I'm a complete beginner when it comes to riding bikes and have very limited experience. Just looking to get a bike to start riding on local roads in my area and on paved cycleways over weekends. Would the attached suffice? It's in my size and seems to be in good condition and quite cheap.
Also I live in Sydney, Australia which is quite hilly so thought a geared bike would be required.
Over the weekend I bought my new Malvern Star Porter 2 a modern take on a vintage style.
All alloy frame with 8 speed Shimano Internal hub gearing, kevlar puncture protection tyres, Malvern Star leather touring saddle, leather wrap hand grips and bamboo fenders.
It's an incredibly comfortable ride. Not sure about quality of the leather saddle though so I'll likely replace it with a Brooks.
What do you think?
https://preview.redd.it/zyet0i8qbxt41.jpg?width=404&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=10008aaf86f472bedde00e7746ba3b5e45269321
https://preview.redd.it/i0tkifesjtt41.jpg?width=714&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=186ec93ab9f88b3f5baf613c0f3b6c8ec6f548af
Came with the front panier rack (blackburn bootlegger front rack). Really love the splatter paint job and the coloured stem. Have test rode it and gears and brakes work well. The position of the rear brake makes me a little worried...any suggestions or should I just leave it as is?
Specs:
- Triple Butted Dynaloy Chrome-moly Frame
- Selected Dynaloy Chrome-moly forks
- Shimano Exage Brake Levers
- Araya RM-20 rim with Shimano Sealed Mechanism (M-452) hub
- Shimano Mountain LX Groupset 3x7
- Selle Italia Novus Team Edition saddle
Malvern Star Sprint 1.0 http://www.malvernstar.com.au/bikes/sprint-1-recreational-bike/
Jamis Coda Sport
Both 2017/2018. I’ve found these used at AUD$280 and AUD$450 respectively, which for both is about 60% of RRP.
Now, I know that the Jamis is better-specced and from what I’ve read it sounds super, but I’d like to know exactly how much you think the experience would differ or whether I could ‘get away’ with the lower priced bike if I wouldn’t appreciate the upgrades enough.
Intended use: Short commutes (~4km each way), mostly paved paths/roads but full of hills. Weekend rides on paths that are mostly flat. If I enjoy the ride enough I’d love to use it for exercise as well eventually.
Wouldn’t call myself a cyclist, more of a casual rider on and off the last 10 years but starting to cycle more now. My current ride is a hardtail mountain bike, quite beat up and heavy so I struggle on hills. I want something easier and lighter basically.
Thanks guys!
I am new to road cycling but have been on the hills for a while. Would love to get anyone’s opinion on this particular bike or brand. Muchly appreciated in advance.
