Flat-bar Roadie Advice for Newbie, please!

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Hi All,

My first ever post on this forum. Yes, I suppose I'm one of those who has been inspired by the Tour. I just love staying up late, watching the peleton and listening to Phil and Paul -- it's such a relaxing way to spend a night in the middle of winter. But anyways, I digress... :)

I haven't really ridden a bike of any description for at least the past 5 years, but I'd like to make a start on improving my fitness. Doing research on the Net, and in particular reading many forums on here, I came to the conclusion that a flat-bar roadie would be best for me. Went out to the cycling shops today and (based on availability and the level of service in each store) it's more or less come down to a choice between two -- either the Shogun Mach 2 (www.shogunbicycles.com.au/Mach2GlossBlue.html (http://www.shogunbicycles.com.au/Mach2GlossBlue.html)) or Mach 3 (www.shogunbicycles.com.au/Mach3GlossBlack.html (http://www.shogunbicycles.com.au/Mach3GlossBlack.html)). Both have carbon forks, but the Mach 3 has the advantage of Shimano 105 everything (vs Tiagra on the Mach 2), plus the Mach 3 has a rigid seatpost (vs suspension seatpost on the Mach 2).

The Mach 2 is approx. A$950, while the Mach 3 is approx. A$1150. I'd been hoping to spend less than $1000, but for only $200 more it seems like the Mach 3 might really be worth it. What does everyone think?

Plus, do you think these are good prices for what I would be getting? And does anyone have any thoughts about Shogun bikes in general?

Finally, I'm also hoping to do a trade-in with my 10-year-old Diamondback Topanga mountain bike. No suspension, 21-speed and in relatively good condition (IMHO -- as I've never ridden it all that much). What sort of ballpark $$$ figure should I be expecting?

Thanks in advance,

John.

Stick with the Diamondback for a few weeks to see if you will stick to a routine and then revisit the bike shop.

it's more or less come down to a choice between two -- either the Shogun Mach 2 (www.shogunbicycles.com.au/Mach2GlossBlue.html (http://www.shogunbicycles.com.au/Mach2GlossBlue.html)) or Mach 3 (www.shogunbicycles.com.au/Mach3GlossBlack.html (http://www.shogunbicycles.com.au/Mach3GlossBlack.html)). Both have carbon forks, but the Mach 3 has the advantage of Shimano 105 everything (vs Tiagra on the Mach 2), plus the Mach 3 has a rigid seatpost (vs suspension seatpost on the Mach 2).

The Mach 2 is approx. A$950, while the Mach 3 is approx. A$1150. I'd been hoping to spend less than $1000, but for only $200 more it seems like the Mach 3 might really be worth it. What does everyone think?

Thanks in advance,

John.
I reckon those bikes are quite reasonable and have good components for an affordable price. The Mach3 is 'similar' to a Giant CRX1, which normally sells for around the $1350 mark, so the Shogun Mach3 with triple front sprocket looks like a good deal indeed.

I want one too!

Thanks for the comments. This is a late reply from me, but better late than never...

I ended up going for the Mach 2 -- mainly because we couldn't get the Mach 3 in my size.

I've done a couple of decent rides so far and am very happy. But I do now have a question about size. I bought the 51cm frame, which is what was recommended to me, but I'm starting to wonder whether it might be one size too big. I can straddle the top tube without causing myself any serious injury(!) - although only just - but when seated my toes can only just touch the ground. I'd like to put the seat up a bit, but then I probably wouldn't be able to touch the ground at all.

Is this normal? Should my feet be able to touch the ground when I'm seated, or is it more about being able to stand comfortably either side of the top tube in case of an emergency stop?

Seat is to pedals as
Top tube is to ground,

You should not be able to touch the ground while seated.
Why would you want to do that? :eek:

Thanks George.

You appear to be a wise head in these forums indeed. :)