Looong time lurker, first time poster. I used to adventure race but had a baby and turned to running because of the cost involved in AR. Anyway I miss the thrill of multi and have decided to try Triathlons. I have never bought a road bike so I have done a bit of reading and have decided to get a lower end bike to begin with, not sure if I'll like it and then if I do get a better one later.

I went to my LBS and ask for an Apollo Valoure (like I said looowww end) but they didn't have one...IN OZ! We went through heaps more brands and models on the phone with his distro and nothing in my size. After ages distro said they have the 06 Raceline Performance in my size but I wasn't keen on spending 1200.00. After a bit of back and forth he said I could have it for the price of the Valoure! So I'm paying about $616.00. I thought he was joking or there was a catch or something. I still do.... That is why I'm asking you all if this is a good bike? I don't need HOT I just need something that will do me a couple years. I'm going next week when it comes in to give it a test ride, he said if I wasn't happy with it I not have to buy it. I know I've rambled a bit but any help would be nice.

Not sure if this helps, or if you've already seen them, or if it helps others give some useful advice...
http://www.racelinebikes.com/range.php
http://www.torpedo7.com/page/bikes/PROD/bi..._rb/RAC-ROA-PER (selling them for $899ENZUD - sold out. looks nice )
some review information here
http://www.cyclingforums.com/archive/index.php/t-25712.html

I know that this may not help, but on the other hand it may...if not, please ignore.

But like all things in life, there must be balance. balance $ against expected performance. Like I said to people before gold coast marathon when they wished me luck "it's not like I'm out to win the thing :-))

Good luck in your search. I miss riding (no time, sydney roads....)

It looks pretty decent: AL frame, carbon fork, Selle saddle, Shimano wheelset, clipless (?).
If you pick that bike up for $600 you'd be getting a bloody good deal as the general spec isnt bad, Shimano 500's are an ok wheel, and the componentry (Sora + Tektro brakes) is fine and can be upgraded bit-by-bit reasonably cheaply.
Just make sure they size it for you correctly and take their time doing so.
You'd be hard-pressed beating the deal you're getting, but feel free to prove me wrong...

As Ralph said it has not bad spec for an entry level bike. The initial price seemed to be a rip off- Sora groupset bikes go now for about $850 but your final offer is good! Everything depends how serious you're going to be. This bike will not have much of resale value after two years so maybe you'll be better off to try a really good deal on 105- with some luck you'll get it for about $1400 or even less.

Dear Adventure,

Thanks for the warning:

"I used to adventure race but had a baby "

I been in running races, bike races, canoeing events, rogaining and orienteering, even an ultra-marathon. But never has it caused me to have a baby! WOW How do you train for that?


As far as bikes are concerned, a senior professional cyclist told me "you've still got to psh the pedals, no matter how much they cost"

Cheerio,

I am the perfect person to answer this post as I did exactely what you are about to do. I bought a Raceline Performance in 2002 and upgraded the componetry to Tiagra a bit at a time. The bike is great, its a nice entry level bike, and mine even trained for and completed Ironman New Zealand. So there is nothing wrong with them. As echoed by earlier posts, the first price looks like a touch up, but the second is a fair deal. It's almost new season stock time, so they are probably keen to move it.

Cheers,
Peter.

P.S. Oh yeah, and then when you are sure you like bikes, you can upgrade to something nice, like a Cervello P3 and just use the Raceline for comuting and training rides.

uriah
Thanks for the warning:

"I used to adventure race but had a baby "

I been in running races, bike races, canoeing events, rogaining and orienteering, even an ultra-marathon. But never has it caused me to have a baby! WOW How do you train for that?

Their is not a thing in the world you can do to train for having a baby!


Thanks to everyone for your replys. I'm keen to get on the bike and give it a go. It's nice to see that it is a good entry level bike; I'm a bit lost in the world of Road Bikes so your opinions and experances are priceless to me. I'll let you know how it goes next week.

My only advice would be to make sure you get fitted out properly on the bike. Bikes off the rack, as opposed to custom made bikes, are designed to fit the'average person'. If your body varies in the slightest from what they consider to be average, e.g long thigh bone, short upper body or visa versa, you WILL end up with an injury. If you are fitted properly, this can be avoided.

Good luck!