You aren't the first person to say 'wait and get a carbon frame' but do I really need a full carbon frame for commuting?
I'm certainly not looking at buying the bargain basement entry models, which is why that Oppy A3 is so attractive to me: carbon front fork, Tiagra bits, and it's half price.
If you see yourself enjoying your biking even more then yes, its worth the wait for a higher spec.
Linkage to the A3 spec?
It's o-k.
Alloy frame may be a little harsh
Gears should be ok, maybe just a little indirect
Wheels should be sturdy (heavy)
If its going to be the commuter then see if you can switch the 25mm tyres for 28mm at no charge.
Should be a bit faster than your Cannondale (notso)Quick.
I started on an alloy (2009 Giant Defy running Tiagra/Sora) and it felt A BAJILLION TIMES more efficient and lightweight than my old commuter bike. Reckon it's a good starting point, especially if you stack it. I know older folks that ride Oppy's (and they seem like popular kids race bikes too) but can't say I've seen anyone thrash them.
Not sure you'll appreciate carbon if you go straight to it. I jumped light years by going from alloy to my carbon with Ultegra Di2, but I rode my alloy for long enough to actually appreciate it.
Got invited by my bike shop to an event in Brissie to go test ride the new Specialized 2015 Tarmac for a few hours…
Lol, dude they are buttering you right up!
I got fiddy on you owning a new bike before months end 
Had to have cables replaced on my Felt this week. Was out on a Fondo attempt Wednesday and lost shift to most of rear mech. First ride this morning and ■■■…such a difference! I guess nearly 10,000km of sweat and grime will do that 
You aren't the first person to say 'wait and get a carbon frame' but do I really need a full carbon frame for commuting?
I'm certainly not looking at buying the bargain basement entry models, which is why that Oppy A3 is so attractive to me: carbon front fork, Tiagra bits, and it's half price.
Id look for something with a full 105 groupset as then your bike should be decent. Now should be a good time to buy in the middle of winter.
I got a Cannondale Caad 10 in 2013 $1700 (not carbon) but has 105 and runs smooth. But you should look at spending approx $1,200 and get best value bike don't worry too much about brand or getting carbon as they will be all alloy in that price range.
A few years ago when i was looking at getting a cheap road bike cause didnt want to spend $1,000 on a bike as not sure i would ride it, so paid like $200 for a tour de france one. liked it, but after a while i had to upgrade.
I use this as a commuter sometimes. But ended up upgrading wheels, seatpost, brakes, tyres, etc before getting a new bike. I did a 100km charity ride on this and a couple of 50km ones but riding a bike with a good groupset is sooo much easier & lighter.
so by saving a bit more you can avoid, having to buy a new bike 12-24months down the track.
Cell, Polygon and Reid all have decent bikes around that $1K mark.
But as has been said, just hold out that little bit longer for a few extra hundred and you’ll end up a lot happier with your purchase… Check places like Bicycle Market fb page for some decent deals (just ignore the plethora of Specialzed Venge ads!)
Don’t forget to budget for shoes and kit, as well
Thanks guys. Off to look at Cell and Reid tomorrow, but I’m leaning toward a Cell.
And yeah, the budget includes shoes, pedals, knicks etc etc
Before I got my bike I was very tempted in getting a polygon…they are pretty good in getting bang for your buck.
I am looking at getting a fluid trainer or rollers, for riding in the garage…does anyone have any experience with the rollers I can get some from Probikekit for $210.00 otherwise was ging to get a fluid trainer from anaconda for $227 on sale.
http://www.probikekit.com.au/turbo-trainers-bicycle-rollers/elite-parabolic-rollers/10774092.html
http://www.anaconda.com.au/Product/Bikes-and-Accessories/Bike-Accessories/Trainers/Team-Pro-G-Roller-Fluid-Trainer
Just not sure if I will be co-ordinated enough not to fall off. Does anyone have/use one? or do they just gather dust?
Cycling would just be for base training, and cross training to help with my running
the brand jet black trainer.
Avoid, unless you want your family to constantly comment on how is sounds like a plane is taking off and you enjoy hearing noise complaints from your family.
Would love to buy a snasy spin bike for the home.
I have a $60 wind trainer from Aldi which yes, makes a butt load of noise.
I bought a Jeep.
Nah,actually bought the Cell. By Christ, road bikes are a rush when you’ve not ridden them before.
Next challenge: learn how to cleat.
Off to Riolio territory tomo morning for some race course recon, gonna be freezing in Gatton!
Might see some snow if my planned ride goes ahead tomorrow morning ;)
I bought a Jeep.
Nah,actually bought the Cell. By Christ, road bikes are a rush when you've not ridden them before.
Next challenge: learn how to cleat.
I'm going to cruise around the side streets in the morning and practice. It's going to look amusing on Strava
Pics tomorrow morning. Cell Lapa 2.0
You doing Cunningham?Off to Riolio territory tomo morning for some race course recon, gonna be freezing in Gatton!
Only 1 clipstack this morning. 1 completely unco moment, but I then had the 'swing your heel out and come off the saddle!' moment and I averted a crisis. 40 minutes of going around the block, stopping and starting. And wondering what that feeling in my legs was: force on the upstroke!
Bike pic as requested, with bonus pics of the pave in my drive
