given you've put your money where you mouth is.
Never know it might lead to a better deal, you hold the power here my friend.

Don't worry, they were very accomodating when I told them I had just purchased a stack of blue and white jerseys from over seas. They will buy them off me and replace them with new gear to match the bike if I dont get a blue and white one. He does seem pretty confident that they can get the size I need though. It just might take a bit longer.

I am supposed to be riding Macquarie Pass with a bloke from the ACF on the weekend. ( http://www.bikely.com/maps/bike-path/Ki ... limbing-II" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; Check the elevation profile. ) I doubt I am in good enough health to attempt it, but I might have tried on my new bike.

[Duke]

hahahaha, I like that attitude. Hopefully another store in the country has your size.

OMG, that route looks like a killer. If I had just had that cold you've had I'd be given it a miss tbh.
But I want to do it now. Looks awesome
http://www.cycle2max.com/bike-hill-clim ... spx?id=195" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://www.cycle2max.com/bike-hill-clim ... spx?id=310" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

There is this mountain as well I assume?
http://www.about-australia.com/travel-g ... n-lookout/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[norbs]

hahahaha, I like that attitude. Hopefully another store in the country has your size.

OMG, that route looks like a killer. If I had just had that cold you've had I'd be given it a miss tbh.
But I want to do it now. Looks awesome
http://www.cycle2max.com/bike-hill-clim ... spx?id=195" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://www.cycle2max.com/bike-hill-clim ... spx?id=310" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

There is this mountain as well I assume?
http://www.about-australia.com/travel-g ... n-lookout/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

I think once I am comfortable on the bike, I should do some of the climbs on cycle2max to see how slow I am.

[norbs]

It is here....



And here are the brake calipers for you guys to critique...

[CLP]

It is here....

Congratulations!

looking forward to the first ride report

[Duke]

Awesome norbs.
Ah yep the calipers are not 105's so probably r600 models.
They'll be fine as they are dual pivot style anyway.
Let us know what you think after a few rides.