Commuter Bike + Accessories for $500

Lpotatosalad on 07/11/2017 - 18:10

Hello OzBargain friends,

I'll be doing an internship soon for 6 months around 5km from my house. Turns out that 90% of the route is a cycle path (how convenient), with the other 10% being road. Naturally, cycling seems like a good idea. I'm looking to spend around $500 in total for a new bike including accessories - mostly from the money I won't be giving tfnsw. I'm starting completely from scratch. I plan on using the bike after the 6 months for getting to and from the gym, and just exploring the neighbourhood. I'd like to carry stuff with panniers, and get some mudguards too. I'd also need to get the usual accessories e.g. pump, inner tubes, lights etc. I'm hoping all this can be gotten for $500, or is my budget a bit too tight?

I've been looking at the Reid City 1 Bike for $349 and the Radius Vista 10 for $368. As I am completely new to this, I'm not really sure how to tell the quality of bikes. For this reason, I'm a bit wary of buying second hand. I do plan on popping into a bike shop in Sydney sometime soon. In the meantime, if anyone could provide any suggestions or comments that would be most appreciated.

Thanks

Sports & Outdoors

Comments

  • oscargamer on 07/11/2017 - 18:43

    for that price point, go and sit on a couple of bikes, then buy the one that suits you

    • oscargamer on 07/11/2017 - 19:49

      or this…..https://www.reidcycles.com.au/reid-urban-x0.html

      looks a lot more 'bike' than the City shopping trolley

      • potatosalad on 07/11/2017 - 21:14

        Thanks, will give that one a go if I head over to Reid. Any overall opinions on Reid - bikes and service? I've read mixed reviews of their customer service particularly when it comes to bringing in bikes for servicing.

  • Zippy7 on 07/11/2017 - 22:10
    +2

    Um - depends on how mechanically minded you are…
    If you're a bit more confident, then look at a second hand bike. Should be able to pick up a gently used bike that cost heaps more new, so better value for money.
    Not sure I'd go Reid, as I've read mixed reviews on their servicing.
    You can get a good cheap helmet at K-mart (go try them on for sizing and comfort).

  • Euphemistic on 07/11/2017 - 22:49
    +1

    Your budget seems a bit tight for a new bike plus all the accessories. Of the two links I'd go with the Reid, they have turned Into a decent budget brand over the years. The radius would need guards, rack etc added to get the same equipment level and it is only 18spd vs 21 for the Reid.

    Second hand will probably get you a better price or a better bike, but you need to be confident to pick s decent bike, or that you can repair it cheaply. Sticking to known brand names second hand and you probably won't go to far wrong. If in doubt for brands, jump onto your favourite search engine and see if a local bike shop sells them.

    You will only need lights if travelling at night, so save up for them until winter time. Helmets are cheap from Kmart, just get one that fits comfortably, they all meet the same standard, and most riders never really use one in anger (by falling on their head). You might get away without a pump, can use the air at a servo, and one tube and a patch kit should be enough to get by initially.

    I've been commuting for a few years now very similar to you, 6.5km, mostly cycleway. I've ridden all sorts of bikes, from fast roadies, to a big w fat bike(very heavy poorly geared and slow). The bike only makes a few minutes difference, so really anything will do over that distance.

    Good luck with your commute, It's a great start to the day.

    • potatosalad on 08/11/2017 - 15:58

      Much appreciated mate. Unfortunately the Reid Sydney store is not currently stocking the City 1 Bike. Would you recommend buying it online?

      • Euphemistic on 08/11/2017 - 16:45

        Would you be comfortable completing the assembly? (It's not that hard)

        • potatosalad on 08/11/2017 - 19:48

          Assembly would be a minor concern - as long as there's clear instructions I should be good. I'm more concerned about getting a bike without testing it.

        • Euphemistic on 09/11/2017 - 07:44

          @potatosalad: I wouldn't worry about the quality side, bikes are pretty simple, and you will have some warranty/consumer guarantee available. The difficult bit is sizing. With some experience you should be able to pick a bike size based on the online geometry and measurements. There will be some level of adjustment available, but not a lot.

        • potatosalad on 09/11/2017 - 21:16

          @Euphemistic: Cheers mate

  • TheBilly on 08/11/2017 - 06:39

    Just go a Reid - There aren't a lot of options in that price point that aren't a Kmart bike. Unless you go second hand for an expensive bike a couple years old.

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