Quality cycling shops in Melbourne?

Originally Posted by pivoxa15

A shop specialising in road bikes is a rarity. Any other shops in Melbourne that sells only road bikes?

Originally Posted by pivoxa15

I am after cycling products so you site dosen't answer anything.

Originally Posted by parawolf

So there is something wrong with your current bike that demands a new bike?

In short - go to Cycle Science in Mitcham.

Originally Posted by Jono L

Well just between you and me, I reckon you know where to find cycling products...

Originally Posted by pivoxa15

It's a worry when I've never rode my road bike in the forward grabing position, that is holding the curl because it seems too far away and my stomach gets in the way.

What about Beasley's Cycles?

Originally Posted by pivoxa15

But maybe not where it offers high quality services like good fitting. The last one I went to, they just got me stand over a few bikes.

Originally Posted by pivoxa15

But maybe not where it offers high quality services like good fitting. The last one I went to, they just got me stand over a few bikes.

Originally Posted by parawolf

If you want someone to sell you a service to fit you to the bike + some parts that they have in stock, Kennedys or SHM....

I'd recommend neither though.

Originally Posted by pivoxa15

Kennedys actually custom make your bike. That is got to be a winner? Which other stores in Melbourne does that? Why wouldn't you reommend a shop like that?

Originally Posted by parawolf

Because i don't agree with his fit style, including his custom bikes. John Kennedy is a good enough bloke, but that doesn't mean i'll recommend his service.

He's done plenty of custom bikes, does plenty of retro fits to bikes that people wheel in the front door too. Will cost you about $250 + parts for a 'fitting'.

Originally Posted by pivoxa15

How much do you about bike fits?

Have you heard of bad feedback form his customers or were you one of his? Could you elaborate on his style of fit and bikes?

If I was willing to pay $3000+ for a road bike, I'd prefer it was custom made for myself rather than one from a leading manufacturer for anybody roughly my size.

Originally Posted by parawolf

Kennedy's bikes have extremely slack seat tube angles, and then throws on lay-back seat posts and extremely short headstems. Usually means that the rider is on the bike with an upright position (even in the drops), locked arms, and poor handling with the short stems.

What this means even if the bike is custom made, you still end up with massive comprises in the design because he follows a formula a formula build anyway. Just like SHM follow a formula for bicycle fit. Formula's don't always work with bicycle and body mechanics.

Originally Posted by parawolf

Kennedy's bikes have extremely slack seat tube angles, and then throws on lay-back seat posts and extremely short headstems. Usually means that the rider is on the bike with an upright position (even in the drops), locked arms, and poor handling with the short stems.

What this means even if the bike is custom made, you still end up with massive comprises in the design because he follows a formula a formula build anyway. Just like SHM follow a formula for bicycle fit. Formula's don't always work with bicycle and body mechanics.

If you are willing to pay $3000+ i'd be investigating Baum Cycles in Geelong. Now they are someone i'd be willing to recommend if you want a custom made bike for you. Entry level custom bike from Baum with Ultegra SL is $3950. You'll pay similar prices at Kennedy's for (in my opinion) a worse bike.

I know multiple people from recreational riders to competitive racers that ride Baum Cycles both MTB and Road and are extremely happy.

Originally Posted by Thylacine

You're making some broad sweeping generalisations there Para. Everyone uses some type of 'system' to fit the rider to the bike. I also think you'll generally find that most Victorian companies subscribe to varying degrees to the slacker seat angle than what's currently 'standard' philosophy. People are generally sitting too far forward and not engaging their glutes. Simple fact, we all agree.

You obviously have a thing against Kennedy and that's fine, but I think it's more a result of his personality than anything else. His shop also caters for a lot of middle aged rich guys who generally only ride to the cafe on a Sunday, so you have to take that into consideration. You'd fit them different than you would a 60kg top level club racer.

For the record we can also do our entry level Tephra with Ultrgra SL for a similar price. We outsource our fitting to Beasley (we're not arrogant enough to say we have enough fit and ergo credentials to be as good as him) and it's included in the price.

Although he's busy, we have enough pull to be able to get customers in, but we have to work with his scedule.

Now Pivoxa, if you've got 2-3k MAX to spend on a bike, shop around online for what you like, and I'm sure Para and myself can give you some valuable input into which ones might be best. Don't forget too, if you're getting into it in a large-ish way, you'll also need shoes, pedals, clothing, helmet, and probably lights. These things start to add up quick, so you have to factor that in to your budgeting.