Hi team,
Girlfriend needs a new bike that's a step above the Anaconda/Reid vintage crap, but probably not quite as nuts as something from the big expensive brands. Looking for something light, I guess in the $500-$600 range? Doing my own research but I know there's a whole bunch of smaller hipster brands around too so though I'd see who knows of something that might fit.
I'm in inner Melbourne.
Thanks!
Here is my experience:
Check out Melbourne Bicycles in Prahran. I purchased a Bauer Suburban there years back at the $400 price point and bang for buck it was great. They were very willing to negotiate on the previous years models.
A little more on the chain side 99 bikes in Port Melbourne stock the Merida range and I believe the Speedster might come into your price category for you.
Light will be a subjective term. You will be looking at some sort of alloy bike, maybe some carbon in the forks and seat post if you find an absolute bargain. I think you should ideally be looking at the components and looking for a reliable brand and good groupset. You also need to think how are you going to use the bike. Is it just riding around the city on road and paths or are you taking it off road.
As you get closer to 2019 most bike stores will be wanting to clear the 2018 stock. Something I am noticing is that FX is now starting to bite and most bike prices are increasing when new stock is arriving, so this may hurt some of your buying power if you want the latest model.
Good advice. Will check those places out!
I personally bought a bike from Lekker bikes in North Melbourne a year and a half ago. Really like the style and it rides like a dream.
Whats Anadonda? Did you mean anaconda lol?
I like Specialized bikes; a few stores stock them, but you would have to check out which you like / the weight and then the cost. They can be pricey.
Yeah I have one of those myself :)
Inner Melbourne Specialized dealer is 'Total Rush' near Richmond station
You can also use www.bicyclesonline.com.au
I bought one of the Polygon Premier bicycles last year and it's doing well. Free shipping and 2 week trial period.
ebay. auction/ used
i scored an awesome roadbike for absolute peanuts
eBay
Your price range is at the budget end of bike shop brands range. This means you will probably not get anything that is ‘light’, however you may find some better features than the Reid, Anacnonda stuff.
Having said that, the Reid, Ancodonda stuff can be better value because it doesn’t have the brand name tax applied that the big brands do have. They do make decent bikes in their upper range. Just be careful of the Ancynnodo RRP, the bikes can be good value at their ‘sale price’ but the RRP is optimistic at best and outrageously high at worst.
If you know what type of bike you are after have a look on www.bikexchange.com.au loads of local bike shops advertise their discount stock on there. You can search by postcode to find local bike shops and then head over and check out in person.
Heaps of second hand awesome, top condition bikes on Gumtree at very reasonable prices. You just need to research and check GT regularly so when a deal pops up you can pounce.