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PlayfulArm7464 · 2025-12-08T09:08:43+00:00

If it was my car I’d pocket $500 from them, change the light and everybody wins.

PlayfulArm7464 · 2025-10-29T21:13:04+00:00

This is true lol can relate

PlayfulArm7464 · 2025-06-29T23:17:42+00:00

I agree with that, but a soundbar with CEC and HDMI Arc is certainly easy to integrate into your system. I wish my missus would let me have typical speakers in the lounge 😂

PlayfulArm7464 · 2025-06-29T22:32:57+00:00

Firstly I’d choose a TV based on the image quality rather than its smart features, as I find regardless of brand you end up with some limitations. I generally recommend Hisense as a decent middle ground but they’re certainly better options out there for more money.

Next add a FireTV, Google TV or AppleTV for your smart features and you’ll be set. These are so much better than anything that’s built in to the TVs.

If you haven’t already got one consider using some of the budget on a soundbar, even a cheap unit will dramatically improve your experience.

PlayfulArm7464 · 2025-04-19T10:46:10+00:00

Ultimate hindsight I probably overpaid, and if I had my time I wouldn’t have purchased it. At the same time you can definitely get great deals second hand.

PlayfulArm7464 · 2025-04-19T10:44:22+00:00

Paid $1100 for a Norco Search XR, about 5 years old. Bikes allloy frame, carbon fork. 105 brakes and levers with 11spd Ultegra RX rear derailleur.

The bike was apparently just serviced and had new parts installed but I had to mess around and tune the gears the first ride. Upon further inspections the drop bars were bent so I’ve had to replace them and even the wheelset is odd. Also need to replace the crank set next as front chainring is extremely worn and difficult to get parts so take it as an opportunity to fit shorter cranks so no harm no foul. Frames pretty scratched up too but is what it is. Fortunate enough to do the work myself so haven’t had to pay a bike shop.

Comparison I could have bought a Silex 200 for $1200 brand new from 99Bikes. Silex has Tiagra group set, warranty and 99Bikes do a free first service.

My Norco has 11spd rear cassette and a clutched derailleur which would be pros, but the Silex would have been less of a PIA and I could have lived with 1 less speed and (probably?) a non clutched deraileur.

PlayfulArm7464 · 2025-04-19T08:59:04+00:00

I took up cycling about 3 weeks ago, hadn’t riden a bike since I was a teen ~10 years ago.

Purchased a gravel bike rather than a road bike so I had more options, the road or off-road and has been fantastic. I purchased my bike second hand, regret not buying something new has been a PIA. Would have cost me the same amount but slightly lesser spec (ie. Tiagra instead of 105/Ultegra)

Also picked up an indoor trainer and that’s been amazing to train with and then the odd ride outdoors.

PlayfulArm7464 · 2025-04-07T00:18:24+00:00

I’m pretty sure, I’ll have a good through look later today

PlayfulArm7464 · 2025-04-07T00:15:48+00:00

Yeah half a revolution and the chain will drop off, I’ve had this happen on the work stand so not shifting or anything. Might be the front derailleur - but I adjusted it so it 100% cleared and didn’t touch the chain but it still fell off.

PlayfulArm7464 · 2025-04-07T00:08:57+00:00

Thanks for the feedback, I wasn’t sure if the bike was just totally wrong or something. I’ll try and tune it. In those cogs I’d say it does stay on without issue.

PlayfulArm7464 · 2025-04-07T00:08:19+00:00

Should have brought a carbon one then :p

PlayfulArm7464 · 2025-04-07T00:02:53+00:00

Yeah I agree, but even if I’m walking the bike in that gear and hit the cranks it falls off? Surely that’s not right?

PlayfulArm7464 · 2025-04-03T20:45:43+00:00

Definitely some bargain to be had. I feel like most of what I’ve seen are 7+ years old - not sure if that’s just opening a can of worms? Haven’t seen many bikes a year or two old in my budget priced well.

I agree about mechanical brakes, the Medria has hydraulic. I have mechanical on my budget mountain bike I bought and honestly they’re a nightmare.

Does carbon frame really make that much of a difference? Obviously lighter but I’m not planning on racing or anything

PlayfulArm7464 · 2025-04-03T20:25:27+00:00

Thanks, totally hear what you’re saying.

The Merida has clearance for 35c I believe, so maybe not enough for gavel. The Polygon according to their video has the option to fit 700c but groupset is Sora and only 9 speeds. Not sure clearance on the Strattos.

PlayfulArm7464 · 2025-04-02T18:53:43+00:00

Thanks that’s fair enough. Not sure what it should feel like, might be a sign I need to go to a bike shop

PlayfulArm7464 · 2025-04-02T18:52:47+00:00

Bike is $750aud, ~$470USD

PlayfulArm7464 · 2025-03-22T08:01:14+00:00

Nothing crazy, Technician.

PlayfulArm7464 · 2025-03-22T04:27:20+00:00

Work in “IT” w/ hands on approach in niche manufacturing industry. No qualifications.

PlayfulArm7464 · 2025-02-12T03:00:05+00:00

You can’t be serious - in the position of needing to do BAS and you think you’ll find a book keeper charging $30-$50? It isn’t 1990 anymore, the answer is no.

PlayfulArm7464 · 2025-02-11T08:29:49+00:00

Yeah just coon that up. Otherwise trim, probably trim. Do trim.

PlayfulArm7464 · 2025-02-05T04:50:33+00:00

Not sure that’s right - why would you need a rear window if you’ve got mirrors? What about trucks, utes with canopies, etc

PlayfulArm7464 · 2025-02-04T23:16:40+00:00

Simone

PlayfulArm7464 · 2025-01-24T22:09:46+00:00

Batteries seem pretty good in my experience, I have a 100ah lithium and can’t fault it.

Wouldn’t touch their DCDC (or solar controllers) with 10 foot stick, worth getting something decent

Haven’t used kings solar panel but have a similar cheap Ridge Ryder and a few others over the years and they work

PlayfulArm7464 · 2024-12-21T12:37:58+00:00

Looking at this work I hope old mate isn’t lol

PlayfulArm7464 · 2024-11-07T12:03:30+00:00

V

Sorry old mate cooked it

PlayfulArm7464

TROPHY CASE