I Need a Bike! Please Help!

iamapineapple on 13/09/2015 - 12:53
Last edited 13/09/2015 - 13:45

Hey guys,

I am completely new to bikes, but I have been riding a Southern Star bike (from Kmart maybe?) for a while but it is rapidly nearing the end of its life. The tyre has a stab wound and the brakes could be more aptly termed relaxers (i.e. they don't work).

I had a look on bike exchange and gumtree and did not realise how expensive bikes were (most of them were $1k!).
I am looking for a bike just to ride 1-3 km (one way) each day to University (or possibly hospital for placement next year) and will be riding mainly on the footpath. My only intention is travel.

Could you please recommend a bike for me? I really feel out of my depth. If it helps, I am 171cm tall and lean.
I had a look at this bike and it seemed promising: http://www.momentumbikes.com.au/road/momentum-r120.html
My budget is ideally $200 or less.

Regards.

EDIT: The Momentum-R120 is in stock on bike exchange I believe.
This one looks really good as well! http://www.reidcycles.com.au/condor-road-bike.html#product-t… - I hope to buy a bike within 1 or 2 days (+ free shipping!)

Sports & Outdoors

Comments

  • oscargamer on 13/09/2015 - 14:31

    dear pineapple

    I have the flat bar version http://www.reidcycles.com.au/condor-flat-bar-road-bike.html - just prefer the flat bar and gear lever positioning

    For the price, it's great.

    Looks like you need to buy pedals separate now ! WTF?

    Momentum is out of stock

    • iamapineapple on 13/09/2015 - 14:46

      It is out of stock it seems, that is a bummer :/
      You really have to buy pedals?! That is terrible. Do you know of any other good bikes?

  • cannedhams on 13/09/2015 - 14:50

    Your link is to a road bike, but from the modest distance of your commute and the fact that you ride mainly on footpath, I would assume you would be more at home with a hybrid bike.

    You might also benefit from having a bike with a coaster brake (ie one where you backpedal slightly to apply the brakes) rather than hand brakes (ie caliper or cantilever brakes). This means that you will not have to worry about your inability to stop because of ill adjusted caliper brakes or worn brake pads.

    • iamapineapple on 13/09/2015 - 14:57

      Thank you for the reply, however, I looked at Reid's website, and the cheapest bike is $349!

      • cannedhams on 13/09/2015 - 15:04

        Yes. Given that budget, you might want to consider a cruiser. They generally feature bigger tyres with lower pressures that can withstand abuse as well as coaster brakes that will work without maintenance.

        There is a decent one here:-

        http://www.oo.com.au/Spectrum-26-inch-Ladies-Beach-_P317430.…

        I realise that cruisers are heavier and slower than the road bike you linked to, however you sound like you would prefer to not have to change tyres and the like. I am assuming that the footpath you travel on has no major hills.

        Alternatively, 99 bikes sells a cruiser with gears and dual pivot brakes which are better than the ones you see on your Kmart bike.
        http://www.99bikes.com.au/pedal-uptown-7-green?utm_source=go…

  • boonanza on 13/09/2015 - 15:09
    +1

    Repco Fugitive 27.5 Inch Men's Mountain Bike for $100 at Big W
    https://www.bigw.com.au/product/repco-fugitive-27-5-inch-men…

    • Malarkey on 15/09/2015 - 14:45
      +7

      No, just no…

  • ESEMCE on 13/09/2015 - 15:56
    +2

    Look secondhand for a bike shop brand road or hybrid in fair condition.
    99% of the cheap bikes are cheap cause they're heavy and awful to ride.
    Malvern star bikes occasionally come up on sale here. They're half decent.

  • Findo on 13/09/2015 - 16:46
    +6

    Why are you riding on the footpath?

    • iamapineapple on 13/09/2015 - 18:52
      +1

      It feels a lot safer

      • bennos on 13/09/2015 - 23:02
        +1

        Maybe for you, how about for the child walking along the footpath or stepping from their front gate onto the footpath and bang straight into the bike rider. If you're old enough to go to Uni, you are old enough to ride on the road. Once you ride on the road for a week, you will lose the irrational fear. Maybe your scared because you ride a slow and heavy $200 bike that is slow and dangerous for a adult to ride.

        Im actually more scared to ride on the footpath, cars reversing from driveways scare me.

        • Daabido on 14/09/2015 - 05:33
          +10

          Apart from the reversing cars, this is useless scaremongering. I can count on one hand on one finger the last time in 25 years I have seen a kid come rushing out from a driveway (after a ball). On the other hand, I can count myself lucky to still be alive after many close encounters on my bike on the road. Footpaths, if well maintained, are a good place to ride where there are no dedicated bike lanes.

