This was posted 11 years 9 months 25 days ago, and might be an out-dated deal.

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IT'S BACK ON! Progear Hybrid Bicycle- $249 (RRP $800) Free Shipping (18.5" & 15" Frames)

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Hi Folks,

I bought one of these ~18mths ago (15" frame) for my wife and paid $650 for it from the Bike Barn in Parramatta. At the time I did a lot of research and found that this bike, despite not having a big name brand had very good quality components throughout it. And it still sells at that store for $500 (on special).
http://www.bikeexchange.com.au/bicycles/progear/hybrid/cx-40…

So when I looked for a bike for myself I was amazed to find that the importer of these is clearing out 18.5" & 15" versions for $249 (with the option to make an offer so maybe even less). PLUS they've included nationwide free express post delivery!

Hybrids have fallen a tad out of focus over the past few years BUT for the social/weekend/commuter rider these are many classes above a fixie or a mountain bike made road friendly.

The main link is to the 18.5" version (which I bought (I'm 5'11) and it arrived in 3 days) - but they also have a 15" version —-*** EXACTLY SAME PRICE $249 ***—- (which is the one my wife got as she liked the black colouring, she's quite petite (5'3) so could be used by ladies easily).
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/SHIMANO-24-SPEED-PROGEAR-HYBRID-B…

As stated we've had my wife's one for 18mths+ now and it's been faultless - the components on it are easily comparable to $500-$800 range. e.g the tyres on them (Kenda Eurotrek) sell for up to $60 each!
http://www.bikes.com.au/p/1217944/kenda-eurotrek-tyre-700c.h…

A lot of the cheaper bikes will have a brand name rear derailleur but then yucky parts in other areas novice buyers won't notice but these have very decent parts all the way through and the build quality is also very good for the price-range.

So if you're looking for a bike or open to upgrading from a clunker you'll really struggle to do better than these for anything less than double their price! As stated paid $650 and I felt it was a good buy back then!!!! So $249 delivered is sensational IMHO.

PS. They come '99% assembled' and average user can easily put together but some times you might need a shop to tune the gears etc - but great tutorials available for this online.

Good luck.

PS. ABN: 96 137 370 953, Lifespan Fitness is a division of Global Fitness & Leisure Pty Ltd

PPS. Deal back on….YAY! Buy fast before they remove it again! I'd BIN at $249 rather than making an offer, it could take too long and you risk it over saving a few dollars!

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closed Comments

  • FWIW I've been told (unsure how true it is) but that as with a lot of other product areas - the company that makes/assembles these 'Progear' bicycles does the vast majority of its work as an OEM factory for other bigger well known brands e.g Giant, Merida etc - but this is its own inhouse offering. Hence you get very good value but not a brand name you'd recognise. I've no idea if this is true or not but does make some sense given the value and quality of the components utilised. :-)

    • Hey Nikko,

      Im only a casual rider but was curious as you own this bike if you could answer; "How heavy is this bike?" please?

      I cant seem to find that in the specs?

      Thanks in advance

      • +1

        Sorry for the slow reply.

        Ah hard to say as I don't have scales….I'd estimate ~12kg - maybe lighter. I can tell you from comparing to other bikes (the Aldi one and a few other cheapies) it's much lighter. Very noticeable. Sorry I can't be more precise. :-/

  • Oh these guys also have some flat bar road bikes they're selling at the same price BUT the components used are not to the same level of those used in the hybrid - that said they're still good value (the hybrid is sensational!)
    http://www.ebay.com.au/sch/Cycling-/7294/i.html?_catref=1&_f…

  • From the pics it looks like a very good bike for the money.
    It would have to be better than my $450 Giant hybrid that has rusted on every possible part.
    Brand name means nothing, quality does.

    • But you cannot proof good quality unless you bought it and use it for a while….. that's probably the biggest use of a "brand"…

      • I had a Big W bike for over 10 years, cost a quarter of the price of the rusty Giant and it never had a speck of rust.
        Argue all you like, a sticker with a name on it never guarantees quality, just an excessive price.
        Lets stay on topic here… this deal is a hot one for anyone wanting a hybrid bike. I would buy one but no one wants a rusty Giant bike :-(

  • Any disadvantages on this bike? Thinking of buying.

