newbie needs advice selecting an expensive bike for sprint triathlons - Triathlon Week

09-17-2006, 12:26 AM

I am new to cycling and intend on doing some sprint triathlons in the near
future. I've been doing spinning classes but it's time to purchase a bike.

Here are my goals and likely usage:
train 2 - 3 times/week
race 4 - 5 times/year
sprint triathlon before this November
perhaps as much as a half ironman next year

I went to a cycling store the other day and looked at the Trek 1000 and was
told the 1500 is so much more of a long-term investment due to higher
quality componants, along with a $400 price difference.

Since I don't know if I will stay with triathlons or not, I'd like to spend
less than $1000 on the bike and accessories with the understanding that I
might want to upgrade in a couple of years if I am really into it. $1000 is
a lot of money to me, especially without knowing whether I will even like
the sport of
not.

What should I look for in a good beginner bike?

Is there an OVERWHELMING argument for the extra $400 to get a better bike?

Where can I get good deals online?

What about buying a used bike?

Many thanks for your help!!

09-17-2006, 12:26 AM

"Notgiven" <notreallyme@invalid.invalid> schreef in bericht
news:raWOg.473$[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]...

Q: What should I look for in a good beginner bike?
A: Don't care about the brand of the bike, most of them come from Taiwan
anyhow, care about components. It like to suggest Shimano 105 or Campa
Veloce as an entry level.

Q: Is there an OVERWHELMING argument for the extra $400 to get a better
bike?
A: No, there isn't: you're the master of your own destiny and your own
wallet

Q: Where can I get good deals online?
A: What hemisphere, continent, country? try [Only registered and activated users can see links. ]. Where does
the TLD 'invalid' reside?

Q: What about buying a used bike?
A: Hmm, since you're if tri is the thing for you: very wise. Your piggybank
will like it

> Many thanks for your help!!
Anytime

--
Posted by news://news.nb.nu

09-17-2006, 12:26 AM

Notgiven wrote:
> I am new to cycling and intend on doing some sprint triathlons in the near
> future. I've been doing spinning classes but it's time to purchase a bike.
>
> Here are my goals and likely usage:
> train 2 - 3 times/week
> race 4 - 5 times/year
> sprint triathlon before this November
> perhaps as much as a half ironman next year
[snip]
>
> What about buying a used bike?
>
> Many thanks for your help!!

Around here, Nashville, there's a slow but steady trickle of used tri
bikes to be found on Craigslist. Usually astounding deals with low
mileage, as it's often runners that gave the sport a whack and didn't
agree with it.

A lot of bike shops sell used trade ins, which is an even better place,
as they can size you up. Wherein lies the rub. You can get a two season
old great bike for half price used, but you won't get a fitting or
follow up unless you buy from somebody truly gracious.

If you're new to riding, buying online can be a really bad gamble. If
you can find out exactly what you need and have a hand to hold, it can
certainly save some cabbage. But let's say you got a boxed bike from
bikesdirect.com, and let's say there was something majorly wrong with
it upon assembly, not just a scratch from shipping--do you want to wait
a couple weeks to have the problem sorted?

09-17-2006, 12:26 AM

"Bert L.am" <[Only registered and activated users can see links. ].com> wrote in message news:450c46af$[Only registered and activated users can see links. ].nu...
>
> "Notgiven" <notreallyme@invalid.invalid> schreef in bericht
> news:raWOg.473$[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]...
>
>
>
> Q: What should I look for in a good beginner bike?
> A: Don't care about the brand of the bike, most of them come from Taiwan
> anyhow, care about components. It like to suggest Shimano 105 or Campa
> Veloce as an entry level.