        • Nynaeve on 14/09/2015 - 08:14
          +2

          Don't forget old people, pregnant people and others with limited mobility. Also the cyclists who don't have a bell or wont use the bell.

        • Mobe1969 on 14/09/2015 - 08:55
          +6

          @Daabido:

          I'd personally disagree, speaking as someone who has commuted on the roads to work daily (yes even in rain) for the last 15 years, 9km each way. I have to ride a few sections on the bike paths and one on the footpath, and I find it terrifying. All my accidents in the last 10 years have been single vehicle accidents (eg only me) avoiding gormless pedestrians who randomly decide to change direction without looking where the XXXX they are going. Like every pedestrian I have encountered when you ring you bell to signal you are close, their immediate reaction it to move RIGHT. Yes, Right. We drive on the left, people pass on the right, and pedestrians seem to think the thing to do when someone is overtaking is to move right. The worst one I had I ended up crashing into a gap between a tree and a guard rail avoiding the pedestrian and went over the rail into the road. I go slow past pedestrians, but when you have to make an emergency stop there is often no way to avoid crashing rather than hit someone. And cars out of driveways are a lesser evil, but I'd take the road any day. As a bike commuter you really get to appreciate just how unaware pedestrians are. I mean a person standing at a bus stop will very frequently walk BACKWARDS, eyes glued to their phone, without looking where they are going. After my continual observation of gormless pedestrians moving right when they hear a bell, I'm so gun shy using my bell now. I've been burnt so many times.

          If anything I'd say one of these made the biggest difference to bike road safety. The ability to maintain continual awareness of vehicles behind you without having to look around is fantastic:
          http://theprudentcyclist.com/2012/08/bike-peddler-take-a-loo…

        • bennos on 14/09/2015 - 08:55
          -4

          @Daabido:

          So 1 kid every 25 years is an acceptable risk to you?

        • Squiglymo on 15/09/2015 - 11:59

          down vote for you sir.

        • melfes on 15/09/2015 - 13:51

          @Daabido:totally agreed! except nsw made it illegal though not really forcing it right now

          riding on the road is dangerous and irritative to the cars behind you who in turn will always try to pull off some moves to overtake

        • MementoMori on 15/09/2015 - 14:42
          +2

          @bennos: 1 kid in 25 years TIMES the probability of his bike riding through at that exact moment = acceptable risk to him.

        • lonewolf on 16/09/2015 - 15:47
          +1

          I thought it was illegal to be on the footpath above a certain age? So I am never on the footpath unless i really have to (from one bike path to another etc, or crossing over somewhere). I also find the foot path very unstable as well as the pedestrians probably feeling scared that i am on it….

        • ronnknee on 16/09/2015 - 16:47
          +2

          Ride on the road and you get yelled at by drivers.

          Ride on the footpath and you get yelled at by pedestrians.

          You can't win.

        • SlickMick on 17/09/2015 - 08:43
          +1

          @ronnknee:
          you get bike tracks, and the occasional bike lane :)

        • Mobe1969 on 17/09/2015 - 09:55

          @SlickMick:

          Bike lanes are great. I'm not sure where there are any near where I use.

          Bike tracks on the other hand are pretty bad in Brisbane. Generally ultra poor surface conditions, no lighting (so in winter when dark you can't see past oncoming bike lights blinding you by arrogant cyclists), and to make it even worse, shared by black clad joggers and dog walkers (who all seem to leave dog s##t on the bike tracks) who have zero awareness, fail to keep left, and will tend to leap out in front of you when you ring your bell to advise you are closing on them. Oh yes, and in the ones I uses in Brisbane, there are so very often commercial heavy vehicles driving down them doing various things, so you might come around a blind unlighted corner to find your self facing some truck. They just fully suck in Brisbane.

        • ilikeradiohead on 17/09/2015 - 15:26

          @lonewolf: I think in WA it's illegal for adults to ride on the footpath. Not sure about other States though.

        • cannedhams on 17/09/2015 - 19:46

          @Mobe1969: I commute to work using the veloway and south east bikeway, and think that they rock. I think if other people knew how quickly you could get to work on them, they would give it a chance.

        • cannedhams on 17/09/2015 - 19:47
          +1

          @Mobe1969: with most pedestrians using smartphones, ipods etc and headphones, not much point using the bell anyway these days.

        • Mobe1969 on 18/09/2015 - 06:32

          @paizuri:

          Yeah those ones and that one along the Centenary are more like wide bike roads. I'm on the Northside though so there really is nothing. That one next through victoria park is a XXXXing abomination. The bit next to Enoggera Creek is bad as far as lighting ans surface goes, but at least it isn't heavily trafficked.

