Help me choose a bike

[scottay44]

Hey Guys,

I want to get into riding again (use to ride just basic gravel tracks etc) and also get into zwift.

I have decided to get this trainer - https://jetblackcycling.com.au/indoor-c ... ock-combo/

But now I need a bike....

Most of my riding will be done on basic tracks with occasionally hitting a tiny bit of off road.

Ideally id like to spend less than $800 and also something that will work with the above trainer.

I live in Melbourne and am 6"5 tall if that matters.

Thanks!

[Mr Purple]

Flatbar or drops?

The biggest decision you may face is whether you want to use the existing 11 speed Shimano/SRAM cassette that seems to come with the Volt. That might be a bit tricky at $800.

Failing that you might need to buy another cassette (not too pricey) and can use any of the following axles/QR:

Compatible with 130 mm and 135 mm quick release, 12×142 mm and 12×148 mm thru axles

Which opens up your options a lot.

[scottay44]

Flatbar or drops?

The biggest decision you may face is whether you want to use the existing 11 speed Shimano/SRAM cassette that seems to come with the Volt. That might be a bit tricky at $800.

Failing that you might need to buy another cassette (not too pricey) and can use any of the following axles/QR:

Compatible with 130 mm and 135 mm quick release, 12×142 mm and 12×148 mm thru axles

Which opens up your options a lot.

Hey Mate,

Would prefer flatbar.

I am happy to get another cassette to suite thats not a problem.

I have found this, any thoughts? - https://www.bikesonline.com.au/2022-pol ... ybrid-bike

[Mr Purple]

I was going to suggest something from the Polygon range.

That looks like the pick, too. Deore shifters and cassette for that price range is great, weight doesn't look too bad, it's got Shimano hydraulic discs and looks pretty decent.

The front suspension probably won't be particularly useful in that price range, but having said that there's not really any other options without it. Deore 10 speed cassette will be about $60.

[scottay44]

I was going to suggest something from the Polygon range.

That looks like the pick, too. Deore shifters and cassette for that price range is great, weight doesn't look too bad, it's got Shimano hydraulic discs and looks pretty decent.

The front suspension probably won't be particularly useful in that price range, but having said that there's not really any other options without it. Deore 10 speed cassette will be about $60.

I noticed the X7 is also on sale for $100.

Is there any benefit to spending the extra? I noticed it has an 11 speed already which saves buying the extra cassette. The only thing im not really a fan of is the color lol.

[scottay44]

It also appears the Polygon range might be a bit small for me, I am 198cm tall and it says only suitable up to 190cm. Would it really be that much of an issue?

Having a look, the Giant Roam Disc 3 seems to be fine for my size.

[scottay44]

All good everyone, ended up getting the Trek Marlin 6 gen 2

[trailgumby]

It also appears the Polygon range might be a bit small for me, I am 198cm tall and it says only suitable up to 190cm. Would it really be that much of an issue?

Having a look, the Giant Roam Disc 3 seems to be fine for my size.

For future reference, a longer stem and perhaps riser bars can help solve the sizing issue if you can't get exactly the frame size you are after. The Trek looks like it would be suitable.

[Andy01]

I looked at the Trek Marlin 2 years ago, and what put me off was the limited speed (I generally ride on paths, roads and some off-road, so I wanted to be able to reach around 45-48km/h on roads) due to the small front chain ring - at a pedaling cadence of 90rpm using the smallest 11T gear at the back, the speed was only 32km/h, which is pretty slow if you plan to use it on the road at all. I did ask Trek and they said that the largest chain ring possible was only 34T, so not easy to speed it up to road speeds.

The Deore 10spd on the Trek is good, but it has Tektro vs Shimano disc brakes and basic coil vs air suspension when compared with the Heist 7. Should be a good reliable bike though (and a better colour ).

[Mr Purple]

Yep, the Trek seems reasonable and it's probably not a bad idea to make compromises and spend a little bit more for the Trek aftermarket and local support, which is by all reports excellent.

I would think the flat bars would hold me back more than the gearing when it came to 45-48km/hr on the road, but that may differ for more powerful riders!

[scottay44]

Well I am a complete noob so if anything is holding me back its me lol.

Yes the heist was probably slightly better specced but having the bike shop 5 minutes from my house for any issues was a big win.

They had to order it in but it should be here next week!

[Andy01]

Yep, the Trek seems reasonable and it's probably not a bad idea to make compromises and spend a little bit more for the Trek aftermarket and local support, which is by all reports excellent.

I would think the flat bars would hold me back more than the gearing when it came to 45-48km/hr on the road, but that may differ for more powerful riders!

Did I not say on downhills

I can hold 28-30km/h on the flat for a while, but not over 40km/h, unless the gradient (or a strong tailwind) is in my favour. I can hit over 40km/h fairly easily down a hill (not a stupidly steep one either - nothing like Mt Cootha ), and at 59 wouldn't consider myself a powerful rider at all. A "limit" of around 32-35km/h (without pedaling at silly cadences) would definitely hold me back, but hopefully not so for the OP for a while at least.

I have a Giant Roam 1 for the record, so none of the bikes mentioned above, but yes, it is a flat bar, 700x42 tyres, Deore 10 spd x2, Shimano hydraulic brakes and air shocks - but not within the OP's price range so I didn't suggest it.

[scottay44]

I actually wouldnt mind trying some down hill, I am a bit nervous about it and dont really know where to start though lol.

[Mr Purple]

I actually wouldnt mind trying some down hill, I am a bit nervous about it and dont really know where to start though lol.

Easy. You start at the top of the hill!

[scottay44]

I actually wouldnt mind trying some down hill, I am a bit nervous about it and dont really know where to start though lol.

Easy. You start at the top of the hill!