    • +1

      No disadvantage from what I can see. Don't compare it with a $5000 bike though like some would do.

    • you might need to know how to adjust the gears & brakes

    • +1

      Depends what you intend doing with it. If you are just going to cruise around the suburbs, 24 gears and a fork is unnecessary complexity, more maintainence and more work. Ah, simplicity on a bike- those were the days, my friend.

      "Aluminium Hybrid 700C"- that tells me absolutely nothing. How about you?

      • +2

        Ah well most suburbs apart from those on the Nullarbor plain will have a few undulations hence gears of some nature will make the ride more manageable for 90%+ of riders. And unless you go with the rear internal hubbed bikes (big $$$) you'll invariably get 21 or 24 etc. So yes fewer would be fine but it costs no more and is no more hassle to service.

        A cheap suspension fork is of no use - period. This one is quite decent - definitely softens the bumps and has full lockout on it (non-locout versions, like the Aldi one are HORRIBLE!) Isn't that much of a weight penalty.

        Aluminium hybrid 700c tells me it's aluminium framed (as opposed to heavier and rust prone steel), will have a front suspension fork and has larger 700c size wheels. So call me picky but thats all reasonably handy info for the demographic who'd use this bike.

        Its not trying to be a replacement for $1000+ bikes or one for a serious rider…..BUT it's many times better than anything in it's price range. I've two in the garage and can personbally attest to this. :-)

    • Agreed, very much depends what you plan to use it for.

      It's built for comfort, not for weight/speed so if your main purpose is getting places quickly you could say that's a disadvantage. Not that it's bad, just there are different bikes for different purposes so really depends what you're looking for. Some guys love Rolls Royce, but if you want something fast and fuel efficient, they're not a good choice!

  • it's been selling at $249 since march so not really a deal

    • +3

      Don't argue with this guy he will rip you to threads — LOL.

      Apart from that, don't know much about bikes so can't say if it is good deal or not. Seems pretty decent though.

    • +2

      Not a deal? I would like to see a bike with those specs for a similar price + including delivery?

      • aldi were selling a 21 sp hybrid for $129 which, as i recall, has reasonable gear on it

        • +2

          Ahhhhhhh what do you mean by decent gear? You mean it had a branded rear derailleur???? Tad simplistic - oldest trick in the book.

          Sorry to admit it but my step father and mother bought these Aldi bikes and they're woeful.

          Heavy as can be - horrible in every way. Perfect example of why average users should avoid low priced hybrid's and go with a fixie instead - that is unless you can get this bike for $250!

          I had the horror of riding one of the Aldi ones last weekend - NOT FUN. And I tuned it up to the nines. Is no better than the Kmart/BigW sub-$300 bikes.

        • +2

          Average users go for a fixie? That's still pain in the suburban hills you refer to, just a different kind of one!

          This bike looks good for the price, but it's not the first bike that's been a deal, and gears are way better than fixies for the average user.

        • My apologies - what I meant was that cheap/disposable suspension bikes are grossly inferior than even a basic fixie for most folks. I agree, fixies are a PITA for a lot of folks - but I genuinely believe the ~$100 dual suspension MTB is an eco-disaster.

    • +1

      Touche to xywolap's reply to you - talk is cheap thus I eagerly await your superior buy so we can all benefit. :-)

      But seriously Mattgal, so by your definition the nature of a 'deal' is not the price & what you get for it but rather how long it's been available at this price?

      Seems a tad flawed….though I see your sentiment.

      But look you're welcome to take the challenge and show your words are more than hollow, baseless bluster by as the above poster stated - finding a better deal and sharing it with us all?

      Or alternatively consider that in the millions of deals on Ebay SOME GET LOST and IMHO this is one of them. So yes, it may have been selling at this price for a few months - but that really surprises me as the price is exceptional for a bike using these quality of components.

      It's as simple as that. :-)

      • Why does every user with a monkey face get all precious about others stupid comments?

