Help with a new purchase

What to buy??? Please Help I've just discovered the love of cycling and
am now riding 1-2 100 klm rides each week.

Having started on a 2nd hand bike, and using it to complete the 210klm
"around the bay in a day" ride, I've decided it's time for a new bike.

This is where I need help. I'm currently looking at the 3
following bikes.

1) Trek 1200 w/Tiagra components
2) Merida 904-18 (2003 model) 105 Components
3) Gitane Mach 1800 (2004 Model) 105 Components

I would appreciate feedback or suggestions. All are in the $1600-$1700
AUD price range.



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"bfra1" wrote in message
...
1) Trek 1200 w/Tiagra components
2) Merida 904-18 (2003 model) 105 Components
3) Gitane Mach 1800 (2004 Model) 105 Components

Some points I noticed, but nothing conclusive ;-)

- The Gitane uses Tektro brake calipers not 105.
- The Merida and Trek cassettes have a knee friendly
25T sprocket versus the Gitane's 23T.
- Gitane looks better ;-)
- Trek seems to have more common sizes.
- Trek frame warranty.

Hmm, Trek are reported to have good frames and
their warranty service is also supposed to be good.

Personally, I'd go for the Gitane because it is not as
common, looks sweet and has the better groupset.
Of course, you need to test ride them all. There will
probably be a clear winner for you.

hippy

Thanks, I think the Gitane is the better looking bike too. What do you
mean by Knee friendly sprocket? If I get the Gitane, should I get this
sprocket changed to another model?



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"bfra1" wrote in message
...
Thanks, I think the Gitane is the better looking bike too. What do you
mean by Knee friendly sprocket? If I get the Gitane, should I get this
sprocket changed to another model?

Nah.. I was just picking some differences between
the bikes and noticed that the Gitane has its largest
rear sprocket (easiest gear) of 23T, compared to
25T on the other two.
It means that on steep stuff you wont have quite as
easy a gear to use.
If you have lots of steep hills or have dodgy knees
it might be an issue, but it's not going to make much
of a difference. The rear cassette (thing with all the
gears on it) can be swapped quite easily.

Have you taken any of them for a test ride yet?
Looked at any other brands? e.g. Giant, Avanti,
Specialized?

hippy

Thanks for the explanation, I wasn't sure what the 23t and 25t mean't
but now I know.

I haven't had a test ride yet or looked at the other brands. I've
promised myself a whole day next week to have a serious look. I love
Specialised bikes, but I don't think they are in my price range with
the 105's.

I think a test ride on anything will feel great as my current bike
(purchased 2nd hand) is a Pro-Ace running Shimano Sante' and a nice set
of Mavic's. Gears tend to get a bit sand paper like after a decent ride.

I'll definately have a look at Avanti and Giants too.



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bfra1 wrote:
What to buy??? Please Help I've just discovered the love of cycling and
am now riding 1-2 100 klm rides each week.
Having started on a 2nd hand bike, and using it to complete the 210klm
"around the bay in a day" ride, I've decided it's time for a new bike.
This is where I need help. I'm currently looking at the 3
following bikes.
1) Trek 1200 w/Tiagra components
2) Merida 904-18 (2003 model) 105 Components
3) Gitane Mach 1800 (2004 Model) 105 Components
I would appreciate feedback or suggestions. All are in the $1600-$1700
AUD price range.



Hi,

You might also consider the Learsport 8000 as it has 105 components and
shimano 540's for that price.

I reently took the plunge and bought one and am very happy with it. Very
comfortable and light..rolls well too.

They have a 30 day money back deal as well so if you are not happy with
it you can return it.

I won't be returning mine.



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"bfra1" wrote in message
...
I haven't had a test ride yet or looked at the other brands. I've
promised myself a whole day next week to have a serious look. I love
Specialised bikes, but I don't think they are in my price range with
the 105's.

Yeah $1400 Sora and $1800 Tiagra $2400 105

I'll definately have a look at Avanti and Giants too.

http://www.freedommachine.com.au/ for a rough
idea on model range and pricing.

hippy

"thebow" wrote in message
...
You might also consider the Learsport 8000 as it has 105 components
and
shimano 540's for that price.

It's $1500.
http://www.learsport.com/Racing.htm

I would always buy my bikes from a LBS
but that is just me. I can understand the
popularity of Learsport bikes though - basically
same bits for less cash.

hippy

I'd go for a 105 equipped bike in preference to the Tiagra, especially if
you're doing some serious km's...

Take a look at the Giant TCR2, and OCR1, 2003 models... They are full 105,
with CXP22 rims...

TCR2 is a AlluxSL frame, has a carbon seat post and fork...

OCR1 is about 50 gm heavier in frame, different stem, non-carbon post and
fork...
"bfra1" wrote in message
...
What to buy??? Please Help I've just discovered the love of cycling and
am now riding 1-2 100 klm rides each week.

Having started on a 2nd hand bike, and using it to complete the 210klm
"around the bay in a day" ride, I've decided it's time for a new bike.

This is where I need help. I'm currently looking at the 3
following bikes.

1) Trek 1200 w/Tiagra components
2) Merida 904-18 (2003 model) 105 Components
3) Gitane Mach 1800 (2004 Model) 105 Components

I would appreciate feedback or suggestions. All are in the $1600-$1700
AUD price range.



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http://www.cyclingforums.com

Hippy wrote:
"thebow" wrote in message news:3fc576f-
ariot.net.au...
You might also consider the Learsport 8000 as it has 105 components
and
shimano 540's for that price.
It's $1500.
http://www.learsport.com/Racing.htmh...com/Racing.htm
I would always buy my bikes from a LBS but that is just me. I can
understand the popularity of Learsport bikes though - basically same
bits for less cash.
hippy



I have done both and after the inital honeymoon period it's all the
same. My expereince with most LBS's is they look after you while you are
new in the store or have just bought something and have the expectation
that you will buy more.

Once they realise that you have everything you need and likely only
small consumables are to be bought you get a different level of service.

Fair enough too as it's a business after all is said and done and not a
charity but neither are we.

If a bike needs constant ongoing support from a LBS then perhaps it was
the wrong one to buy.



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