Best bang-for-buck flat bar bike

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Hi all

I haven't had a bike since i was 16, a good 7 years ago now and need some help.

I'm looking riding to and from work, mostly for fitness and bit of cross training for footy. The ride will be around the 25km mark to Perth city.

Down the track i'd like to get a decent road bike, but think I better wait til I do a bit of learning.

I have looked at the Gaint CRX series and the Avanti Blade series. I have read on here Felt and Specialized also do a flat bar bike.

I don't want to spend too much cause I know down the track sooner rather than later i'll want to upgrade. Any advice on what I should start on would be fantastic.

cheers

Dan

Dan,

I saw a nice Red 50cm CRX in Runners World, Fitzgerald St Northbridge, today. :cool:

(Sorry, you can't have my Felt :) )

I've just looked at a few Felt's on the net then. Nice looking bikes.

Did see a red CRX3 at Innercity Cycles (think that is what its called) in Perth, just around the corner from work.

If you have time at lunchtime, take a walk over the line, Runners is just off Roe Steet, they have lots of Felt, Cevello and Giant bikes. I get the bus from the Wellington St Bus Station, 15/19 etc, if I'm in a hurry.

Down the track i'd like to get a decent road bike, but think I better wait til I do a bit of learning.

Get a second hand drop bar bike now rather than later if you're thinking of it - you can learn just as well on an ordinary road bike. Remember that fit is much more important than brand or model.

Get a second hand drop bar bike now rather than later if you're thinking of it - you can learn just as well on an ordinary road bike. Remember that fit is much more important than brand or model.
I second that , fit is far more important. The main difference between the flat bars, and the road bike is the frame geometries. Broadly speaking, flat bars give a more upright riding position, and the drop bars a more aero (aggressive) position.

I like second hand things, but if you are not sure of what will fit you, the second hand path might end up costing you more money than going to a bike shop , getting good advice, and buying a new bike that fits your needs.

i was recently looking for a flat bar also. there is a brand getting around called VIVENTE, should check them out????

Okay i'm almost there, hopefully be up and running for the start of 2006.

Looks like Christmas has come at a good time seeing i'll be needing a few little things.

Hopefully will also be able to rent a secure bike locker in the building I work soon, they are in very high demand with a waiting list.

I have been impressed by the Giant CRX series. Only decission left is to whether go with the CRX4 or pay the extra and go the CRX3.

Is the price difference worth it in the upgraded components in the CRX3?

cheers
Dan

Yes the CRX 3 is worth the more $$, it has road components where the CRX 4 has cheap MTB Cranks, Derailleurs, Shifters, Levers. The overall gearing on the CRX3 is higher.
Do a price check with Fleets, Wellington ST and Runners World Tri Shop, Fitzgerald St, tell Phil@RW I sent you, there may be a special to be had here.

Cheers, i'll try get down there at lunch time. Although the weather is look pretty bad at the moment.

The CRX 3 sounds like it will get the job done better than the CRX 4.

Thanks for you help.

Dan

Well I didn't manage to get a bike for Christmas but I did get to Fleets, Runners World, Bike Force Woodvale and Scarborough Cycles over the last few days.

I took a Diamondback, Avanti Blade Sport, 2005 Merida Speeder T2 and CRX3 for a ride. Diamondback didnt impress me at all. Merida was alot better than the Diamondback. The Avanti and CRX were pretty hard to split, both felt very good.

While I was there I thought why not give the black CRX2 a go, with the Tiagra, Shimano R500 wheels and Clipless pedals over the CRX3.

I've done a search but can't seem to find the advantages of the Composite Fork and Compact Cranks?

cheers
Dan

I've had a giant CRX2 since March this year for mainly commuting purposes 20k each way, 2-3 times a week. No problems to date been very happy with my purchase. Never used clipless pedals before but worth considering as they make a difference. Handles well and comfortable on longer rides for me 50-60kms.


Happy purchase
Alex

:)

I've had a giant CRX2 since March this year for mainly commuting purposes 20k each way, 2-3 times a week. No problems to date been very happy with my purchase. Never used clipless pedals before but worth considering as they make a difference. Handles well and comfortable on longer rides for me 50-60kms.


Happy purchase
Alex

:)
i've had a CRX1 for about 6mths now and covered around 1000kms... very happy with the bike

I've done a search but can't seem to find the advantages of the Composite Fork and Compact Cranks?

cheers
Dan
Composite fork: lighter, possibly slightly more damping of high frequency vibrations, but not so much that the average rider would notice. Disadvantage: probably removes the option of an upper attachment bolt for lowrider pannier racks, which are highly desirable for touring.
Compact cranks: lower gear ratios than a standard road double, but not quite as low as a triple. Apparently, slightly less precise front shifting due to the FD not being designed for this configuration. You lose those gears that you would only use pedalling down hills or going hard in a bunch. These cranks are better suited for the average rider than a standard road double, dare I say.

I just purchased a FUJI Absolute LX 07 over the Giant CRX2. I was shown both, and dont get me wrong, both are great bikes but I was recommended the FUJI because it has carbon forks, was lighter and generally felt better.

So far I'm really finding it a great bike. Worth a look if you're after a good flat bar road bike.

http://www.fujibikes.com.au/bikes.asp?id=322&subcat=

Ride Safe :rolleyes:

@ gadler, what did you pay for the Fuji, and what were you quoted on the CRX2? I'm looking to buy about now too... anyone here have a recent quote on a CRX3?

Thanks!

What size are you looking for?

I am building a new 54cm Felt Flat Bar Road Bike, 8 Speed, at the moment. :)

What size are you looking for? I am building a new 54cm Felt Flat Bar Road Bike, 8 Speed, at the moment. :)I need three bikes, all different sizes (I'm 57cm), others smaller. I'm looking for quotes on 3 Giant CRX3 bikes at the moment. The modern bikes seem to come in Small, Medium and Large (plus Xtra Large). I'm Large. My weight 105kg worries me a bit in terms of how it'll affect the alu frames of the modern bikes like the Giants....

@ gadler, what did you pay for the Fuji, and what were you quoted on the CRX2? I'm looking to buy about now too... anyone here have a recent quote on a CRX3?

Thanks!
The FUJI Absolute LX 07 (review (http://www.thecyclepeople.com/productdetails.asp?id=319))- besides being an excellent flat bar - is also excellent value. I paid $900 from Goldcross cycles (they have at least 7 stores in Melbourne). They also have the Giant CRX 2 which is selling at $999 and the Giant CRX 3 is currently selling at $695.

Hope this helps :)

The FUJI Absolute LX 07 (review (http://www.thecyclepeople.com/productdetails.asp?id=319))- besides being an excellent flat bar - is also excellent value. I paid $900 from Goldcross cycles (they have at least 7 stores in Melbourne). They also have the Giant CRX 2 which is selling at $999 and the Giant CRX 3 is currently selling at $695.

Hope this helps :)Thanks, gadler. I have one quote for three CRX 3s in the low 600s (for a deal involving purchase of all three bikes in one go). Now all I need is a dealer who'll accept PayPal! (Long story, but basically I want to use up some PayPal funds).

I need a SMALL, a MEDIUM, and a LARGE.