New to cycling

[Danny]

Originally Posted by GTpilot

Love the colour, I'm Jealous..I tried to pick one of those up earlier this year but there were only 3 of my size in Australia. All interstate and the shops wouldn't ship them.
Ended up with a 2015 TCR Advanced pro 1 and I then upgraded it to Di2.

Nice one mate

Yeah, apparently only 200 of the Tdf came to Oz, they told me that they did sell out pretty quick. loving the Di2. very cool to watch people reactions when you pull up and they hear the servo motors as you're slowing down, and being able to trigger through a few gears to speed up over a crest just by holding the button is great.

[Batmobile]

Originally Posted by roKWiz

There's a couple of little hills just up the road from me.......Bucklands Gap, Taylors Gap, Towonga Gap, MT buffalo.. I won't go on.

You're so lucky being so close to some of best climbing roads in the country . Rosewhite, Towonga Gap - both sides , Mt Buffalo , Hotham, Falls Creek from the Bright side , and if you're feeling especially good , from the Omeo side.

[DJM83]

Bit of an article comparing a 96 Giant ATX1 and a new Giant Glory
http://www.pinkbike.com/news/giant-a...rner-2015.html

I remember lusting over an ATX1 and now a Glory aswell. Rob Warner a legend of the sport.

[roKWiz]

Originally Posted by Batmobile

You're so lucky being so close to some of best climbing roads in the country . Rosewhite, Towonga Gap - both sides , Mt Buffalo , Hotham, Falls Creek from the Bright side , and if you're feeling especially good , from the Omeo side.

You should see the offroad versions.

[Batmobile]

Originally Posted by roKWiz

You should see the offroad versions.

I have - and agree again . The XC on Mt Beauty is fabulous as is the enduro ride the back way up Falls Creek . Fire roads can be a little boring , but loved the challenge of riding the ascent to the top having to cross small streams
Never forget one year , left from the bottom of Falls at Mt Beauty on what was a rather double digit temp day. We set out with about 10 riders of all skill and ability, some ill prepared for what laid ahead. About 30mins before getting to the top of Falls it started to snow, not the soft fuffy stuff , it smashed down ..
Some in the group tired from the climbing and now cold and wet coild go on .. After much coaching and tears the group got to the topand we were very lucky to have been able to arrange transport for their descent back down whilst the others rode back down .
It was one of those rides that took the best part of 10hrs and you tag it as both memorable and easily as unforgettable.
It i could find work there i would live there in a heart beat

[roKWiz]

Batmobile, That sounds like a typical MTB group ride.
Sometimes its a nice place, given now its stating to get very hot down at the foothills and our little brown friends are starting to frequent the single tracks. I head north in Feb / March due to the extreme heat. Have you ever ridden in Brisbane Waters National Park (just Nth of Sydney) ? another great area.

[PepeLePew]

If i could lean on the wisdom of this thread a little.....my missus and I would like to do some casual biking just for fun and while in the past it's been chuck a bike in the back of the Terri, we'd now like to carry two.

Anyone suggest a towbar mount well priced carrier that'll do what they're supposed to do and not harm the paint/finish on the bar? Yes, I'm cheap!!!

The bikes aren't anything special I'm just like my car with the bike, everything has to be perfect or is pee's me off.

[blueoval]

Originally Posted by PepeLePew

If i could lean on the wisdom of this thread a little.....my missus and I would like to do some casual biking just for fun and while in the past it's been chuck a bike in the back of the Terri, we'd now like to carry two.

Anyone suggest a towbar mount well priced carrier that'll do what they're supposed to do and not harm the paint/finish on the bar? Yes, I'm cheap!!!

The bikes aren't anything special I'm just like my car with the bike, everything has to be perfect or is pee's me off.

I have one of these and it's magic. Set it up on the tow ball within seconds, mount the bikes and your on your way within minutes. Very affordable. All you need extra is a small bike number plate for legalities.

http://www.thule.com.au/details.php?p_id=70

[mik]

That looks alright Shav, do you think would it would cater for a bike with tri angle shaped frame work ? all my stuff is weird .

