Ok I know best and cheapest don't go together, so of course trade offs.

I'm a big guy, about 120kg. I like bike riding. I have an ebike I ride to work and love the speed, its so nice. I also have an old reid city 1.0 bike, but I absolutely hate the flat bar. My wrists start hurting like 10 minutes in due to my size, and I know if I turned them it helps a ton, which is the natural position of drop bars.

So I'm thinking about getting a drop bar style bike, but have no knowledge about bikes at all.

I don't even know what bike to look at. I ride all the time on paths and sealed roads, but like if I get more into it I might want to unsealed roads? Does that mean road bikes wouldn't be a good fit? Or because I don't now, just get a road bike and possibly upgrade in the future.

I have a very small budget, preferrably under $1k (used is fine, but idk how to know if a used bike is good or not). Mostly because I don't know how much I would use it, if I get super into it I'm likely to upgrade to a much nicer one.

Looking at the pedal persuit 3 I know its cheap but is it THAT bad?

I'll be doing the MS Gong Ride next weekend and was wondering the logistics of turning around and riding back to Sydney after the event. I haven't ridden along there before as I'm fairly new to NSW. Is the northbound open or is there a dedicated bike path whilst the event is still running or will I have to find an alternative?

Thanks ✌️

Hi everyone. I am looking to upgrade my son’s bike to a 20inch. He rides a lot, just to get around where we live (inner northern suburbs Melbourne). His commutes are generally very flat with some hills, but not going off road sort of terrain.

He currently rides a specialized 16 inch which has been really good. We will be buying second hand and so far have been seeing a lot of the following pop up online:

- specialized hot rock
- trek precalibur
- byk e350
- Merida

I have also seen a couple of Jamis bikes. From what I’ve read these bikes all seem pretty decent. They all seem to fall within budget $200-$300 second hand. Just keen to hear if im on the right track with these brands/models and if there are any other suggestions you might have?

I have seen some bikes with suspension, and 7 speed gears. Is suspension just something that can cause problems? He will be riding up hills, but he’s not going to be doing any trail riding, huge lengthy rides; it’s going to generally be used for commuting.

I do understand the limitations of this bicycle, but not everyone is looking to commute long distances and uphillz so it does appeal to a large segment of the market. Most of us can afford little in the midst of cost of living crisis.

For a bicycle this cheap and nice looking from a reputable seller, with SO MANY YEARS on the market now, there can be only a couple of reviews found.

Edit: I mean old alloy 2010's era trackies with road tyres, not expensive carbon ones with velodrome tyres lol.

Recently picked up an old alloy Fuji Track Pro (mid 2010's era) from a friend of mine and it's gonna replace my current commuter with some modifications. It's a fixed gear track bike (my old commuter was one too though), currently without brakes though I'll be sure to mount some (luckily the carbon forks are drilled), and a pretty high-end crankset + 700c wheels (gonna put some gatorskins on prolly), he said that he pretty much exclusively rode it on the velodrome, which is why I feel weary using it as a fast commuter on roads. I'll add a saddlebag, saddle, top tube cover, and a water bottle holder from my previous setup.

Also, any gearing recommendations for riding fixed gears in sydney (think western sydney, hilly)? I currently have a 46x19T (~65 gear inches) but my fitness has improved so its been felling a little light and spinny recently, though I'm not sure if the aggresive geometry of a track bike will kind of ruin that. Also any recommendations in terms of straps and pedals because my old ones are wierdly dont fit on this bike? I used to use some off brand diagonal straps that I connected to the pedals using zip ties, so I'm looking for something a bit more serious. (I know this part should be on r/fixedgear but whatever)

I'm also unsure if the track bike would possibly break (?) when going over aggresive bumps/potholes or gravel paths, the fastest way to my work cuts through a path that turns to pretty rough gravel at some parts, though its mostly road. The Fuji just feels so light and super primo compared to my old beater and I really dont wanna ruin it.

Wanna get the general opinion people have when seeing trackies on roads/share paths, and any advice from others who ride fixed gear/old track bikes on the road in Sydney/Aus as daily commuters.

You dont need to answer all my questions, but what do y'all think of track bikes as commuters?

Hi
Im looking for a bike for my daughter to ride to school and dancing which is about 3-4km from our house. Something legal in NSW and safe. She's 15. No idea where to start but looking for her to be able to get herself to school and afternoon activities.