        • +4

          Can speak for the other simian avatared folk but I'm not getting 'precious' about anything you write, hence I'd say plenty of stupid comments get a pass from me. ;-)

  • Would this be the right size for someone 6" tall?

    • There are 2 sizes from what I saw. Somewhere on the net there are instructions on how to measure the correct size for a bike. Google is your friend there.

    • There are guides online but they tend to vary in what they say.

      I'm 5'11 and this bike suits me well based on height/inner leg length etc. I'm 100% sure you'd be completely fine with the 18.5" despite it probably being ideal to have a frame an inch or so larger. Doesn't matter as much with cheaper bikes - is more for more expensive ones where crank length varies etc.

  • Could not locate ABN for this seller. (See guidelines for eBay deals)

    Edit: Please report item to have it re-published if ABN is located, in case I've missed it.

    • Found it:
      ABN: 96 137 370 953, Lifespan Fitness is a division of Global Fitness & Leisure Pty Ltd

      • Thanks for updating the post.

        • No worries, is unprofessional of the seller to not have it listed in their listing - hence I had to search for it. C'est la vie.

  • +2

    sorry for being ignorant, but what is a hybrid bike?

    • +2

      Hybrid bicycle on Wikipedia — basically general purpose bike combining features from road bikes and mountain bikes.

      I am actually quite interested in this deal (added to my Wish List folder). Need something to get me out of the house and do some exercise. Living in the Sydney South-Eastern suburb also means there are a lot of places (shops, uni) that I would like to go that are too far to walk but not far enough to drive. Hmmm…

  • Hi Nikko, How does this bike go off-road? have you done much riding on trails?

    ps - I would mainly want for cruising/commuting but just interested to know.

    • Ah look we've not tried them on anything but hard surfaces - mainly as my wife is a pretty ordinary rider and also I CBF'd cleaning the bikes up after usage.

      They could be used offroad but REALLY ONLY light stuff - it's not what they're made for but I'm sure it could be done as long as you don't think you suddenly have a hard-tail mountain bike! So make your own call on this - it wouldn't be like taking a road bike off the pavement but it's not something I'd be looking to do overly regularly. Think of driving your Commodore offroad….it will work but not the best idea unless you nurse it a lil. :-)

  • I've always wanted a hybrid bicycle because I already own a road and mountain bike and would like to have the "best of both worlds".
    Fortunately I didn't book that $200 jetstar NZ flight yesterday. This website is making me spend too much money lately lol.

  • Hi Nikko,

    You seem to be quite knowledgeable on bikes. I am 5'5", so I'm thinking the 15" frame would be more suited for me. Do you think that's too small?? My brother is 5'10" and he'd probably use it when I'm not, so maybe I should go with the 18.5", so that we could share it?
    Any thoughts? Anyone else? Thanks. :)

    • -6

      The deal is only for 18.5" frame. With your dimunitive size you might get away with it if you retract the seat all the way down and wear platform shoes jokes.

      • +3

        Completely WRONG.

        As clearly stated in the OP the deal is for the 18.5 AND 15" frame. Please don't talk nonsense (am I being precious again? ;-).

        There's just a different Ebay link for the 15" frame.

        http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/SHIMANO-24-SPEED-PROGEAR-HYBRID-B…


        Terlalu, the 15" would suit you perfectly and FWIW for the last 12mths when I've needed I've ridden my wife's 15" and just put the seat up without problems. As stated, I'm 5'11 so your brother will be fine with this.

        I'd definitely recommend this rather than you on the larger frame - which could be dangerous, unless you're planning on growing - in which case the 18.5" would be the better longer term choice. :-)

        • Thanks Nikko for your comments.
          I'm still unsure about this purchase. Might end up buying a cheaper women's bike for myself as I don't know I'll use it all that often, and let my brother decide for himself. Thanks for your help though :)

  • +3

    I bought this bike from a Cell bicycle store, about 4 or 5 years ago. I think the model is called CX300, which looks very similar to this one. I've been riding the bike once a week commuting to and from work (approx. 13km each way) and haven't had any problems with the bike - except for a flat tyre once - but not a fault of the bike. I think I paid close to 500 when I bought it, initially to get used to cycling - and have modified a few components along the way. I've since bought a $2,500 carbon cell bike for the weekend rides, but still prefer to ride the progear for my weekly commutes (don't have to worry about getting it stolen/bent/rusted) speaking of rust, there's only declouration of the aluminium over the 4-5 years.

