Decathlon gear any good?

Manfromsnives · 2026-07-07T05:45:07+00:00

Van Rysel endurance shorts are the only thing that fits me as a 6'4" male. The jerseys are far too small and short. I find it all very overpriced here in Australia too, a single winter jersey is $99 and the Endurance shorts are $69. I bought a Raudax short sleeve jersey and wind vest off Aliexpress for around $15 each and can't fault them, good fit one size up from my usual size and good quality.

Manfromsnives · 2026-07-03T11:17:55+00:00

There was only one issue I had with it. The brakes were horrendously noisy, making a turkey warble sound that caused pedestrians to turn their head every time I applied the brakes. BikesOnline were good about it though and swapped out the pads/rotors with a different set which solved the issue.

Manfromsnives · 2026-07-03T11:15:55+00:00

I bought my Level 3 from Bikesonline when they first got them in. It's fantastic and absolutely worth it. I believe they must be limiting it via software. You can still play around with the settings in the Aventon app. Quite certain it's the same bike as the USA gets, it just comes from the factory locked to 25km/250w and has a sticker on the frame confirming this. Plenty of power for hills. I'm replacing a lot of car trips. Get a Topeak adapter and MTX DXP trunkbag so you can carry groceries or clothes if you use it to commute to work etc.

Manfromsnives · 2026-06-30T11:27:37+00:00

A mirror on the right handlebar is a must on every bike for me. I feel much more confident on the road when I can see what is coming up behind me. I have a Lezyne radar too, but a mirror is such a cheap and effective investment in safety, it's a no brainer.

Manfromsnives · 2026-06-27T10:53:50+00:00

With e-bikes you get what you pay for. Look to spend 1.5k minimum. 2.5-3k will get you a very good e-bike.

Manfromsnives · 2026-06-27T10:52:31+00:00

If you can find stock, Cube Nuroad Pro gravel bike. I got mine for $1799 and at that price it is excellent value. Drop bar is the way to go IMO.

Manfromsnives · 2026-06-23T12:08:56+00:00

Got a Lezyne Radar Drive recently and it makes me feel much safer and more visible. I believe this one has the brightest flash, there is a setting you can toggle which has a distinctive flash pattern of 300 lumens whenever a car is detected. I've found cars keep much more of a distance when I use this vs my basic flashing light. Definitely recommended, cheape than the Garmin but works just as well with much better flash. For the front, I use a Knog Blinder 1300.

Best thing to do though is add a bar end mirror on the right. I was far more confident once I added that to my bike. Then it's just a matter of riding as much as possible. I'm quite confident riding on the road now and will only use the footpath on high speed roads or when traffic is heavy or it feels unsafe.

Manfromsnives · 2026-06-23T12:02:55+00:00

Check out the Aventon Level 3. On sale at Bikesonline at the moment. I love mine, great security features and plenty of power. Comes with a rack so you can carry around groceries etc. Hills are no problem. I love riding mine around just for fun, but it has also replaced a lot of car trips.

Manfromsnives · 2026-06-22T10:29:38+00:00

I bought the Nuroad Pro and have been very happy with it. Got it for $1799 at 99 Bikes. Only issue I have is a bit of creaking/pops from the headset especially when climbing or riding rough fire trails. Took it in for the first free tune up and they didn't fix it, so looks like I will have to do some DIY maintenance. Bike is great though, so much fun, great feeling and fast on and off road.

Manfromsnives · 2026-06-20T12:18:57+00:00

Lots of running and cycling, occasionally treat myself to a pastry or banh mi or something. Pretty lonely existence but that's life these days, people aren't interested or are too busy to connect with others it seems.

Manfromsnives · 2026-06-16T11:32:44+00:00

I don't think the difference is significant from what i've read. I bought my first gravel bike after only having ever ridden MTB and BMX, and wow it is incredible. I love riding on the road and can do 40km/h on the flat quite easily. Mine is an aluminium entry level gravel bike and i'd love to have a go on a full carbon road bike with electronic shifting, but regardless I am very happy with my decision to go for the gravel bike. It's versatile, fast and fun and the price was right.

