[ebonho]

Originally Posted by anoopGTkrish

HI All - Recently discovered this section of the forum and needless to say that I am really thrilled to have a community of cycling enthusiasts here.

The Sora for 55k versus the Tiagra for 59k the Tiagra seems to be a better bet. But an out of city deal is always dicey, though to be fair my road bike and trainer are both out of city unseen deals.

I would suggest you keep the RC100 and ride some more before investing in a proper road bike. You've just started cycling. For a new rider the lack of gears will definitely be tough. Use that to get tougher. I know at least a couple of strong riders who absolutely rock their RC100's. Speed and distance and climbing.

Then later on you can keep it as your beater bike and get a proper road bike when supply is better.

Cheers, Doc

[ninjatalli]

Originally Posted by anoopGTkrish

Looking forward to your suggestions on the above 2 or any leads on new/ used bikes will also be appreciated. I am currently located in Bangalore.

When it comes to buying a used bike (especially a high ticket item), three key factors need to be considered.

1. Fit and alignment - easiest of all since you are the only buyer (in consideration). Ask for and try long test rides on different types of terrain. Walk away if the owner gives excuses of any sort. Walk away if you aren't comfortable riding the bike. Considering you already are doing long rides, this should be easy.

2. Condition of the components - take someone who's good at evaluating the condition, a second voice always helps. Talk to some local cycle store in advance for a paid evaluation if you can't get a fellow cyclist to join you.

3. Pricing. Doubt you have a choice here. It's a sellers' market so doubt you can negotiate. But play hardball if any of the parts need change (e.g. tires condition). Ask for recent servicing details - understand how well he's kept the bike. I wouldn't worry if the bike's been in cold storage, but you can use these cues in pricing negotiations. Again the fellow companion helps.

Different city? Should hardly matter - make the effort to visit it in person if the bike looks good on paper. Be ready to walk away if any of the above 3 factors doesn't work out. NEVER NEVER buy a used cycle (or for that matter any vehicle) without an in-person check-up.

P.s. both are great bikes - the Ridley is a very popular one IIRC. Anyday Tiagra > Sora but wrt a used bike, the above 3 aspects matter more than this.

[IP_Man]

I want to purchase basic non geared cycle for my son so went to the local market and got confused by so many brands.

For e.g. Keysto claim cycles are made in Satara, Pune but other shops claim it is Chinese worthless cycle brand. Liked 'Cross" brand by Hero, later on through online research come to know this brand has nothing to do with Hero cycles. Salesman was conveniently hiding this fact from me. There were so many new brands unheard claiming origin from ShriLanka which I don't believe.

Sadly, very few options from good old brands of India i.e. Atlas, BSA, Hercules etc.

My requirement: Basic non geared, less than 10K (lack of secure parking at school), reliable, robust, spared parts availability etc.

Please suggest good brand/model that fulfil above requirements. Thanks in advance.

[comfortablynumb]

Originally Posted by IP_Man

My requirement: Basic non geared, less than 10K (lack of secure parking at school), reliable, robust, spared parts availability etc.

I also want to buy a similar basic non geared cycle for pottering around the neighbourhood (going to the gym, running errands etc.), and have shortlisted the following models. Planning to visit a few shops after Diwali.

https://www.decathlon.in/p/8304742/h...8304742&type=p

https://machcity.com/ibike-single-speed/

https://stryderbikes.com/product/700c-hyb-100/

https://www.herocycles.com/product/city-rider-26t-vb

Keysto is an Indian brand, manufactured by Trinity Cycles. They also make bikes under other brands like Dodge and Schnell.

https://trinitycycles.in/about-trinity/

[ebonho]

Originally Posted by IP_Man

I want to purchase basic non geared cycle for my son so went to the local market and got confused by so many brands.

Thanks in advance.

Originally Posted by comfortablynumb

I also want to buy a similar basic non geared cycle for pottering around the neighbourhood (going to the gym, running errands etc.), and have shortlisted the following models. Planning to visit a few shops after Diwali.

https://www.decathlon.in/p/8304742/h...8304742&type=p

Though the earlier My Bikes with the curved forks were better in my opinion, the MyBike is still the most value for money basic errands/gym cycle going right now.

[anoopGTkrish]

Originally Posted by ebonho

The Sora for 55k versus the Tiagra for 59k the Tiagra seems to be a better bet. But an out of city deal is always dicey, though to be fair my road bike and trainer are both out of city unseen deals.

I would suggest you keep the RC100 and ride some more before investing in a proper road bike.

Then later on you can keep it as your beater bike and get a proper road bike when supply is better.

Cheers, Doc

Thanks Doc. Definitely not selling the RC 100 (Mine has the Flat Bar) as I can still use it for daily gym, grocery or other errands. In the last 10 months or so I have completely stopped taking the Duke/ car out for small errands within 4 kms as its just so much easier on the bike.

