opinions of this bike please

[JoshDunn]

http://www.geminibicycle.com.au/prod...20NewTour%20(M)

Saw this bike at the local bike shop and was really the only bike i liked that was in my price range.

Says its a hybrid and the tyres are maybe an inch wide rather then a thicker mountain bike tyre. THinking the thinner tire won't creat as much friction and therefore be faster the a normal mountain bike.

Bike is $199 AUD, so with helmit, bike computer+lights pack, chain, and pump will put around $300AUD. I want something good but good value. Don't want something crap that will need to be replaced quickly.

Any and all comments will be appreciated.

If it gets the go ahead from you might look at getting it on saturday.

Thanks Josh

[Flee]

What do you intend to use it for.

This bike looks designed for very light use. No off road forays. No high speed road racing type stuff.

It could use a basket if you are looking for a grocery getter.

[JoshDunn]

General bike training for a triathalon somewhere down the line.

Be all road work and won't be taken off road at all.

Thanks

[Flee]

Originally Posted by JoshDunn

General bike training for a triathalon somewhere down the line.

Be all road work and won't be taken off road at all.

Thanks

I wouldn't even consider that a good training bike. Certainly a poor choice if you ever plan to use it in competition.

I'm not suggesting that you buy a real TT bike. But there are better options out there for not a ton more money. If you don't plan on using it off road, I would certainly be looking for a rigid fork. Low end suspension components will fail is short order.

Good luck.

[FishrCutB8]

What does $300 AUD compute to in USD? I'm just trying to get a range. You might be better off looking at a road bike, and sometimes you can get a decent used road bike for a bargain. JUst a thought...

just checked--about $250 USD.

I bought my first bike, similar to that and in that range. I outgrew it in less than one year of riding. If you're serious about it, save your money and get a better bike--the upgrade will pay for itself and you'll be glad you did it.

[JoshDunn]

Thanks all.

[JoshDunn]

On the way home from a run I checked out another bike shop and chatted to a chick that does Tris.

Going to save my money and get something that will actually suit what i want it to do rather then making my choice primarily based on price.

Thanks to all that helped.

[RobLL]

Josh - check with people you work out with. Used bicycles are almost always available, and you can same upwards 80%.

[JoshDunn]

Was thinking about emailing the triathlon club here and asking that.

Only hesitate as i'm not a member yet but will plan on it once i have the basics down and a bike.

[duffeymt]

I agree 100% with the thought of saving your money and buying something nicer. I bought an entry level road bike two summers ago and wished I had gotten something better from the start. A good setup will be pricey, but if you think about how much it will break down to every time you ride it, it comes out to a damn good investment. I have heard so many stories, and experienced it myself, of people who bought a cheap bike to see if they like the sport and then only wish they had spent the extra money on a nicer bike. You'll get addicted, quick. Do it right the first time and you'll be happy!

Check out http://bikeforums.net/ and http://forum.slowtwitch.com/ and there are plenty of people there who will offer great advice on bike buying.

[JoshDunn]

Great sites. Thanks.

[FishrCutB8]

www.beginnertriathlete.com is teh roxxer, too.