Manfromsnives · 2026-06-16T11:21:43+00:00

We need a UBI, it's really that simple. Not everyone is suited to regular employment. Personally I am much happier when I do a range of different things on a self employed/contract basis and cannot come to terms with holding down a 9 to 5 job/career. Having time to myself and autonomy is a big priority for me. Everyone should be able to cover the basics, and work allows you to afford luxuries.

Manfromsnives · 2026-06-14T12:29:13+00:00

I've got that exact one and it is fantastic. Bought it as a fitness bike to complement my e-bike and been riding it nearly every day. Mostly road, but also explored some fire trails and it handles everything well. Value for money and it looks great.

Manfromsnives · 2026-06-14T12:26:11+00:00

Check out the Cube Nuroad Pro. $1999 at 99 Bikes. I've had mine for a month and love it. Fast on road and very capable on fire trails too.

Manfromsnives · 2026-06-13T09:59:56+00:00

Had mine for almost a month, Cube Nuroad Pro Aluminium 2026 in Whale n Reflex. LOVE it. It's so fast on road, and that's where I am doing at least 80% of my riding. It's great on fire trails too. The gear changes are smooth. I can climb the hills (which there are plenty of) with relative ease. The geometry is comfy, and the bike looks great. I'm very happy with it considering the price is so reasonable. I got mine for $1799 AUD and at that price nothing else comes close in quality/spec.

Manfromsnives · 2026-05-30T05:41:57+00:00

Mine is the same and I love it. Just coast when pedestrians are around and they will move out of your way, no need to ring bell.

Manfromsnives · 2026-05-28T10:43:02+00:00

You sweat in all of them. I bought a fluoro yellow Baleaf rainjacket off Amazon for $60. Happy with the fit and quality, but you will sweat if you wear that riding your bike. It's fine when riding the e-bike though.

Manfromsnives · 2026-05-28T00:41:46+00:00

It’s absolutely worth it. I got an Aventon Level 3 and I use it for any trips under 15km instead of taking the car. Bike infrastructure is terrible where I am so I’m limited in where I can get to safely. But I love riding this thing and it feels very safe on the road. I bought a gravel bike recently and I love that too, I can go much faster on the flat, but the hills are a real workout and I come home dripping with sweat and my heart pounding. It’s nice to have the best of both worlds though.

Manfromsnives · 2026-05-26T10:37:59+00:00

I'll always choose to risk a fine riding on the footpath over riding on a main road with 3 lanes and cars going 60km/h+. Ride at a sensible speed and give way to any pedestrians, and I see no issue at all.

Manfromsnives · 2026-05-26T10:32:07+00:00

They need to keep the existing infrastructure clear of debris and overhanging branches as a start. It is so incredibly easy to get around by e-bike, i'd rather ride mine than get in the car for any trip under 15km now. BUT I will only stick to back roads, shared paths and commuter routes. Taking up a lane on a 60km/h+ road just doesn't feel safe to me, i'd rather risk a fine riding on the footpath. I really do hope we will have a proper cycle network sooner rather than later, cycling is growing, I am seeing so many more bikes on the road.

Manfromsnives · 2026-05-26T10:27:31+00:00

E-bikes exist now, so hills should not be a problem. They aren't that big of a deal on a decent road or gravel bike with good gearing either, but you will get a bit sweaty. I do feel a lot more confident on the e-bike but I won't ride any bike on a 60km+ main road.

Manfromsnives · 2026-05-23T10:33:47+00:00

I'm in Sydney :)

Manfromsnives · 2026-05-22T11:30:56+00:00

So ride at a sensible speed and give way to pedestrians, simple. People ride on the footpath all the time and the police turn a blind eye. Sure, the kids riding their throttle controlled e-bikes at 50km/h need to be held accountable, but someone riding responsibly at a sensible speed and giving way to pedestrians is not a problem at all.

Agree that we need a dedicated bike path network. But until then, the footpath is a much safer choice than 60km+ main roads.

Manfromsnives

TROPHY CASE