How long do you think would be an ideal time? My initial thought was a year after purchase of RC that would be December of this year.

Originally Posted by ninjatalli

When it comes to buying a used bike (especially a high ticket item), three key factors need to be considered.

Different city? Should hardly matter - make the effort to visit it in person if the bike looks good on paper. Be ready to walk away if any of the above 3 factors doesn't work out. NEVER NEVER buy a used cycle (or for that matter any vehicle) without an in-person check-up.

P.s. both are great bikes - the Ridley is a very popular one IIRC. Anyday Tiagra > Sora but wrt a used bike, the above 3 aspects matter more than this.

Thanks Ninja. Unfortunately the bike is in Delhi and I'm in Bangalore. Not in a position to travel at the moment. Even I'm not a 100% of buying a bike unseen.

[ebonho]

Originally Posted by anoopGTkrish

How long do you think would be an ideal time? My initial thought was a year after purchase of RC that would be December of this year.

I don't think there is any hard and fast rule or formula. Many guys buy a road bike as their first bike as well, and have never owned a flat bar. But I honestly feel one would appreciate a road bike so much more after riding a flat bar for at least a year (or two), and putting in some decent mileage on the flat bar first (like 5000+ km at least, that's a decent number).

I bought my road bike in 2018, my injury frustration year, but I actually started using her only in 2019, two years after my ACT and a frustrating stupid stint on a Scott flat bar front sprung fork hybrid.

I still put in a lot of volume on my ACT. As Spindatt says, every bike is a good time.

[vb-saan]

The handlebar got lowered a bit this evening - moved one spacer up.

[IP_Man]

Originally Posted by comfortablynumb

I also want to buy a similar basic non geared cycle for pottering around the neighbourhood (going to the gym, running errands etc.), and have shortlisted the following models. Planning to visit a few shops after Diwali.

Today, I visited Hero Sprint exclusive dealer and finalised
Hero Men's Manhattan 26T.

https://www.amazon.in/Manhattan-Spor.../dp/B08WPKBL2P

Quoted price is 7.5K which is same that of online price. I hope to bring price down further or get some extra accessories as a bargain.

It is my observation that online cycles are not available in the showroom but this cycle is exception.

I wish to seek your opinion on this cycle selected.

[comfortablynumb]

Originally Posted by IP_Man

Today, I visited Hero Sprint exclusive dealer and finalised
Hero Men's Manhattan 26T.....I wish to seek your opinion on this cycle selected.

I am no cycling Guru, but your choice looks good, and price also seems reasonable. If you are in Pune, would you mind sharing the name and location of the dealer you bought it from?

[Sebring]

Was looking at various FRONT LIGHTS and I must say this newcomer, the 200 LUMEN, beats them all. With FIVE MODES OF LIGHT OPTIONS TO CHOOSE it cost me Rs 1600. Only negative is the 2 hour it takes to charge. Let's put pics of more accessories, Guys - so its easier for someone to buy. (Prior to this I used the CATEYE picked up from a Store in Singapore)
Pic; this is just the low beam

[itisravi]

Came across this short video of a Korean chap with some amazing cornering skills on his road bike. Quite similar to those Japanese moto gymkhana riders tackling sharp turns on their motorbikes.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0NH07sEcRvE

[AnniHilat0R]

Just to check, has anyone here bought a bike on their trip abroad and gotten it into the country ?
The 50k goods rule is there, but I am sure the Customs Officers are smart enough and would flag it down ?

[ebonho]

Originally Posted by AnniHilat0R

Just to check, has anyone here bought a bike on their trip abroad and gotten it into the country ?
The 50k goods rule is there, but I am sure the Customs Officers are smart enough and would flag it down ?

Why? As long as you show a bill of sale? Best is to have the bike used a bit before you go to the states. And then buy it from your friend or relative. Better still to have him have a bill of the same from the LBS that is under 50k in the first place. A used bike, even very lightly used, cannot be equated to brand new pricing regardless of the date of sale.

[AnniHilat0R]

Originally Posted by ebonho

Why? As long as you show a bill of sale? Best is to have the bike used a bit before you go to the states. And then buy it from your friend or relative. Better still to have him have a bill of the same from the LBS that is under 50k in the first place. A used bike, even very lightly used, cannot be equated to brand new pricing regardless of the date of sale.

Actually my brother might be asked to head to the UK for some company work - short trip (3 weeks). He got struck by this "idea" to buy a bike there and bring it back with him, which I feel is quite an iffy idea as the bike he wants to buy is £1700 Ribble. He too was like I will use it there for a bit so that there is some wear on it....but I am super skeptical of this idea as if it doesnt go well, the duty is quite a bit. Hence wanted to just cross-check here if anyone has done it before.