        • cannedhams on 18/09/2015 - 09:32

          @Mobe1969: I used to live in Herston and rode the Victoria Park bikeway, it does get a bit of traffic but I didnt mind it.

          Northside does suck though generally, I used to commute to Chermside via Websters road, I still had to jockey with traffic for part of the way and it took 45 minutes to get to Chermside which is crap considering its only ten ks out of the city.

        • Mobe1969 on 18/09/2015 - 09:37

          @paizuri:

          In winter when riding in the dark the vic park bikeway is pretty brutal. There is no lighting, it is narrow and overgrown with brush making it even darker, so you are riding into blinding lights of cyclists in the other direction with their headlights ultra bright and pointing up, plus surface is terrible. Plus a lot of pedestrian traffic too. It was so much much better and safer when the ICB was a bikeway. We lost that unfortunately, even though it still has unused wide safe sidings.

        • cannedhams on 18/09/2015 - 10:30

          @Mobe1969: True, I used to get into contests with some other cyclists, we would end up going at 40k/h in the dark along the golf course. Pretty stupid in hindsight.

      • Nynaeve on 14/09/2015 - 08:12
        +4

        It may be illegal depending on which state you are in. Especially if there is a dedicated bike lane.

        http://roadsafety.transport.nsw.gov.au/stayingsafe/bicyclist… (This is just for NSW, I have no idea what state you are in)

      • phocus on 14/09/2015 - 17:33
        +6

        Bikes on a footpath are not a good idea for the obvious children getting caught up and also cars reversing.

        But even on the lower scale of the spectrum, imagine going down hill on a path which has lots and lots of bumps and non aligned slabs of concrete. Its easy to pickup your speed to 20-40km and doing that on a footpath is pretty scary with the bumps let alone if a car decides to pop its head out.

    • ozkiwi75 on 13/09/2015 - 19:47
      +5

      Not sure about other states, but it's legal to ride your bike on the footpath in QLD.

      • Euphemistic on 14/09/2015 - 08:49
        +2

        There is nothing, other than being illegal in some states, wrong with a courteous rider riding on the footpath. It is a little bit dangerous with cars reversing from driveways (they are supposed to give way, but often don't) but if you ride carefully around pedestrians, and realise that you need to give way to them then itis fine to do. I am a regular cyclist and ride footpaths occasionally when I think the roads are dangerous, particularly near roundabouts. Having said that, roads are faster to ride on by a long shot.

        • bennos on 14/09/2015 - 08:59
          -3

          I agree, I like to ride my peewee 50 dirt bike on the foot path, it's slower then a push bike ad it's only 50cc, and apart from being illegal, and because I'm too crap of a rider to ride on the roads, I've decided to ride badly on the footpath.

    • [Deactivated] on 14/09/2015 - 09:03
      -4

      Why do cyclists ride on the road?

      Seriously though, there is a time and a place:

      Case 1:

      8 am weekdays, Beaconsfield parade, Melbourne. Beaconsfield parade has 2 dedicated bike paths one with both directions on the beach side, and another outbound lane on the other side of the road. It also has dedicated footpaths for pedestrians seperated from the bike paths and the road. Yet almost every morning there are a couple of (profanity), in their super tough lycra, riding down the road, taking an entire car lane out of service for all the inbound cars. What is the point, other than to prove you are super touch cycle man? There is an almost empty bike lane, 2 metres to your left, which will be safer for both you and the car drivers.

      Case 2:

      5pm weekdays, Dandenong Road, outbound, St Kilda-Malvern. A 5 lane road, 80kmh limit, absolutely packed with traffic. The far lanes are clearways from 4pm-6pm, yet every single day, there are one or two moving roadblocks, risking their lives in what equates to a motorway. Cars have to veer out of the way to get around cyclists, often almost causing accidents. I understand that there are not cycle lanes in this situation, but common sense dictates that cyclists should take safety into account, there are wide footpaths on this road, which would be a much safer option. Ultimately I hope the council builds some cycle lanes in the centre strip running next to the tram lines, but right now, it is crazy dangerous for cyclists and its just a matter of time before another one gets killed.

      • Euphemistic on 14/09/2015 - 16:21
        +11

        Cyclists are classified as vehicles according to the road rules, and are entitled to a lane. Often it is better to ride in the lane of traffic so motorists don't close pass. Many driver assume because a car will fit through there is enough room to pass. Taking the centre of the lane is at times essential to ensure the drivers cannot pass unsafely. But I prefer not to have to do it much.