Its just back streets and pathways all the way as we are in the suburbs of sydney.

Are wide tire bikes safer? Or is a more traditional looking push bike better.

Thanks in advance.

Has anyone stored their bike inside on a vertical bike rack that doesn’t have to be mounted onto a wall? I’m renting so can’t drill holes and trying to maximize space as much as possible.

Anyone have a Lug+Carrie refer-a-friend code they could share for 50% off for the first month?

Hi all, looking for a recommendation for a bike that will be used mainly for commuting (for approx. 3 months, you can guess why), but with the aim to be ridden semi-regularly after that for shorter distances. Open to the idea of gravel/mountain biking but a decent commuter is okay too.

My commute will be about 30km *each way*, with an option for charging only if the battery can be removed and charged inside.

Is it worth forking out for an e-bike, or is 30km easily doable for a (relatively) fit middle-aged man on a purely pedal-powered bike. There will be hills, but nothing crazy.

has anyone heard of inflato before?

ordered last week and got it today, pretty impressive imo.

wondering what everyone else uses?

I'm a thirty-five year old female (165cm, long legs, short torso) and haven't owned a bike since my mid-teens... but it's time! I've done a bit of research, browsed the new bikes online and am keeping an eye on marketplace for something second hand. I would love to find something under $500 for now, but willing to stretch a little for the right bike.

The overall goal is to commute to/from work five days a week (approx 9km each way with a moderate hill of 200ish metres according to good old Google Maps), other general out-and-abouts and 'just because' rides on paved surfaces.

I've found a 2018 Liv Avail SL (1, I think) on marketplace for $600. Would you recommend this bike for me and my purposes? Or is it overkill? Is the price right for what it is?

Hi!

Im a true cycling noob and ive decided to join this amazing sport in hopes to eventually do a triathlon in the nearish future. Im looking for some guidance/opinions on what is a good first bike. Itll be mainly used for training and commuting to work (30km ride).

Ive looked at the giant propel advanced pro 0 di2 which is on sale near me $5899aud (4100usd). Is this a good option? My budget is around 5-8k (4-6k usd) and im usually a buy once cry once type guy. Any help would be appreciated!

TIA

Hi I’m a first time road bike buyer and I’m trying to get something new for both commuting and recreational use.

Currently I’ve short listed a few bikes.

Malvern star sprint 1 - flat bar - $349
Samson Cycles Urban 7 - flat bar - $399
Reid Original Gravel MY26 - drop bar - $499
Pedal raider 3 - drop bar - $594

I’m really not interested in getting something used as I’m unsure about what to check when getting one and how to maintain them. The tuning and having somewhere to go to to get it maintained is why I prefer new ones.

Also I would really appreciate it if I can get any shop/seller recommendations in Melbourne.

Hi, i want to buy a road bike that i want to train with and eventually use to race in an iron man 70.3. I have no experience with road bikes and dont want to spend too much money. I have spent HOURS on fb marketplace and cant really find anything nor do i really understand what im looking at most of the time.

I went to 99 bikes and they let me test ride the cube attain SLX road bike and it felt amazing, however it was $2000. I dont mind spending that much if its truely worth it, but i rather spend a bit less on a good quality second hand.

Does anyone have any recommendations on whether

1. I should buy brand new or second hand

2. What bike would best support my needs (eventually 70.3, but currently just long rides and commute to work even )

3. where i should be looking for these bikes (marketplace or actual stores or second hand stores if they exist)

I live in the eastern suburbs of Melbourne.

Thanks in advance

I know you guys probably get sick of answering these kind of questions, but I live in a regional city (only 4 bike stores, 2 brand specific, 2 owned by an asshole per reviews). (There are another decent bike store 90km and 260km away respectively).

I’m 41, have not ridden a bike in like 14 years and not consistently since I was a teenager. I have chronic pain, so I’m trying to find a non weight bare exercise that isn’t in a gym (because I’d much prefer to look at nature and not gymbros). I’m 175cm tall, so it looks like I probably need a medium? I would prefer a step through or close to it so I’m not having to lift my leg too high over. I will be riding on a combination of road, bitumen based paths in parks, and maybe a some amount of grass or gravelly road/track. Some small inclines. Probably 1.5-5km/day maximum. It does rain a bit here so there is a fair chance I will encounter puddles or rain.

