Lost in this world of bikes!

[DMC]

Hi all. I'm very encouraged by how helpful this community is and I'm hoping you can help me out. I know next to nothing about bikes and I have been set the task of getting my partner a bike as sort of a suprise (she's told me she wants a new bike but everything is up to me to choose).

I just have no idea regarding brands and reputation. I know brands like Giant, Trek, Specialized etc but I live in Adelaide and some of these more 'boutique' stores have things like Surly, Breezer and Bombtrack. I just dont know where to start.

A few details - budget is $2,000 - $3,000, will be riding mainly on roads and paths - not for speed or high intensity, just for comfortable riding for a couple of hours each time, flat handlebars, not a beginner cyclist, don't want that typical 'girls' frame. Just something very good quality in that price range.

Thanks in advance!!

[MattyK]

It's hard to go wrong (in the sense of getting a bad bike) on that kind of budget. But easy to pick something that isn't "right" - i.e. the technical specs may be "better", but if it's the wrong colour/shape/style/image then it won't be the best choice.

My suggestion would be to make a "gift card" and let them choose after inspecting and trying a few. Probably stick to the mainstream brands - boutique is fine if they know exactly what they want.

[brumby33]

It's hard to go wrong (in the sense of getting a bad bike) on that kind of budget. But easy to pick something that isn't "right" - i.e. the technical specs may be "better", but if it's the wrong colour/shape/style/image then it won't be the best choice.

My suggestion would be to make a "gift card" and let them choose after inspecting and trying a few. Probably stick to the mainstream brands - boutique is fine if they know exactly what they want.

I wholeheartedly agree with this, if you're going to spend this much, it's best that the bike is fitted for her and although she's given you the job of finding her her surprise bike, it needs to be the right bike otherwise she won't ride it.

The Gift Voucher idea is very good because at least you can pick the store with the best variety or the best suitable that you might think, but there then there's the size.

You could however measure her torso, leg inseams etc or buy her something you might think she'd like if you think the Gift Voucher idea sucks but you might have to make a deal and ask the Bike store if you're partner doesn't like it, can she exchange without losing dollars.

I must say...not a bad pressie budget you're working with...you should be able to find something really good for around $1200-1500 with hydraulic disc brakes and good gearing combo and maybe spend some extras on lights, mudguards or bike computer or clipless shoes and some clothes for riding.

Cheers

brumby33

[foo on patrol]

So she has given/told you, that she wants a new bike for what you have stated. Then get her inside seam, arm and torso measurements, then you can find a bike that is correct size, so much easier.

With that budget, I'd be looking at the higher end, mainly due to the quality of parts and the fact that you won't/shouldn't need to be replacing/upgrading for a few years.

Foo

[AUbicycles]

I agree with tge notion of a gift card or even a “Today is the day, let’s get the bike you want”

Specs are important, value for money is good but important is the right colour and style… the aesthetics are part of game.

I personally would make a half-day or full day out of it, with the choice if a few bike shops, compare and see what is the best fit. Be OK with giving more time to search if there are any doubts or questions.

[10speedsemiracer]

I agree with tge notion of a gift card or even a “Today is the day, let’s get the bike you want”

Specs are important, value for money is good but important is the right colour and style… the aesthetics are part of game.

I personally would make a half-day or full day out of it, with the choice if a few bike shops, compare and see what is the best fit. Be OK with giving more time to search if there are any doubts or questions.

I too like this idea, however the issue will be that if a bike has been decided on, it will need to be picked up at a later date (i.e. not on the Birthday) which sort of takes the shine off it.

[RonK]

You need to look at something like a Giant Fastroad or Merida Speeder. All the major manufacturers will have a similar offering. Your problem will be finding any shop with stock to look at. There is very little available so choices will be limited. Better to phone shops first before visiting to avoid wasting time.
Buying a Canyon online would give more certainty about delivery. The Roadlite is very classy and available in a number of builds to suit your budget. I found the Canyon sizing tool to be accurate for my sizing.

https://www.canyon.com/en-au/hybrid-bi ... /2785.html

[Mububban]

Trek may possibly have more stock than other brands, I'd heard that they gambled and increased their orders when everyone else was cancelling or cutting back due to COVID. So now they're at the front of the queue for components that everyone else is waiting for.

Their equivalent bike would be the FX range, they've got a carbon model for $3000.

https://www.trekbikes.com/au/en_AU/bike ... fx/c/B421/