New Bike $400

Rupture on 30/09/2014 - 14:10

Hi guys,

I'm looking at getting back into riding but I have a pretty limited budget with a Wedding in 4 months so I'm trying to keep the budget around $400 tops. I want the bike for general recreational riding/exercise, maybe a commute to work every now and again but no serious distances or rough terrain planned. From what I can tell I'm probably after a Hybrid bike but I have no idea where to start and what brands to go with/steer clear of. A little searching has yielded the Jamis Coda Sport (which is a bit out of my range new, but maybe I can find one second hand) or a Giant Sedona for around $330? If anyone has any thoughts on these or can offer some other suggestions I'd appreciate it. I'm not interested in a road bike or bikes with mediocre suspension as one would expect for this kind of budget.

Sports & Outdoors

Comments

  • sweefu on 30/09/2014 - 16:13

    If I were you, I would buy a used, but well maintained giant CRX. I've had one for years, and it's been a great flat bar road bike. If you hunt around you should be able to get one your budget, which leaves you money for a helmet, lights and a lock.

  • pat_mac on 30/09/2014 - 16:27
    +2

    The Reid bikes are pretty good for the money. There's discount codes to be found in old threads here.

  • dan1985 on 03/10/2014 - 21:47

    Not a hybrid, but I got the Reid Condor Flat Bar Road Bike (http://www.reidcycles.com.au/condor-flat-bar-road-bike.html) and a Helmet for $270 on Monday (I asked for a discount and they gave me 10% off)

    So far very happy with it and would recommend.

  • Madfrega on 05/10/2014 - 01:58
    +1

    Just bought a brand new giant boulder bike in the last few months, rrp is 429 but he sold it to me for 390, absolutely love it and ride it everywhere!

    • Gdsamp on 07/10/2014 - 19:20

      +1 For Giant Boulder
      Bought mine in late 2010 for $385 and only recently have I needed to replace the drivetrain components (I ride daily btw)

      2015 Giant Boulder 2 is $429, you might find some good deals on 2014 Boulders if you pop down to the local bike shop.
      The best time to buy was around the EOFY as dealers were trying to get rid of old stock for the 2015 models.

  • iSamurai on 08/10/2014 - 21:13
    +1

    Hey there…for around about $400 your best value for money option would be to go second hand. Gumtree or eBay would be the place to find, but get a mate who rides bikes regularly to have a look. If you prefer to get a new bike you could wait for another month or two, that's when they clear out this year's model so you could pick up a discount. And remember, no matter how good the deal is, if the bike doesn't fit you, it's a no go.

    I've written a post a while ago regarding purchasing bikes on a tight budget. I hope you'll find that useful.

    • lidker on 18/10/2014 - 23:39

      Yeah I agree - 2nd hand bikes can get you better value so long as you don't get ripped off or buy a dud. There are also lots of overpriced 2nd hand gear on ebay and gumtree and what makes things worse, quite often the listings don't even tell you the size of the bike.

      Fit is very important otherwise it's like buying the wrong size underwear - you just won't enjoy using it.

      If you're planning on riding on paved roads / bike lanes, then I'd go for a flat bar road bike. I think too many hybrids are basically mountain bike frames with thinner tyres. I personally didn't enjoy riding a hybrid on the road but perhaps I'm just a little picky.

      Once you get your bike and if you're in Sydney, I'd recommend you attend some of these freebie courses:

      http://www.sydneycycleways.net/events/categories/courses/cyc…
      http://www.sydneycycleways.net/events/categories/courses/bik…

      And above all, ride safely - there's too many idiotic motorists.

Login or Join to leave a comment
Login Join