New to cycling

[DJR David]

HI all, as I said in an earlier post I'll be getting a bike in the next few months. A new Avantiplus has opened up where I live, what are peoples thoughts on them as a brand for a flat bar around $700. I'm reading quite mixed reviews on the net

cheers

[Cuyper]

I'm not sure on those but there's couple important things when buying a bike.

Correct frame size, correct crank size, best group set you can afford, try not to go less than shimano 105, or SRAM rival

[LG17]

Originally Posted by DJR David

HI all, as I said in an earlier post I'll be getting a bike in the next few months. A new Avantiplus has opened up where I live, what are peoples thoughts on them as a brand for a flat bar around $700. I'm reading quite mixed reviews on the net

cheers

Go back and see Nathan at The Bicycle Centre!

[DJR David]

Originally Posted by LG17

Go back and see Nathan at The Bicycle Centre!

When I went there last week a shorter guy with dark curly hair served me, really helpful and friendly (As you might have guessed I don't recall his name!) Based on what I have read I think his attitude service will be the key!

[blueoval]

Avanti is a NZ owned brand I believe. Pretty decent brand as far as I was aware. My mate has an Avanti Quantum team carbon road bike with Ultegra groupo which he has had for years and its never missed a beat.

At the end of the day, the fit, feel and warranty is what you should be aiming for.

[Captain Stubing]

I'm coming up to 2000km on my Avanti Cadent, and it's been fantastic. Though it's a carbon frame, and I think the Avanti flat bars are alloy frames.

[DJR David]

Thanks guys, when I get back from holidays I'll take the giant, Avanti and specialized for a spin. See how each feels, and then as said and recommended by all, review the warranty, service and "vibe" of the place

cheers!!

[LANKY 1]

It must be spring, got swooped by a magpie. Any hints on how to prevent this?

[GTpilot]

Originally Posted by LANKY 1

It must be spring, got swooped by a magpie. Any hints on how to prevent this?

Lol, I got hit twice last week too, got whacked on the shoulder. When I went back through the same place I put my hand up over my head, waving fingers in the air. Didn't get hit that time. Can't ride everywhere doing that, will end up bashed by thugs or put in the looney bin.

I see many people with cable ties sticking up from their helmets. Not too sure how effective that is, IMO looks stupid though.

[LANKY 1]

Yeah I've seen the cable tie thing. It does look stupid. What about putting googly eyes on the back of the helmet

[prydey]

i don't think any of the deterants that people suggest are 100% guaranteed to put them off. i think it depends more on the bird.

cable ties don't stop them swooping, they just raise the point of contact. googly eyes apparently don't work.

maggies are very intelligent birds though, and are known to resort to attacking the side of your face as they know that a helmet protects the top.

the majority of attacks apparently don't make contact, but i know a few people that have been pecked. i've been swooped about 5 times now over the last few weeks and have been lucky in that regard. still scares the crap out of you though.

[LANKY 1]

Yeah ok, the one that got me, got my ear, yeah cone out of nowhere. 2nd time i was ready for it

[blueoval]

Magpies make me ride faster. I dislike them, but I try and out run them and mostly win. Other wise I check my shadow, pull my drink bottle out at the time a swipe it over my head when they have a go. You'd be surprised how effective that would be.

Im am not for animal cruelty but I will protect myself if I feel threatened physically regardless species.

[DBourne]

There is a youtube video on ways to stop getting swooped.. funnily enough the only thing that worked was not wearing a helmet?? (cable ties etc did nothing).

I hate the little buggers too, been hit pretty hard by them last year and already one big clash this year..

[manny.miner]

Cable ties worked for me. About ten of them I used. Not one attack.

Sent from my GT-I9505 using Tapatalk 2

[bArNsY]

I haven't had any issues with Magpies while cycling


***gets attached by twenty of them next ride

[Captain Stubing]

I've only had one so far this season (same one many times), I was able to watch my shadow to see when he struck, and tried reverse head butting him, but it only put him off for a few seconds.
Now I'll just ride with my head slanted towards him, I know which side he attacks from, and that protects my face. I have to remember where last years birds were, and be prepared for the attack.

I copped one when I wasn't riding at work one day, and she got me on the bridge of the nose and drew blood. That's when I saw the young bird on the ground not far from me. I got out of there quick smart!

[Starlightblue]

I've never been attacked while driving my car!

[DBourne]

Am I allowed to put this here?

http://register.gongride.org.au/2013...e-Ride/dbourne

It is a link for my donation page for this years Sydney to Gong ride.

Anything that anyone is able to spare is greatly appreciated

[DBourne]

Perfect day for the Sydney to Gong ride today.

Did the "90km" ride (actually 83km) in 3hrs 4min after a slow as hell start. Pretty happy with that.

[richo77]

Bought myself a '13 model Merida Speeder T2 flat bar a month ago with the aim of building some stamina and fitness. Been a good bike so far. Just under an hour for 24 kms along the coast, hope to improve that with time. The scenery makes it a much more enjoyable experience!

[prydey]

well done sgtbourne, thats a pretty healthy pace! about 27km/h average! got to be happy with that over 80+km. are you on strava?


in other news, my campagnolo zonda's should arrive tomorrow. can't wait to get them on to bling my bike up a bit. first modification in 12 months of ownership. can't believe i managed to hold out for so long

[LG17]

I heard the ride was capped at 10000!
That's massive!
Congrats to those who rode.

[DBourne]

Cheers Prydey, yeah I am on Strava. Name David Bourne (suerpman costume).

The first 3 or 4km was walking pace too due to the crap start system, so really was under 3hrs which I'm happy with.

[prydey]

very good. most of my rides, esp the ones up around 80 - 100km, i struggle to get north of 24km/h average.

[blueoval]

Im the same as your Rob depending on the terrain. Add a few heavy hills in and its a push to stay above 20 for me. :(

Im getting better though, just not making fast progress. Need to get in the saddle more. Gonna give the BUPA a shot next year too.

[Syndrome]

I have a 2000 model Giant ATX 860. Any good?

[blueoval]

Originally Posted by Syndrome

I have a 2000 model Giant ATX 860. Any good?

It would be ok if its in good working order. Check to see if the frame is in good nick. (i.e. no rust and been left out in the rain, cracks, or damage) Check brake cables not frayed, front and rear derailleur ok and changing gears well, shock absorbers are in working order (do they lock out ok), as a precaution, get your LBS to check it over and change any parts they recommend.

[Syndrome]

Originally Posted by blueoval

It would be ok if its in good working order. Check to see if the frame is in good nick. (i.e. no rust and been left out in the rain, cracks, or damage) Check brake cables not frayed, front and rear derailleur ok and changing gears well, shock absorbers are in working order (do they lock out ok), as a precaution, get your LBS to check it over and change any parts they recommend.

I had it serviced at a LBS last month and it is working well. Just curious to know if this bike is regarded as any good. Purchased it new and it has been in the shed most of it's life hardly ridden. In the last month I've put on about 150km.

[blueoval]

Giant is a very reputable brand. You should have no issue with it. A lot and I mean, a LOT of people ride Giants. What group set do you have?

All I can say, is ride it, get used to it, enjoy the bike and your fitness. Only after you have really ridden the bike for a good 6 months would you really know what the bike and you are capable of together.