        I ride the roads a lot for getting to work mostly, and also for exercise. Where practical I will ride out of the lane of traffic. It isn't always practical if there isn't enough space, if there is too much debris on the shoulder. Also if the sharepath has too many pedestrians then I can not ride at a reasonable pace to get where I am going, it is my responsibility as a cyclist to give way to pedestrians, and many share paths don't go in the right direction.

        • [Deactivated] on 14/09/2015 - 16:35
          -8

          Way to completely ignore my post and push your own agenda.

        • Euphemistic on 14/09/2015 - 18:37
          +8

          @thorton82: funny, I was thinking the same about your post.

        • SlickMick on 14/09/2015 - 22:31
          -1

          so where is the license plate? why are bikes allowed hold up traffic where a car would get a ticket for being a nuisance.

          We need better rules where bikes need to be registered, need to maintain minimum speeds or not be on road, no bike lane, no bikes.

        • first in line on 14/09/2015 - 23:49
          +4

          @SlickMick:

          no we don't. No where in the world requires a bike license, what is the point? Australia is a nanny state with too much rules and people who for some reason have a chip against cyclist. They don't realise that cyclist are motorist too.

        • [Deactivated] on 15/09/2015 - 10:23
          -6

          @first in line:

          Cyclists are not motorists, they are cyclists. You would need a motor to be a motorist. Back to my point, when a cycle lane is available, cyclists should use this, and this exclusively, or risk a fine. Bullshit like 'other cyclists are too slow, pedestrians are hazards' does not fly, because cyclists are too slow for traffic, and massive hazards, and at far greater risk of being killed than a pedestrian on a bike path. I don't drive my car in the bike lane, so why on earth do cyclists think its alright to use the road when they have other options? Its nothing more than vanity, and proving just how cool a cyclist you are. Its like wearing lycra on the ride to work? necessary? Wouldn't tucking your suit pants into your socks suffice? Its as much about the image to other cyclists as anything else.

          Cyclists also need to take into account the dangers of traffic. Riding a bike along a 5 lane 80kmh motorway filled with traffic at peak hour is nuts. Most cyclists realise this, but every single day there are one or two tough guys.

        • pitiek on 15/09/2015 - 11:49
          +1

          @SlickMick: How are license plates and registering bikes solve the problem if you can elaborate?

          Maybe just splash a yellow bike stencil on the road and call it a bike lane which will help…

        • [Deactivated] on 15/09/2015 - 12:22

          @pitiek: That would be fare and equitable. Cyclists represent maybe 2% of road users and you think they should be entitled to up to 50% of the already congested roads? I'm all for building cycling lanes, but not at the expense of the majority of road users. Cyclists need to understand that they are in the minority, and thus do not have equal rights.

        • pitiek on 15/09/2015 - 13:24
          +2

          @thorton82: FYI road projects and maintenances are splitly funded between the three levels of government; Federal, State and Local which are mostly taken from our taxes.

          Only a tiny percentage of vehicle registration fee goes towards road funding..

          This could probably means that even though you thought bike riders are the minority in terms of numbers who use the road, depends on income tax bracket, bike riders are paying more tax to fund the road…

          Do you catch my drift?

        • [Deactivated] on 15/09/2015 - 14:59
          -1

          @pitiek: No I don't catch your drift, but I do catch a scent of something in the air. I never mentioned funding, I mentioned road users, and raw numbers, it was pretty clear, you couldn't misinterpret it. To imply that cyclists are in a higher income bracket than motorists is not only completely illogical, but a waste of precious keyboard strokes.

        • pitiek on 15/09/2015 - 15:02
          +4

          @thorton82: so it's the tough cyclists in lycra pants that annoys you?
          If you only saw one or two daily and you cannot stand that, you should find better hobby or other interest than watching cyclists while you are stuck in stand still peak hour traffic…

        • pitiek on 15/09/2015 - 15:07
          +1

          @thorton82: You said :I'm all for building cycling lanes, but not at the expense of the majority of road users. Cyclists need to understand that they are in the minority, and thus do not have equal rights.

          I'm all for educating road users and the facts.

          To say that road is meant for car drivers because there are more of you is just plain ignorant.

          I own two cars which only mainly used on weekends and for the missus to drop my boy to kindy during weekdays but I commute on two wheels 5 days a week.

          Would that place me in the minority road users? I ride and drive. And when I ride, I don't drive which reduce one car from the road which equals to reduction in road congestion..

