yzerfontein Posted March 2, 2018 Posted March 2, 2018 I've been training on a mountain bike, but want to purchase a cheap road bike for the Argus Cycle Tour. These 2 stand out for me: Avalanche Solo Road Bike (new) : R5500https://www.sportsmanswarehouse.co.za/product/avalanche-solo-road-bike/6246 Scott Expert (pre-owned) : R4500https://cycle-teknix-online.myshopify.com/collections/pre-owned/products/pre-owned-scottt-expert-56 I'm wary of buying anything on Gumtree, but my feeling is if it comes from a reputable shop, it should be in good condition. All advice is much appreciated.
Eugene Posted March 2, 2018 Posted March 2, 2018 The Scott is about 15 years old and in my opinion a bit pricey. If you shop on the Hub you'll get a similar speced bike for about half that. The Avalanche is new and will carry a warranty. The Claris groupset on the Avalanche is lower than SORA in the hierarchy, however, because of the age of the Scott, the Claris is probably on par with the Scott's SORA parts If it was my money, I would go Avalanche, but I'd look for one at a proper bike shop not Sportsmans Warehouse . You'll get better service and maybe a better price than Sportsman warehouse
yzerfontein Posted March 3, 2018 Author Posted March 3, 2018 Thanks. Just as a follow-up if you don't mind. What do you think of this bike:https://www.gumtree.co.za/a-bicycles-cycling/constantia/trek-bontranger-road-bicycle/1002222826310910199274409 Trek Bontranger The Scott is about 15 years old and in my opinion a bit pricey. If you shop on the Hub you'll get a similar speced bike for about half that.The Avalanche is new and will carry a warranty. The Claris groupset on the Avalanche is lower than SORA in the hierarchy, however, because of the age of the Scott, the Claris is probably on par with the Scott's SORA partsIf it was my money, I would go Avalanche, but I'd look for one at a proper bike shop not Sportsmans Warehouse . You'll get better service and maybe a better price than Sportsman warehouse
Eugene Posted March 3, 2018 Posted March 3, 2018 Thanks. Just as a follow-up if you don't mind. What do you think of this bike:https://www.gumtree.co.za/a-bicycles-cycling/constantia/trek-bontranger-road-bicycle/1002222826310910199274409Trek Bontranger Can't see too well from the picture but it looks like a Trek 1400. If it has original specs, it should have Shimano 105 which is infinitely better than the Claris or SORA on the other bikes and it has much superior wheels.... But Again, it's an old bike, probably 2004 or so. Also, it looks like a big frame, so might not fit you (obviously depending on your size). If the size is right and if it is in a good condition, I would say, at that price, it's a better buy than the Scott or Avalanche. Assuming the parts are original.
GLuvsMtb Posted March 3, 2018 Posted March 3, 2018 I would strongly advise against a new bike purchase 1 week before your big event. The position on the bike and bike handling will be very different. I am not sure what spec mountain bike you have, but the ride quality on a mid range mtb will be better than on an entry level road bike. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro
Eugene Posted March 3, 2018 Posted March 3, 2018 I would strongly advise against a new bike purchase 1 week before your big event. The position on the bike and bike handling will be very different. I am not sure what spec mountain bike you have, but the ride quality on a mid range mtb will be better than on an entry level road bike. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk ProRide comfort may be better, but nobody rides a road bike to be comfortable, they ride it to be fast. Even the cheapest road bike will be faster on the road than the most expensive mtb. Those thin, high pressure tyres roll so much better and the gearing propels you so much quicker. I do agree, getting used to a road bike in a week is a challenge, but not impossible.
GLuvsMtb Posted March 4, 2018 Posted March 4, 2018 Ride comfort may be better, but nobody rides a road bike to be comfortable, they ride it to be fast. Even the cheapest road bike will be faster on the road than the most expensive mtb. Those thin, high pressure tyres roll so much better and the gearing propels you so much quicker. I do agree, getting used to a road bike in a week is a challenge, but not impossible.Only if you are doing a sub-4 ride. Anything over 4 hours and you are better off with the mtb gearing and more comfortable ride position. Putting a pair of slicks on your mtb is a way cheaper option, and if you insist on spending the money, buy new bibshorts (after the event, I wont even change my toothpaste a week before a big event, never mind clothing or a bike) or get a new wheelset for R5K if your bike is mid-range or lower. The only riding you should do this week is a quick 30 minute spin on Thursday evening/ Friday morning if you have travelled with your bike to confirm your setup. Any more than that will negatively affect your form for race day, even if you are not fit. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro
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