Hi, I am new to this forum and would like to get opinions on a few things:
I am just starting off on a cycling hobby and I usually cycle on tarmac road (15km to 30km loop) with a very old bicycle (over 15 years old) that I just recently refurbished. I am considering to get a new bike. I am not a professional cyclist, just love cycling as a hobby and recreational activity. I only cycle on road and never tried trail or downhill before, maybe, one day I might try it out. 1. Should I buy a ready built bike or custom built one my self? - I have done a bit of research and found out if I custom pick the parts, it is more expensive than buying a ready built bike. A complete set of Deore components cost me a lot and this is without the hubs. Where else if I buy a ready built bike, the components the makers throw in are really mixed up and I foresee myself upgrading these parts in the future.
2. Should I buy a road bike or a MTB? Or make it hybrid? - I really love MTB by design and preference. MTB overall seems solid and well built compared to road bike which looks fast as hell. - I am thinking of getting a MTB and convert it into road bike hybrid. Best of both world but can't excel in neither, which I don't mind as I am not going for a race. An MTB with road bike tyre, flatbar handle, front suspension and disc brake.
3. Brand? Thinking of Merida bikes or Exitway. Maybe even Polygon? - Merida is my preference now as I do like a couple of their ready built model. The hard tail bike TFS 900, comes with Rockshox fork or their Road Bike series, Cyclo Cross.
Here are the links:
http://www.merida-bikes.com/en_int/bike/2013/49/MTB+Hardtails/Big.Nine+TFS+900
http://www.merida-bikes.com/en_int/bike/2013/289/MTB+Hardtails/Matts+TFS+900
http://www.merida-bikes.com/en_int/bike/2013/205/Cross_Cyclo+Cross/Cyclo+Cross+3
- Exitway or Polygon could be cheap and they come with good components too.
- Are these brands any good? Or should I get better brands?
4. Budget is not over $1000
Thanks so much for your input!