        • SlickMick on 15/09/2015 - 15:54

          nvr mind

        • SlickMick on 15/09/2015 - 16:10
          -3

          @pitiek:
          Firstly, to pay for the bike lanes. Motorists pay for motorways, cyclists need to pay for bike lanes.
          Secondly, When you scratch my car, I need your rego details so my insurance company can sue you.
          Thirdly, so you can have traffic infringement tickets sent to you for dangerous riding, causing a nuciance etc

        • pitiek on 15/09/2015 - 16:22
          +6

          @SlickMick: Motorist do not pay for motorways as I mentioned.
          All taxpayer in Australia pays for public infrastructure which includes roads, bike lanes, bridges, pathways, pedestrian crossing etc…
          so that answers your first statement.
          Secondly, insurance company doesn't work for you to sue vandals who damage your car. How about pedestrians, prams and shopping trolleys? Do you want to register them as well so you can sue them should they hurt your precious car?
          Thirdly, I bet you have not tried reporting traffic infringement to your local police which in my case I have. Video footage provided for road rages, cars running red lights, and close passes which in QLD is illegal (www.tmr.qld.gov.au/~/media/tmfranch/roadruleschangesbicycles…) with response no better than we will look into it, we can't do too much etc..

          Good luck with that..

        • [Deactivated] on 15/09/2015 - 16:42
          -4

          @pitiek: You're not educating anyone, you are just displaying a complete lack of self awareness and ignorance to the opinions of the populous. Cycling is great, it's great exercise and great for the environment. More people should commute by bike, the world would be a better place. But not in peak hour on road ways. Your argument that you are one less car in the congestion is ridiculous, cyclists can't move at car speeds; on public roads they add to the congestion, and not just in one lane, but in multiple lanes when the following cars have to go around the cyclist. What makes you the minority is that you think that traveling in peak hour on congested roads on bicycles is a good idea. It isn't, it's a bad idea for everyone . For you, motorists the kids that see you get squished and the guys who have to scrape you off the road. We need more bike lanes no doubt. But again you are trying to start an argument rather than have a spirited debate. I gave two specific examples, one where 'hardcore' cyclists refuse to use bike lanes for no reason other than to be Mr Lycra, and another, where cyclists present a danger to themselves and others. Don't try and twist my words to cover every situation.

        • pitiek on 15/09/2015 - 17:01
          +5

          @thorton82: Opinions of the populous? Where is that stat from?
          Travelling in peak hour on congested road with cars is not just a good idea, it's the time where most people are trying to get to work and home like yourself which means it's not really avoidable. Why not you leave home earlier before the congestion happened so you can get to work quicker may I ask?
          No commuters in the right mind would avoid using bike lanes just to show of their lycra unless there are debris or hazardous tacks in the lane.

        • [Deactivated] on 15/09/2015 - 17:46
          -1

          @pitiek: That's not a stat pitiek.

          I can't leave an hour earlier, because I have a job. Is this the banal end of your weak argument? Because that question was borderline retarded and way off topic.

        • pitiek on 15/09/2015 - 18:46

          @thorton82: I have a job too…
          Don't call me names please, I have heard worst…
          I'm interested to hear your proposed solutions…

        • Euphemistic on 16/09/2015 - 08:53

          @thorton82: there is nothing stopping you from leaving home early and getting home late to avoid the traffic if you can't stand being held up for a few more seconds by a bike or two and a thousand cars. Do you ge the same level of annoyance if it is a tractor off to mow your local sporting fields?

        • SlickMick on 16/09/2015 - 12:53

          @pitiek:
          1. Okay, just pay your rego and an equivalent of the fuel tax motorists pay, for whatever it is that these funds go towards.
          2. I haven't had issues with pedestrians, prams and trolleys. It's just bikes that interfere with my driving.
          3. License plate will aid. That's where motorists have them.

        • SlickMick on 16/09/2015 - 12:57

          @thorton82:
          I theoretically agree with the "more bike lanes", but I mean widen the road, not take away traffic lanes.
          Last night I took my alternate route home, and found they've taken a lanes away so now 1 lane for cars, 1 for bikes and a big wasted void area for prams I guess. <slaps forehead>

        • pitiek on 16/09/2015 - 13:22

          @SlickMick:
          1. Okay. So you don't really care or understand where the fund will go to but as long the rego plates are on bikes? Would you register the bike or the person?
          2. You are lucky then, try to shop more often at your local Aldi.
          3. Back to the point that I have explained above. It doesn't.

        • SlickMick on 17/09/2015 - 08:48

          @Euphemistic:
          absolutely - why do tractors need to be on the road in peak hour? It seems common sense to me: to avoid being a nuisance to a lot of people, I'll be considerate and stay off the road at these times.