[blueoval]

Originally Posted by mik

That looks alright Shav, do you think would it would cater for a bike with tri angle shaped frame work ? all my stuff is weird .

The rubber mounts do swivel in a 360deg motion on the arm so it can adapt but I have to admit if you have a really small trangle shaped frame it can get tricky to make it work.

I have fitted one of my Kona's which has a small triangle frame on it and I had to mount one end on the seat post and the other end on the underside of the top tube to make it work.

It isn't for every bike, especially some MTB bikes (like a rock hopper) with odd shaped frames, shocks suspension on the rear etc, so I would recommend going into your local supplier of roof racks, bikes racks etc and try it with your bikes in mind before you buy. But if you have conventional adult bikes, it will suit it fine.

[mik]

No worries, thanks Shav.

Sent from my SM-N910G using Tapatalk

[DJM83]

Gravity enduro here in Wodonga tommorrow I've entered just for shiz and gigs I'm not close to fit but why not. I was looking for every reason under the sun not to enter, but I've entered. Picked myself up a good poc full face helmet so I'm ready to go, well not quite. But should be fun.

[mik]

Good on ya mate, hope the weather is good for you , been a good day for ride today , did my best distance on the local bike paths today with a little bit of road mixed in since i have been an old fart .

[roKWiz]

Much cooler weather for around Huon Hill forecast.

[Whitey-AMG]

Smashed out my PB ride. 122klm marathon ride over 5 hours. A great ride through the dandy creek trail, back onto East link trail and all the way up to the KewBoulevard ( thank god no tacks ) and then a bit of headwind for the long journey home. Gran Fondo December completed and I'm smashed...

My hobbies are either too expensive or they try to kill me. Lol.

[Top_Ghia]

That a great effort. I've done a few big rides along there but I start up Darebin creek, hit the Yarra trails out to easylink and back.
One day I did a big loop and did Beach road to somewhere near Frankston or Seaford and linked that up to Eastlink through to Yarra trails and home.

[DJM83]

So Gravity enduro is over
Got there met a few new people we had time for some practice runs of the DH track. Killer climb/walk to the top though


3 of us set off down the DH track for a reccy run what a track it had fast open paddocks that just flowed into tight technical sections. Few jumps that come up on you and a gap jump that i just couldnt commit to just yet. Hit some decent log jumps that you just couldnt back out of (jumping isnt my forte) lent back over the rear wheel and just landed em. The berms were still very soft dirt only not long finished had one off but not major.
Started the climb to stage 2, a trail ive ridden a few times so i was keen. About seconds in hit a rock garden and pinch flatted. Boy was it a long walk down, i still managed to cross the finish line. Later learned i wasnt the only casualty of it. All in all a great day and has wet my appetite for more racing in the future. That said im pretty sore today.

[Syndrome]

What is the best road bike in the $2,000 to $2,500 range?

[roKWiz]

Originally Posted by DJM83

So Gravity enduro is over
All in all a great day and has wet my appetite for more racing in the future. That said im pretty sore today.

There's a nice little cross country race in July, NSW Blue Mtns, you might like, Woodford to Glenbrook.
I was told it was mainly downhill but I soon found out it wasn't.

Hey Syndrome, I would have recommended a cheaper Cannondale a few years ago but since they stopped building them in the U.S I think they're junk until you get into the high end stuff.
Maybe Trek, TCR ORC Giant. Look first for frame quality then start looking at the components fitted.

These days they all come from the same factory in PRC, the difference is in the decals now.

[Whitey-AMG]

36 inch wheels anyone ?
http://www.bicycling.com/culture/peo...otally-awesome

[Whitey-AMG]

Originally Posted by Syndrome

What is the best road bike in the $2,000 to $2,500 range?

Im partial to the Giant bikes. If you're into a more relaxed geometry, I reckon the giant defy is a good consideration and they come in a range of specs.
A bit of looking around should get you the defy pro 2 for under 2.5k

https://ivanhoecycles.com.au/bikes/G...rt_inventory=1

[prydey]

Originally Posted by Syndrome

What is the best road bike in the $2,000 to $2,500 range?

i don't think its possible to narrow it down to a particular bike.

for that money you should be able to pick up a top brand bike with full ultegra.