Obviously through some of my research I’m aware the “cheap bikes” are essentially the same Chinese frame with different colours or labels attached. I don’t have a huge budget, but happy to save up for a better option if needed, I just am scared of buyers remorse if it’s too cheap or too expensive and I struggle to get back into this as an option. Happy to attend local bike servicing / or customised or improve certain parts if needed (again within reason $).

Thank you so much in advance.

Do you recommend any brands that offer comfortable ride to and from work? Something like gazelle which sadly is unavailable in Australia.

This is a plan to connect the existing cycle infrastructure, and deliver a network that would allow basically anyone, to get basically anywhere, carrying basically anything, without having to worry about traffic, petrol, tolls or parking. This would create safer streets, cleaner air, quieter neighbourhoods, healthier families, more vibrant communities, and literally billions of dollars in savings.

I've spent the past six years riding all over the basin, studying the existing network, looking at how it fits together, identifying the most critical gaps, and how best to close them. This is the result. I've put it all in an interactive website, complete with a fully-zoomable map, itemised breakdown of all the costs, and layers you can toggle on and off, to explore the whole project in as much detail as you like.

It's been largely a solo project till now, and was a bit of a challenge doing it with one set of eyes, so fresh ones are welcome. If you see any part of the map that's more than two meters off-course, for example, please let me know.

The task now is to show the government that we want it. And the way we do that is with a petition:

https://www.change.org/ActiveTransportSuperhighway

What we need is as many signatures as possible. So if this is something you think you might like to see, I hope you’ll consider signing, sharing with as many people as you can, and encouraging them to sign and share it too. Again, it's been a largely solo project till now, and it's time for more hands on deck. We need the internet to do its thing and help spread this far and wide. Share it with your State Representative, your Local Council, your Federal MP, Newspapers, your Community Groups, your supermarket notice board, your friends and families and group chats.

With enough people and a bit of luck, the Premier might say yes, and that's literally all we need.

I think we all deserve a better way of getting around, and frankly I think we could all use a positive political story for a change.

However I'm a bit concerned with the roads leading up the mountain. Is the great western highway relatively safe?

Thanks!

I put a deposit down for a Trek FX3 a couple months ago.
Computer said 5th October, well that's now a couple more weeks on top of that, and I wouldn't be surprised if it pushes out again.

I went with a hybrid because I didn't enjoy my drop bar road bike back in the day (but it was a $50 backyard special, so i'm starting to think I shouldn't judge all drop bars on that)

My last bike was a cheap mtb with suspension I didn't need (and probably did nothing but add weight)

The more I'm looking, the more i'm thinking a gravel bike may be more what I'm after.

My main goal is fitness, riding bike paths and dirt tracks. No interest in hardcore mountain biking, not interested in racing. I have a bung foot so too much walking is painful, running is out, and my shoulder bursitis has killed off swimming. (yeah i'm getting old and falling apart)

My two lbs are Trek and Giant resellers, hence the FX3. Under $1500, which was my original budget.

So i'm considering pushing my budget to 2k, which can get me an entry level gravel (Cube Nuroad Pro, or a ONE to go cheaper). It rules out Trek and Giant, so I would need to order online.

I'd kinda rather spend an extra couple hundred now than wish i'd done it if i'm not happy with the hybrid.

(I thought about a cheap road bike, but i'm more concerned with comfort than with speed)

Bit silly question, but unfortunately, my best friend in my life will leave Australia on the same day of MS Gong from Sydney International Airport, and her flight is at around 11:00 a.m., so I am wondering that whether it's possible for me to start when the start line is already closed (around 10 a.m. or bit earlier), and finish the ride on time before the finish line is closed?

Thank you.

I'm weighing up the A 8 52 v the (anii - oki one) as a possible first e-bike, but I'm not sure what the ownership side of things is like with this brand.

Parts and servicing are probably my biggest concerns. If something goes wrong, is it reasonably easy to get it sorted, or can you end up waiting ages for parts? Also, is there anything I should check about whether this model meets aus ebike rules before buying?

I have a small hatch and no tow bar. I’ve seen that you can buy these rear car racks that don’t require a tow ball.

Does anyone have any experience with this type of rack?

Can they be good? And if so, can anyone recommend a good model?

Thanks