      • pitiek on 15/09/2015 - 09:40
        +4

        So I have to wait until all lazy commuters in steel boxes to arrive at work if I want to get to and from work on time like everyone else?

        It is legal to ride on the road and most times it is safer..

        Try it sometimes, you'll love it..

      • MementoMori on 15/09/2015 - 14:46

        @thorton82: RE: your case 2, riding on the footpath is illegal in VIC. I wish it wasn't.

        • [Deactivated] on 15/09/2015 - 15:02

          I think in some cases, people need to be pragmatic.

        • Mobe1969 on 16/09/2015 - 09:07
          +2

          @thorton82:
          I agree. Everyone should be. I only classify myself as a bike commuter. It is my form of transport. I'm not a "pleasure" cyclist (in fact they do tick me off somewhat). I use it everywhere, to work, to the shops. I own a car and pay rego etc but I drive it maybe once a year. I pay tax. I don't ride in dangerous packs following illegally close behind the vehicle in front (whether that is another bike or a car), and I don't ride two abreast. I don't mind riding on the roads I have to in peak hour as in Brisbane here, the traffic is always slow on my routes, and there is no way in hell any vehicle could consider me to be holding them up. Usually it is the opposite… If it was one of your described scenarios above where the actual cars were doing 80km/h, and the lanes were all pretty chockers, and I wasn't able to ride on a safe siding, I would not feel safe or courteous riding on it, and I'm pretty sure in that case I'd be finding a side road/route, even if a bit longer. If the cars are going to be closing on me at a relative speed of 50km/h and they can't safely get around me without changing lanes, I'd put that as an unacceptable level of risk, and an unacceptable level of induced annoyance on the motor vehicles.

          And yes, bikes are vehicle with as more or less as many rights on the road as any other vehicle. They just aren't motor vehicle. All vehicles aren't equal. Some motor vehicles can't drive on a freeway either (mopeds and crap like that), and cars can't drive on bus lanes. But they are vehicles.

        • SlickMick on 16/09/2015 - 13:20
          -2

          @Mobe1969:
          I agree with most of what you say, except:
          a) I find plenty of situations where a bike is going significantly slower than the car behind it wants to.

          A typical example - the rider overtakes all the cars lined up at a red light. Now they're all stuck behind the bike from a standing start. Motorcycles do this because they have faster acceleration. By the same logic, bikes should be going to the back of the line.

          b) Why should a bike have the same rights, when these other vehicles need to be registered, and need to display identifiable evidence of such.

          I just ask that you follow the same rules, and that rules such as minimum speeds and nuisance "drivers" be enforced.
          If you're going to take off from the lights at 20kph, get off the road and let the cars go first, or don't be there in peak hour.

        • Mobe1969 on 16/09/2015 - 14:25
          +3

          @SlickMick:

          a) I don't experience this, personally, in the situations I ride in, so can't say I'd disagree with you.

          b) Why? Because it is the law. People want to change the laws, fine. But FFS people can't pretend it isn't the case just because they don't frigging like it, or insist stupidly that it is wrong because they don't like it and then fail to obey the laws just because they think they are silly. That is the kind of mentality that defines criminals and lawbreakers. I'd love to see a lot of things changed, and think a lot of laws are idiotic. doesn't mean I believe I should just go and break them. If it was illegal for bikes to ride on the roads, I'd sure as hell think it was stupid, but I'd not be out their riding on the roads.

          FFS, people who commute and shop etc by bike are doing more for the environment. All the governments are all rah rah over the environment, and what to do, but hey, when it comes to people like myself who drive a car maybe once a year, and ride 99% of the time, they couldn't care less and then we have all these gas burning people thinking the existing cruddy archaic laws that do give us some rights should be abolished in favour of encouraging more people to drive cars. Fark…

        • pitiek on 16/09/2015 - 15:56
          +1

          @Mobe1969: Amen…

        • SlickMick on 17/09/2015 - 08:51

          @Mobe1969:
          nobody's pretending anything. Our laws are a work in progress. Some deserve discussion.

  • bennos on 13/09/2015 - 21:32
    +11

    As a commuter, who rides 5km to work each day, all the advise I can give is get a decent bike!! Once you have a good bike not only can you ride to Uni but you can ride to the shops, to the pub, where ever you may want to go, distance will not be an constraint.

    I see people struggling on their $200 POS bikes and wonder to myself " Do they hate life, must everything in life be a struggle" Get a good bike and use it and enjoy it.

