cpaton

All,

I’ve had my current bike for over 10 years, but I’ve wanted a nice racing bike for ever!! – my current bike is a well worn diamond back mountain bike with no suspension, it’s starting to jump gears more recently (I took it to a bike shop about 5 years ago and asked what should be fixed on it and they didn’t think anything was worth fixing! – I’ve done hundreds of kilometres if not thousands since then) so I figure this is my excuse to upgrade.

I mainly go for about a 20 minute ride 2 or 3 times a week for stress relief. Occasionally I ride for say 2 hours, but rarely, I’ve ridden about 90Kms in a day at most (that was in the Sydney to Wollongong). I love riding and I think I’ll do it more once I have a racer.

I haven’t been to a bike shop yet, so I’d love some very specific advice - particular brands and models would be more helpful than 'buy a racing bike’ for example.

My parameters / requirements are below:

* I am 31 years old, weighing 79 kg
* Height - about 6ft 1inc which I think is about 181cm.
* I will probably start riding more than I currently do once I get this bike.
* A friend gave me a pair of I think they’re called clip in pedals, he bought them on sale years ago and has never used them, they were $170 retail down to $20, brand is ‘Time’ they are either ‘mid 77’ or ‘mid 57’model so I presume I could put these on the bike I buy?
* I’ll probably want some clothing so advice on what to get, cheapest place to get it (including annual sales) and in what order to buy it (as I may get it as presents for birthday etc over the next 18 months) would be great.
* My budget is a little fluid. I am hoping to spend as little as possible but I am willing to spend up to $1500 for the bike if need be. I would be interested in options at different price points.
* Recommendation on shops? – I live at Hurstville.
* Do I need anything else?
* Any other suggestions?

Thanks
Clint

AndrewP

Look in the Road Cycling section at the sticky at the top on 'Under $700 bikes'. MAny of these bikes may not be available in Australia, but it will give you a good idea of what to look for. You will need a floor pump to keep the thin tires at the necessary pressure. Spandex shorts are the most most important piece of clothing for comfort - jerseys can wait till later. If you are going to fit those pedals you will need special road shoes with cleats, but it might be best to fit platform pedals at first and delay spending the money on the shoes until you are used to the handling of the bike. Gloves are greatly appreciated when you fall off the bike, as they can save the skin on the palms. Look under the regional forums for the Australian section, you can get lots of help from people who know the conditions down under. Good luck.

East Hill

Hello Clint, AndrewP has made some great suggestions, and I can't think of anything else to add except--

Welcome to BF!

East Hill