beth23

Hi everyone! I've been lurking here for a while now, but finally got around to joining. Anyway, I am riding my brothers Malvern Star mountain bike at the moment, but saving up for a touring bike. If anyone has any recommendations, please let me know. I look forward to posting Silly n00b questions and learning more about bikes and cycling in general.

Cheers, Beth

jabike

Hi Beth, I'm glad you finally decided to join. We've been waiting for you. On your question of touring bikes, there are a lot of questions to ask. A lot depends upon what type of touring you will be doing, what the roads are like, etc. I often tour and I originally had a touring bike with both front and rear panniers, three water bottle cages, etc. My bike was capable of using 700x32 treaded tires that could handle about any type of terrain short of single track. But now I use a lemond steel/carbon bike for even 4-5 day trips and carry everything on my back in the biggest camelbak they sell. I have decided that I prefer motels to camping and I can get everything I need for several days into my pack.

Once again, welcome, and I want you to know that you could never out-silly me when it comes to asking questions. Jeff

beth23

I plan to do mainly short tours, like over a weekend, or probably 5 days at the most, and mainly staying in motels. The roads around here are generally ok, but you do need to watch out for the occaisional pothole, and also tram tracks, but I've had no problems with them yet. I don't want to spend too much on the bike either, not more than about aus. $1800 including extras like maybe a different saddle, pedals, and a rack if it doesn't already have one.

AdrianB

Welcome Beth! Enjoy. Have you joined on the big bike rides? Melbourne -> Great Ocean Road -> Melbourne? Sounds like it'd be your cup of tea (or coffee or herbal tea)

Noif666

Hi and welcome Beth! It's good to see more Melbournians on the forum
Where about in Melbourne are you? The reason I ask is because there is a women's cycling group called Cogsgirls (it's a Yahoo! group) based in the south eastern suburbs. They do mainly road rides (Beach Rd) and laps of Albert Park Lake on different days, but it would be good for training if anything.
Here's the link: CogsGirls
Happy riding

beth23

I haven't done any of the big bike rides yet, but it sounds like a lot of fun & I'd be interested in doing that sometime. Noif666, the women's cycling group sounds cool too, especially riding laps of Albert Park Lake. I live in Richmond, & I think that Albert Park isn't so far from my place.
Cheers

Jamie

Welcome to BikeForums, Beth.

I am planning a trip to Australia and New Zealand this summer. Maybe I can look you up when I get to Melbourne!

Johnny_Monkey

Will you be cycling?