Good Value Bike Shop Hybrids/MTBs?

• 

  dcuksuop on 21/06/2022 - 10:23

  +1

  V brakes are horrible. There are better types of rim brakes. Disc brakes are even better, especially in the wet.
  Also you're getting front suspension, but you might not need it.
  I'd personally look second hand, Facebook marketplace, though I'm handy and know what I'm looking at. Just bought a 1 year old name brand hardtail, great condition, at half RRP.

  • 

    xdigger on 21/06/2022 - 10:36

    Thanks mate, I have no technical knowledge needed to suss out the good secondhand bikes deals on marketplace, etc. Hence looking to get it from a reputable bike shop, with cheap annual servicing preferably. I'm guessing the Pedal Hawk Hybrid would be better for my needs VS Pedal Colt Hardtail MTB, and lighter?

    • 

      dcuksuop on 21/06/2022 - 10:44

      +1

      if mainly roads, do hybrid. If mainly trails, do MTB.

  • 

    Euphemistic on 21/06/2022 - 14:18

    +1

    I beg to differ, I find V brakes better than cheap cable disc brakes.

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  Drakesy on 21/06/2022 - 11:09

  +1

  That Reid is painfully specced.

  As always would recommend any Giant/Trek/Merida hybrid bike first. Ideally off gumtree marketplace (and made in the last 5 years).

  If you're stuck with these options go the pedal hawk hybrid, although the suspension is a bit of overkill

• 

  Euphemistic on 21/06/2022 - 14:19

  +1

  The pedal colt is not designed for serious off road terrain. Also 2 front chainrings isn’t ideal. It often means you need to change it more often while a 3 ring can mostly leave in the middle.

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  xdigger on 21/06/2022 - 15:17

  Thanks all for the helpful comments! So I cross posted on bicycles.net au forum and got a reply, "Tektro are a low end brake, and the fork brand isn't even listed. Typically cheap bikes with suspension forks are heavier and the price influences their quality."

  Would that be accurate? They seem to suggest the cheaper Reid is a better bike! (and $200 cheaper to boot)

  • 

    Euphemistic on 21/06/2022 - 15:21

    +1

    Yes, tektro are a budget brake, but I have some and they do the job fine (not sure what the model differences are)

    It’s hard to say which was the better value without being able to throw a leg over and test them. On the face of it I’d rather have discs if there is any chance of riding in wet conditions, but otherwise you don’t need suspension forks and they add weight and complexity for little benefit.

    Do you have the option of going and test fitting them?

    Ultimately, the best value bike is one you enjoy riding so you don’t get discouraged from getting out there.

    • 

      xdigger on 22/06/2022 - 08:57

      Thanks buddy, but I wouldn't be able try them on in person, hence trying to find field reviews for them or even if the specs on paper are decent.

• 

  xdigger on 22/06/2022 - 15:35

  To clarify, given my needs for mostly weekends road cycling and light trails only, I don't need anything fancy or high maintenance. My budget is <$500-600 , and low-maintenance, and rust-free as I'll be keeping it on my back porch.

  I'm currently looking at either the 99bikes Pedal Hawk Hybrid ($529) or Reid Transit Disc Commuter ($350), which is better? The Pedal Hawk has 8 speed but has suspension (thus heavier), the Reid has 7 speed.

  https://www.99bikes.com.au/pedal-hawk-hybrid-bike-green

  https://www.reidcycles.com.au/collections/sale-commuter-bike…

• 

  xdigger on 22/06/2022 - 17:03

  The 2021 Polygon Path 2 Urban City Bike is $559, would it be better than the 99bikes Pedal Hawk Hybrid ($529) ?

  https://www.bicyclesonline.com.au/2021-polygon-path-2-urban-…

  • 

    Euphemistic on 22/06/2022 - 20:54

    +1

    End of the day it’s swings and roundabouts. They’ll be much the same spec wise, better on one part, lesser on another etc because they are built to a price point.

    Pick your favourite colour/shape/brand and go for it if you can’t try them in for size.