    • +1

      Thanks for the great REAL WORLD feedback - very handy for prospective buyers.

      Progear have a CX300 model as well, which is the one below this one, very similar specs but this one is has slightly superior components. :-)

  • Also worth noting that if you pay via CC then you get free freight insurance(worth $15) which is probably recommended.

    • Unless I'm mistaken it's EFT not CC. Significant difference.

      • Sorry, EFT as in bank deposit/transfer. I think I'd rather just pay with PP which would automatically provide buyers with protection incase something goes wrong.

  • I think the sizing estimate is rather conservative :

    15" - 150cm-160cm 18.5" - 160cm-170cm

    So the 15" is for midgets and the 18.5" is designed for less short people. 170cm is nothing. Atleast the OP reassured us that these frames can be used by anyone over 170cm!

    • +1

      On this we agree.

      If you search for sizing guides you'll find that they rarely agree on the size thats suitable for people. These bikes have a lil unusual frame as their top frame bar isn't parallel to the ground but angled downwards.

      As stated I've easily used the 15" frame without problem and find that the 18.5" suits me easily - therefore at a pinch I'd say anyone up to `6'2 could use it without problem. Bike frame sizing is important BUT on cheaper bikes where they don't vary their crank length etc it's not as big a deal.

      Has a very good quality Cane Creek adjustable headset so you can vary the angle of the handlebars - so combine this with the seat height and you've got anyone from 5'8-6'2 covered. Not as good as a custom bike but for this price range people will not notice nor care. :-)

  • Just checked my current mountain bike that I've had for 10 years, it has a 48cm frame (19"). When I got it I was measured up the store and this bike was chosen based on current measurements and the bike had little more room if I kept growing taller (which I didn't).

    Edit: Just bought one. There's over a dozen pending offers so it could potentially sell out quickly.

  • +1

    I am 170cm, should i get 15" or 18.5"?

  • +10

    HAHA Nikko your great. Love a good OP who can not only talk the talk, but back it up with impeccable knowledge that scatters the trolls better then a bazooka.

    • +4

      Thanks Kill Joy, my wife keeps telling me there's someone out there who luvs me - lord knows it's not her. ;-)

      I don't mean to be harsh to folks but people just post up erroneous or baseless comments and then get up in arms when you chip them about it. Also people just seem to love undermining things people locate with the old "Oh thats not a bargain etc" - I'll always give these folks the chance to justify their comments (which in a perfect world they would do up front!) but they very rarely do - hence as you've stated they tend to fall into the 'troll' category….which is a shame as it benefits no one and lord knows there's little satisfaction in it for me either. Anyway, watchagunnado? :-) Thanks for your post & kind words.

  • Great deal, but too small for me at 185cm :(

    • Quite seriously I'd hazard that you'd be very happy witht he 18.5". The seat really goes up a long way and adjust the headset/handlebars and you'll be fine. Worst case scenario as shown here there's demand at this price so sell it off new if it doesn't suit as an 'unwanted gift'.

      Or better still make a very quick dash to your local bike retailer and try a similar angled ~18.5" frame on for size but I think if I can at 178cm ride a 15" frame very happily and comfortably you, my taller brethern will be fine on the 18.5". :-)

      • Nikko, you seem very knowledgable, though i am a bit confused: you mentioned that I should get 18.5" as I am only 170 cm, and yet in the above response, you seem to imply that at your height of 178cm, you would be happy with 15" frame?

  • I sent a message to eBay seller, and I was told by their technicians that I would require a bigger size.

    I am 180cm and was instead given a link to this: http://cgi.ebay.com.au/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=140569…

    What do you guys think? 21" too big for 180cm or will this one do just fine?

    • +1

      Take it with a grain (or shaker) of salt but I think their technicians are looking at the same tables etc that you're looking at.