    • rodinthink on 16/09/2015 - 18:23

      There is one lesson I learnt from my life:

      Invest heavily on the things that you use frequently (great amazon reviewed stuff)

  • first in line on 13/09/2015 - 22:01

    Why do everyone think $1000 bike is expensive?

    • scrimshaw on 14/09/2015 - 00:32
      +26

      Because this is Ozbargain, not CarbonFiberBikeProfessionals.net

      • kiLbiL on 16/09/2015 - 16:55

        I googled to see CarbonFiberBikeProfessionals.net ^-^

  • Davo1111 on 14/09/2015 - 04:59
    +1

    Buy a second hand trek or giant.

    Maybe a new reid.

  • Hoju on 14/09/2015 - 07:19
    +1

    Wait for council clean up and pick up a freebie. Gotten 4 beauties in recent times that needed nothing more than a new tube. Only kept one and sold the rest for $80-150 each.

  • x2r9ypbj on 14/09/2015 - 08:11
    +3

    HAVE GOT A 1950'S BIKE NO GEARS HAS A BELL WOULD SUIT YOU GOES LIKE THE CLAPPERS
    SORRY HAS NO SEAT

    • scrimshaw on 14/09/2015 - 11:35

      VINTAGE BIKE

      [insert pic of crappy rusty bike]

      …. I don't think you understand what vintage means

  • bradsmrbetty on 14/09/2015 - 08:12

    This might be an urban legend but don't the police sell off all the unclaimed possibly stolen bikes?

    • Ithinkimtheking on 14/09/2015 - 08:15
      +1

      I think it all goes to auction at some stage, check there website.
      Edit; this is all the sorts of stuff police auction

      Sporting equipment
      Motor vehicles
      Auto accessories
      Furniture
      Electrical goods
      TV’s, video/DVD, stereo, CD players etc.
      PlayStations, Xbox and game consoles
      Mobile Phones (usually lots and lots of phones…)
      Jewelry (again, usually there is lot of it..)
      Power tools and equipment

      Bikes of all types

  • Euphemistic on 14/09/2015 - 08:53
    +2

    For $200 you are only really going to get a dept store bike, or BSO (bike shaped object) new. Best looking for a reputable brand second hand. There are plenty of bargains to be had on gumtree etc because many people buy a bike, think they will ride it and later sell it hardly ridden.

    Buying a $200 second hand bike, like something worth over $500ish new, is a good investment, but may need some TLC and a service. Many bike shops don't like servicing Kmart bikes (BSOs) but will happily service an older giant, trek, specialised, and many other brands. YouTube and a set of tools will go a long way to keeping a bike in good condition too if you are handy with tools.

    • sparkles on 15/09/2015 - 21:37
      +1

      True, always consider secondhand to get more bang for your buck. I bought my $800 Specialized for $300 with about five minutes riding time on it.

  • [Deactivated] on 14/09/2015 - 10:17
    +2

    http://www.ceres.org.au/Default.aspx?PageID=5324908&A=Search…

    If you're in Victoria, visit Ceres community park. They have a bike workshop where they help you fix up your bike. or they can help you build a bike. If you're happy to learn, is a cheap option. East Brunswick location. End of 96 tram line

    • iamapineapple on 14/09/2015 - 20:14

      Thank you, but that is on the other side of Melbourne for me :/

  • Reverse Snorkel on 14/09/2015 - 16:56

    I got a mountain bike with the trimmings for like $399 a year or so ago. Pretty good bike.

    http://www.cyclingdeal.com.au/

    They have decent prices. Worth a look.

  • cryptos on 15/09/2015 - 02:24

    If your only riding flat routes, consider a fixie, little to maintain.

    That momentum looks alright, although gears will eventually need servicing/tuning and I'd suspect at this pricepoint it would be more regular than the higher models.

    • Thaal Sinestro on 15/09/2015 - 14:33

      And riding a fixie automatically makes one a cool hipster.

  • belongsinforums on 15/09/2015 - 08:02

    For $200 you could get a longboard

  • cashless on 15/09/2015 - 09:11

    If you could just push your budget up to $349, then this has to be a great deal.
    http://www.cellbikes.com.au/Cell-Rockdale-1-0
    Specs seem to be pretty good for price range (shimano altus drivetrain is good)
    Delivery is free anywhere in Aus.
    For your height you'd need the Medium frame.
    I speak as someone who's owned one of Cell's budget flat bar road bikes for 6 years (18km each way commute).
    And no, I'm not a carbon fibre spandex wearing bike nazi.
    I'm a Hubbard:)

  • systema on 15/09/2015 - 11:41

    This can be a good bike at $179 with comparable spec (except it is flatbar) to the Momentum R120.
    Just make sure that it is the right size for you and get it set up by a proper bike mechanic (not the one from Kmart!).
    http://www.kmart.com.au/product/700c-flat-road-bike,-21-spee…

  • porkupine888 on 15/09/2015 - 12:42
    +1

    would definitely suggest browsing for a decent HYBRID (slightly more comfy and better than road bike - for your purposes) which is easily available for $200-$250 if you are lucky / not in a urgent hurry.