Giant is a brand for the masses, and generally you can't go too wrong with a Giant. That being said, there is a lot of brands out there that make quality frames and a lot comes down to personal preference.

if you buy from a local shop, it should include a bike fit to make sure you are getting the right bike for you. if the shop doesn't offer you a bike fit with a new bike, then i'd probably find a better shop.

good luck with your search.

i have a cannondale caad8, which according to RoKWiz is rubbish, but after 3 years and about 18000km i've had no issues with it. even though its made in thailand, many reviews still have it as the best aluminium frame on the market. i just figured for the social rider like myself, anything will do the job.

most reputable frames will have lifetime warranty, so thats one thing to look for.

[Danny]

I've heard good things about the Azzurri Forza: $2500 and you've got yourself a carbon frame with full Ultegra electronic Di2 groupset. I was looking at one myself but I was offered a Giant TCR Advanced TDF with the Ultegra Di2 and carbon frame for only a little more than the Forza, so ultimately went for that.

I do hear good things about the Forza. Basically all the components are made up of off the shelf and reputable brands, the frame being the only "no name" component, and even then, most reviews say it is a great bike for the price!

[DBourne]

Bloke at work as a Forza, he is happy with it.

Definitely a lot of options available to you in that price bracket.

[blueoval]

I also know someone with a Forza Di2 as well. Full Ultegra and ended up getting it delivered for $2200 at the time. Still going strong to this day

[Batmobile]

Check out www.cyclingexpress.com. They had been located in Bayswater Vic , but due to GST and other factors were not able to complete with the overseas trading houses . Hence they have since moved off shore and are able to deliver excellent bikes and parts either to your door or via a local bike shop
My understanding for around $150 delivered you can get your hands on Di2 Ultegra 11sp for under $3,000 - with makes such as De Rosa , Time and Colnago

[mik]

Some nice frames there , all you need now is the other bits .......... check this seat out gang , i have just purchased and fitted one one to my trusty steed, will do a stress test tonight after tea , im hoping its the bees knees, it has a thumb screw arrangement that lets you adjust your split seat for weight bearing bony bits,
hopefully at long last i might have found a chair that doesnt cripple me when i get 15 k`s down the road,
so far i have tried 3 new different seats prior to this one , not counting some modifications ;).
i have to say at first glance the construction looks a bit light to me, but i may well be wrong, the easy seat comes with a 30 day warranty ...... which doesn't really inspire confidence in me , but i will give it a go anyway.

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/262150135490

[Danny]

Originally Posted by Batmobile

Check out www.cyclingexpress.com. They had been located in Bayswater Vic , but due to GST and other factors were not able to complete with the overseas trading houses . Hence they have since moved off shore and are able to deliver excellent bikes and parts either to your door or via a local bike shop
My understanding for around $150 delivered you can get your hands on Di2 Ultegra 11sp for under $3,000 - with makes such as De Rosa , Time and Colnago

They are still there mate, I was in communicato with them when I was looking at the Azzuri. You just have to call and check that they have a Forza Pro in the showroom to test before you buy.

Great Value bike, and look good too. Had I not been offered the TCR then I would have had one happily.

[mik]

in my previous post i mentioned i bought a split seat which adjusts so you can get your bony bits in the right spot and your sensitive area much more comfy , well i can attest to the sensitive areas being magnificently treated to no pain , the bony bits however ...... im still working on the seat adjustment, but what i have found is (forgetting about comfort for a minute ),
because you are now sitting on the two pads with no centre bit, it does give the sensation of being able to slide off in either direction on this particular seat, riding no hands would be extremely hazardous if you where brave enough to try it.
i haven't given up on it yet , there is still more adjustment i have not tried , and do like the big gap down the middle, getting back to comfort the two little pads to me anyway seem very firm and a little on the small side, some of that may be due to my petite 18 stone frame balancing on them .......... for now the quest continues .

[Top_Ghia]

Don't be fooled into thinking that a bigger saddle (the correct bike term for the seat) gives more comfort. It doesn't. Bigger saddles just rub in more places.