      Honestly the angle of this frame makes it impossible to compare with most sizing charts (top bar slopes down) - and I'm 2cm smaller than you and there's no way I'd be compfortable riding the 21" in this frame.

      The flat bar (which is significantly lower spec'd) is a different frame design and therefore 21" would be fine.

      I looked at this EXACT problem and chose this bike in the 18.5" and it's been the right call. I know it's tricky as they're telling you one thing and me another but it's just because the frame design is different to the 'standard mountain bike/road bike' ones they're using. :-)

      • Ok dude, I'll take it from you with more experience.

        I'll buy the 18.5" one.

        Thanks for your help.

  • Is this model as/any good?
    http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/SHIMANO-21-SPD-PROGEAR-FLAT-BAR-R…

    edit: See above

    • It's a good buy for the money but you can find them selling for a fair bit less than the CX-400's.

      The components are lesser quality pretty much across the bike compared tot he CX-400. I did consider going with this bike (which technically is more suited to my style of leisure riding) but went with the higher spec'd CX-400 for the same price. Would choose the same again.

  • +5

    I made an offer for $230, the seller counter offered for $239. I accepted :D

    • +2

      Me too, got it for $239.

  • +1

    Another day another deal thanks to ozbargain… Im so poor :(
    Got the midget size

  • Excellent spec for the money - just wish they did a slightly larger frame - I'm 6'3" and would need the next frame size up.

    Right now I use an old 21" MTB frame with various Deore/LX/XT components and 26" slicks as a commute bike but this bike would be a perfect cheaper (less nickable) alternative.

    This frame might work for some my height, but I'm all arms and legs….

  • -3

    I bought a spin bike from these guys a few years back. It was rubbish.

  • +2

    +1 for OP's passion.

    • Right back at you, +1 for you.

    • -1

      Give him a newly minted medallion already.

  • I'm still umming and arring about this deal. The price and specs are top-notch but I will certainly cop some flack if I put another bike in our already crammed garage. Thinking of pawning off the k-mart mountain bike that i've been trashing for 2 years and using this as my main machine. Would be a massive upgrade. Confirmed that you can most likely get it from the seller at @ $239. I put in a low ball offer of $220 and he came back at me with 239 as a counter-offer. Now I just have to entice myself to click the 'buy' button. Normally, I wouldn't be in any hurry to buy, especially as the deal has been running at this price for sometime but I noticed that they have already sold 11 units of the 18" model today alone. Not bad for the power of ozbargain deals and exposure they receive.

    • +1

      You forgot to count those who made/accepted offers ;) It's 22 of the 18.5" sold at the moment

      • i'm one!! couldnt help myself at this price. cant wait to put it together!!!

  • Haven't read all the comment, but some seem rather stupid.

    I have just bought one and I think I love you Nikko! Thanks so much for posting this.

    Oops. That's the wine speaking. But seriously, I have a hybrid already and it's fantastic. This seams much better than mine and the price is fantastice. Now my wife can use one and I can have another.

    • No worries pal - I feel the love, nothing like a lil vino to loosen the tongue! Hope you enjoy the bike.

  • +1

    To those with bike riding wives.. how do you get them to start riding? My gf is only keen on walking dogs and the occasional box fit at the gym :/

    • Mine swore she didn't want one and so I made an 'executive decision' and bought her a cheapie (cheaper than this! She loved it and so I upgraded and got her this one (when it was $650) as she'd proven that she wanted to ride.

      Am sure she's just had bad experiences as a kid - and to be honest most females have a bad impression of riding as they're given crap bikes or mens bikes that don't suit them. Make sure you get her the right sized bike and a female specific saddle and this will help heaps. Good luck.

  • Is it possible to change the tyre and rim to make it a decent mountain bike?

    • +2

      no the wheel is fused to the frame.. you havto carry it everywhere

    • Brakes misaligned due to different wheel sizes would likely be a problem.

    • +1

      As Monad says, this will open a can of worms to put different sized rims etc on - better off either getting a MTB instead or just putting a nobbly 700c tyre on - am sure you could find. Dunno how it would go.

  • +2

    Is it just me or have they revised all the prices to 400 something?

    • It's gone up to $449 for me.

      • Just offer what you think. No loss if they reject it.