    Road bikes may be quick / slick and fast - but will not necessarily have the comfort / or riding style for your requirements - both styles are convenient to put pannier / baskets alternatively if you're adamant about getting a road bike - then get a flat bar one it might be easier for your travel needs

    • ghoulie1 on 16/09/2015 - 11:49
      +1

      Totally agree. Got a road bike and it is so uncomfortable. Would prefer and recommend a hybrid in a heartbeat.

  • snajper on 15/09/2015 - 13:29
    +1

    As suggested above get yourself semi descent second hand brand name bike from gumtree or alike.
    If it is a good buy: You buy it for $250 and you sell it 3 years later for similar money.
    You buy brand new KMart bike for $250, you sell it for $20 3 years later.

  • tyler.durden on 15/09/2015 - 14:07
    +1

    Just get it from Aldi

    They got some well priced bikes

  • Autonomic on 15/09/2015 - 14:10

    Definitely agree that 2nd hand is the way to go. I rode on a 2nd hand Giant Yukon bike 2km each way, was only $200.

  • iamapineapple on 15/09/2015 - 15:20

    Hi everyone,

    Thanks for the help. It seems a lot of the advice has just been to buy a 2nd hand bike, so I narrowed down these 3 after specifically searching 'giant' (as this brand came up the most) and a few other filters. Do you think any of these are decent?

    Giant Upland Xsmall: http://www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/maribyrnong/bicycles/giant-up…
    Not sure: http://www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/doncaster/bicycles/fantastic-…
    Giant Almonde: http://www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/box-hill-north/bicycles/giant…

    • systema on 15/09/2015 - 16:01

      The Upland is an XS (extra small) sized bike, which probably isn't a good idea unless you are aftering a really small bike.

      The Alamode is a small sized but it is on the cheaper end of Giant's line up, they are generally mechanically reliable but don't expect anything flash.

      The Kona is definitely the pick among the 3 with disc brakes and decent looking frame. It looks like a much larger size compared to the other 2 bikes, so I am not sure about your fit. I also have questions about maintenance as well considering the saddle seems to be quite worn (quite a fair bit of mileage) and the skewer wasn't done up properly (front skewer pointing to the front and towards the ground). I would suggest you to have a very good look at the mechanical side of the bike just in case.

    • tyler.durden on 15/09/2015 - 18:17

      I suggest you watch for aldi deals…

      I seen some bikes selling for less than $200.

      Why was money on a second hand bike that probably has rust and wear and tear…

      Just get a new one aldi and you got 60 days to return it if you don't like it.

      • iamapineapple on 15/09/2015 - 18:47

        This is a fair suggestion, however, the current folding bike does not appeal to me, and the reviews for the crane bikes are very unfavourable. This does not diminish Aldi as a good company though. I am probably just wary of buying a bike from them, and would prefer to buy a well known brand for some future proofness

        • systema on 15/09/2015 - 18:52

          I would suggest you have a look at the KMart flat bar road bike I posted earlier. Decent frame and spec for the money, I have the previous version (Southern Star Citi) which is quite a good bike for the price. Both equipment and frame were very competitive against other branded entry level road bike. Here is my review of my bike after I got it for a week or so : http://www.bicycles.net.au/forums/viewtopic.php?f=12&t=75682

          The bike is still running strong but it did needed quite a bit of TLC when I first got it. Otherwise, I'd hazard to say that it is as reliable as other road bikes that I have, if not better. (My other bike, a Cervelo S5, had been the hangar queen in my fleet despite its price tag due to issues with the cable routing design.)

        • iamapineapple on 15/09/2015 - 19:01

          @systema:
          Thank you for the suggestion, and know that I did not take it lightly.
          There are a few reasons for why I would prefer buying the momentum over the kmart bike, although they are minor, they are relatively significant for me:

          • Momentum offers warranty and servicing for the bike, which I doubt I could do myself.
          • The bike comes 80% assembled. I do not actually own any tools to be able to assemble the kmart bike.
          • It seems like a branded name would be 'safer'.

          However, if I do not find any other alternative, I think this is a good option and I would buy it. What do you mean by a 'bike mechanic' by the way?

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