A.R.S.E.

Not for me though

I've started looking but it's like starting again so I thought I'd ask here in case someone has had some experience.

My wife wants a bike for her birthday. She wants a racer, or at least something with drop bars so she looks pro. She will use it to commute but also does a shorter tri a few times a year so wants something nicer for that.

I'm looking to spend anywhere from $500-$1000 but it seems that the cheaper ladies bikes all come with Shimano Claris which I think is an 8 speed, 3 chain ring system.

Would be great if I could get her into Tiagra.

I feel like it should be new as it's a present but I might get a much better bike looking at second hand.

Any ideas?

When I saw the subject, first thought was "well, duh!"

Probably a stretch, but if you can extend your budget out to $1500, there's a *lot* of good options, including 105 equipped carbon frames (Giant Defy composite and Giant TCR Advanced). These will work a whole lot better in the long term, and be a better match for doing triathlons

Other than that, the Norco Valence A1 appears to carry a few 105 components, and is marginally above $1000.
https://www.bikeexchange.com.au/a/road- ... /102717076

maybe a Scott Contessa Speedster
https://www.bikeexchange.com.au/a/road- ... /102163183
https://www.bikeexchange.com.au/a/road- ... /102264833

Don't get too hung up on Women specific bikes, as a shop should be able to fit a "mens" bike to female.. assuming the underlying frame size is correct. Miss V rides an Avanti Vivace, which is a mens frame (female equivalent is the Vitale)

Vilante wrote:Not for me though

I've started looking but it's like starting again so I thought I'd ask here in case someone has had some experience.

My wife wants a bike for her birthday. She wants a racer, or at least something with drop bars so she looks pro. She will use it to commute but also does a shorter tri a few times a year so wants something nicer for that.

I'm looking to spend anywhere from $500-$1000 but it seems that the cheaper ladies bikes all come with Shimano Claris which I think is an 8 speed, 3 chain ring system.

Would be great if I could get her into Tiagra.

I feel like it should be new as it's a present but I might get a much better bike looking at second hand.

Any ideas?

Haha, I would love another bike!

Awesome, thanks CLP. I am going to talk to her parents/brother about injecting some cash so that I can look at something a bit better.

If not, that Norco looks nice. Another Avanti would be cool too though, keep it in the family

OK, so I've canvassed her mates and we now have a little over $1500 So we should be able to get her something in Carbon with 105 with enough searching - woo!

Looking to buy Rach this for Xmas!
https://www.bikeexchange.com.au/a/road- ... /102690714

nutty wrote:Looking to buy Rach this for Xmas!
https://www.bikeexchange.com.au/a/road- ... /102690714

Looks awesome!

One thing to check however is whether the triathlons that she was planning on entering allow disc brakes. I have no idea of the regulations around equipment in triathlons. It's unlikely it's a problem, but better to find out now than on the start line.

That looks really slick nutty!

Yeah I need to look into that CLP, cheers.

Vilante wrote:That looks really slick nutty!

Yeah I need to look into that CLP, cheers.

Oops.. I think I was getting mixed up with who I was replying to.. brain not engaged fully lol.

heheh

This is a pretty sexy things from a LBS.

https://www.bikeexchange.com.au/a/road- ... /102347311

Pretty much the same colour as her current bike also.

So money is tumbling in for this. These are a few I have my eye on, all carbon + 105.

This is pretty and also the same colour as her outgoing bike which she loves:

http://www.99bikes.com.au/bike15-merida ... mint-white

This Fuji is a mens and not quite as pretty but still very nice:

https://www.bikeexchange.com.au/a/road- ... /102282751

This is nice too but not sure I like the white?

https://www.bikeexchange.com.au/a/road- ... /102610538

Possibly a cyclecross bike, would be awesome for weekend fun but might not be the best for tri's.

http://www.99bikes.com.au/bike16-merida ... ite-191247

In other news - I'm looking for a single speed to commute on, second hand Might be my Xmas present hehe

So many choices!

The Scultura has a pretty good reputation. If you went with that one, plan to replace the tyres ASAP to something less puncture prone.

It looks like all of the Merida bikes have a Tiagra crankset which is a bit heavier than a 105 crank. The Fuji is fairly old stock since it has 10 speed components. Never know, there might be a bit more wiggle room on that price if you push them.


In a stunning bit of marketing, the bottom bracket in the Merida bikes is "attached" .. nice work Merida.

I'm leaning toward the Scultura, looks real nice and has 105.

Thanks for the info on the tyres, I've had a terrible run with flats so I have some tyres she can use.

Haha, well thankfully it's attached lol!

Thanks CLP!

Done deal, thanks for your help CLP. The 4000 in the womens isn't quite big enough so had to go with the mens which isn't a big deal.

I am a sucker for an up-sell though and they had the 5000 for $80 more, which is basically an upgrade to Ultegra. Kinda making myself jealous!

It looks a bit mental but I think she'll like it, I don't think she'd appreciate a girly looking bike, and it will look at home next to mine
I'll think she'll be blown away considering she's expecting a $500 bike. I sure would be

Vilante wrote:Done deal

outstanding looks great, and i'm sure she'll love it. you'll have to keep us posted on her reaction

That machine is such a loooong way removed from the initial idea of a $500-$1000 bike, with (hopefully) Tiagra!

Nice one Vil!

Thanks guys. Definitely a step up from what she's expecting

We are having a party next weekend so I plan on having it wrapped for that so everyone gets to give it to her.