  • Seller must've wised up

    • too many lowballing ozbargainers ;)

  • OMG i was hesitating the entire day after seeing it around 11am and considering whether to buy it or not…i tried to look for the expiry time but there was none listed in the OP that i could spot (not complaining, nikko). and now when i finally have time to sit down and look, ITS GONE UP O M F G IM SO PISSED OFF.

    i've been looking for a new bike for the better half of half a year……..ok all of half a year and this was it. IM SO ANGRY.

    • +1

      Offer the original price of $249, all they can do is refuse and they might even accept it.

      • +2

        I think the ship has sailed.

        If you look at the offer retraction history, the seller has retracted lots of "offers" with an explanation of "Entered wrong amount".

        Many people were making offers, and most were likely offered the cheaper price of $239.

        Many accepted. However those who didn't take the buyer up on this offer before the seller started retracting have missed out.

        • Yeah the damn seller has cancelled my offer. Oh well, I was looking for an excuse NOT to buy it so I got it now.

  • -6

    I think seller is not royal enough. They sell at price $249 since Mar but increase it after a lot of people bought it.

    BTW, Thanks OP for sharing this good deal

    • +1

      Ok, I'll ignore the 'royal' thing???

      However, you thank the OP & say it's a good deal but neg it anyway…WTF, that's gratitude for you!!! :s

      • StewBalls,

        I'm thank you Nikko for sharing this good deal. It's a good deal if you can get it at price $239 to $249.

        I was neg this deal (seller) because the seller suddenly raises up the price without reason after a lot of people bought it. I'm disappointed with the seller's unprofessional.

  • +6

    FWIW guys I've just gotten up and seen this and I'm VERY dissappointed with the seller's unprofessionalism. As pointed out by others these have been selling at this price for several months. And they'd been selling VERY slowly, one every few days - but the seller had clearly been very happy to accept atleast $249 for the item as repeated sales had been made at this price level.

    Now, just because they've MASSIVELY sold more bikes on one day than they have over the last few months combined they blatantly jack the price up over 50%!!!!! Thats very, very poor form and reeks of profiteering on the new interest the OzB community garnered for them. So professionally I find this abysmal and amateurish!

    Hence as others have suggested I would OFFER no more than $249 for the bike and place a comment saying something alonog the lines of "You have sold 26 of these at $249 since 17MAR therefore I would respectfully request that you accept my offer at this same price level." (these are the actual Buy It Now sales figures for the 18.5" frame)

    I'd be very disappointed if they do not accept this and personally I'd call their Head Office and ask to speak to someone wanting an explaination why your offer was rejected. Might cost you a dollar but is much easier to say no via email than on the phone.

    Very disappointed in Global Fitness & Leisure's actions - some explaination if nothing else would be appreciated (they are aware of this thread). :-) Nick

    PS. Sorry to everyone who missed out - but try those offers with a persuasive comment or two in the comments field. Good luck.

    • Yeah, the seller is deluded thinking they're going to get further sales at the inflated price, as the increased interest is via OZBargain and OZbargainers by definition, will not fall for it.

      I'd check in a week or two and it's quite possible the price will be back down to $249 again.

      Edit: the price is down to $369….you're getting there Lifespan, $249 is the target. You can do it!!

      • you're probably right, its now at $369

    • so i'm not the blind one who couldn't find an expiry date of this deal !

      i sent them an offer of 250$ last night and it got rejected before i went to sleep. will try again with a comment this time. fingers crossed but nothing more than blind hope.

      normally wouldn't want to give a retailer like this any money, but it's too good a deal…if they accept anyway !

    • Haha, missed out, kind of luckily as my wallet stays a tad happier :)

      Could just be simple high school economics laws of demand and supply?

      • +1

        The other argument could be one of "dynamic pricing" or as you say, supply and demand. Most online retailers are adjusting prices based on sales history. However, this was a brazen and exorbitant price increase by the seller to make a quick cash in, and so it wasn't welcome.

  • I've a feeling their remaining retailers got the shytes at them clearing them out at such a low price and complained to them. The larger sales prolly hadn't brought it to their attention previously.

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