Avanti Corsa for a first timer???

Oakley

Hi all,

I have been inspired by the tour de france ( and my physio ) to take up cycling.... I had previously played a high level of soccer in sydney before i distroyed my ankles and was told cycling is the best thing for it and maybe even a switch of sporting codes from soccer to cycling. After searching though the multitudes of lingo and bikes at various stores around Sydney i have been told that the Avanti Corsa is great value for money, has the ability to be able to be used in competitions ( after alot of training) and the Ultegra Shimano kit, has a longer life than the lesser shimano gear.. So I was hoping to get some thoughts from those experienced riders, as for me it looks great and i am very keen to get into it asap... Also i live in the hills area and was wondering which would be the closest cycling club to join and if there are any locals to C'Hill that would be able or willing to show a keen and enthusiastic beginner some of the ropes.

Cheers

Andy

gclark8

As you are new to this and living in the hills I sugggest a bike with a triple crankset. A good quality bike suitable for racing is Felt, the F80 would be a good bike to start training and racing. http://www.deanwoods.com.au/store/prod1339.htm

More important is correct size and bike fit, have this done by a professional, not any bike shop: http://www.trysport.com.au/services.htm

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Cheers,
George.

62vette

The hills round Castle Hill aren't that bad from memory. If you're fairly fit you're not necessarily going to need a triple for club racing, they're more applicable for longer endurance events and/or seriously steep and long hills.

I agree on getting a professional fit done to ensure you get the right size bike, and any necessary adjustments made once you have the bike.

Oakley

Sorry i think there must be another Castle Hill in Australia but im from NSW and not to hilly

gclark8

Probably pay to put state and country in the location details on he left.

If not too hilly where you are, then go for the F75 Felt, it is on special at the moment. http://www.deanwoods.com.au/ For example.

On bike fit, I've seen too many guys turn up for a bike fit with a new bike and its the wrong size, bloody LBS . You sound like a professional sportsman so get professionally assessed before buying the bike.

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Cheers,
George.

Oakley

Is there any other company's that perform assesments other than deanwoods and does that mean i buy the bike first then take it to someone that does an assesment or wait to be assest then get the bike as the later would be how i thought it would have worked aka when you get a training program you dont train first then get assessed on what you cant do...

Oakley

Sorry mate ill fix that up now

gclark8

I suggest you contact AIS Canberra, and ask for their Sydney bike fit consultants. Another option is contact Trysport (see below) and ask if they know of any professional fitting service in Sydney. Do this before buying a bike.

__________________
Cheers,
George.

artemidorus

If you are going to race, then you may be better off with a double crankset. You don't absolutely need a triple for riding around any part of Sydney, or even the Blue Mountains. If you are not going to race, but may prefer longer rides, then a triple may be better.
Steve Hogg of Pedal Pushers in Rosebery has the reputation of being one of the two best bicycle fit specialists in Australia. I can't personally vouch for him, only because I've never had a bike fit done myself.

Albert 50

62vette

You should be able to get a fit package where you get measured first for a recommendation on frame size, crank length, handlebar width etc. Then when you have bought your bike, take it in to get the fit fine tuned for saddle position, handlebar height, stem length etc.

samwell

On the topic of the Avanti Corsa - I have a 2003 Avantia Corsa Pro Series which is quite a similar spec to the bike you're looking at. Personally I really like the bike and have had no real problems with it. One difference is that mine was the last year they did the standard frame - they have gone to the compact now but other than that it's a very similar bike.

Oakley

yeah i ended up buying the bike and its awesome but one problem i have with it is the really hard seat is that usual for a first time rider to get a small bum or is it dependant on the bike as i have done two rides that equal about 94ks and my bum is getting very saw

Cheers

62vette

LOL Welcome to cycling and the world of accessorising.

Finding a comfortable saddle is perhaps one of the biggest challenge you will find. Getting the right width saddle is crucial so your sit bones are supporting you on the saddle. Go to a shop that sells Specialized brand saddles and they will have a thing that measures your bum and they can tell you the right width saddle for you.