I totally disagree. Get the best frame possible that fits you. Don't worry
about components, thinking that 105 is entry level racing is pure marketing
BS. As components wear out you can step up in quality but if you go the
other way you will be stuck with a poor quaility/heavy frame.
>
> Q: Is there an OVERWHELMING argument for the extra $400 to get a better
> bike?
> A: No, there isn't: you're the master of your own destiny and your own
> wallet
>
> Q: Where can I get good deals online?
> A: What hemisphere, continent, country? try [Only registered and activated users can see links. ]. Where does
> the TLD 'invalid' reside?
>
> Q: What about buying a used bike?
> A: Hmm, since you're if tri is the thing for you: very wise. Your
> piggybank will like it

This is the best idea. I would try to purchase locally if possible so that
you can test ride. Save buying on Ebay until you know your size and other
requirements better.
>
>> Many thanks for your help!!
> Anytime
>
>
> --
> Posted by news://news.nb.nu

09-17-2006, 12:26 AM

Frank Drackman wrote:
> "Bert L.am" <[Only registered and activated users can see links. ].com> wrote in message news:450c46af$[Only registered and activated users can see links. ].nu...
> >
> > "Notgiven" <notreallyme@invalid.invalid> schreef in bericht
> > news:raWOg.473$[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]...
> >
> >
> >
> > Q: What should I look for in a good beginner bike?
> > A: Don't care about the brand of the bike, most of them come from Taiwan
> > anyhow, care about components. It like to suggest Shimano 105 or Campa
> > Veloce as an entry level.
>
> I totally disagree. Get the best frame possible that fits you. Don't worry
> about components, thinking that 105 is entry level racing is pure marketing
> BS. As components wear out you can step up in quality but if you go the
> other way you will be stuck with a poor quaility/heavy frame.

But what's the "best" frame? For tri-use, it seems that any number of
Taiwanese welded aluminum frames might be just dandy. Set-up is much
more important. Frames have become a commodity. You want something
decent, but the price points have come way down. A frame that works
with your style of riding will get you the best time, whether or not
it's got this or that decals under the clear coat.

Explain also, when frames at a certain price point vary by 2-300g
grams, and that's easily saved elsewhere on the bike, explain why frame
weight matters, when the differences are so small. It doesn' t really
mean jack.

I'd blow my nut on some really nice hand built wheels, if I was to go
fancy anywhere. Spoke count would depent on rider weight, but it's
rather easy to build something with less rotating mass than the usual
pre-built stuff, and it's easier to repair in the field, and often
cheaper. Saving 200g on a wheelset will make a far greater difference
than 1/3 of a waterbottle of powerade on the frame.

Nancy Toby · 09-17-2006, 11:54 AM

In most bike shops in our area they will consider anything under about $1000 as an entry-level bike; mid-level in the $1000-$2500 range. I'd advise going to 2 or 3 different bike shops in your area and trying out some of their bikes on test rides. If they don't give you good personalized service (unless they're super-busy that day), shop elsewhere!! Be sure to discuss and compare road bikes (no aerobars) with triathlon-specific bikes (come with aerobars and slightly different frame dimensions).

Make sure that the bike fits YOU and feels comfortable and light riding it - that's the most important thing of all. Be sure that the bike is short enough front-to-back (common for it to be too long in women), because cycling in a stretched-out position is very fatiguing.

Good luck and have fun shopping and learning about the different makes!

Nancy Toby · 09-17-2006, 11:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by landotter

Frank Drackman wrote:[color=blue]
I'd blow my nut on some really nice hand built wheels, if I was to go
fancy anywhere.

Um, where are you getting fancy, lightweight hand-built wheels AND a decent entirely new triathlon bike for under $1000 (which was the stated budget)? I need to shop at YOUR local bike shop!!

09-17-2006, 11:24 PM

Bert L.am wrote:
> "Notgiven" <notreallyme@invalid.invalid> schreef in bericht
> news:raWOg.473$[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]...
>
>
>
> Q: What should I look for in a good beginner bike?
> A: Don't care about the brand of the bike, most of them come from Taiwan
> anyhow, care about components. It like to suggest Shimano 105 or Campa
> Veloce as an entry level.

Balderdash-what has happened to bike selling?? Invest in the frame that
fits, components are secondary at most...if the two frames this gent is
looking at are the same, get the less expensive bike. Components are
consumables. frames are not.
>
> Q: Is there an OVERWHELMING argument for the extra $400 to get a better
> bike?
> A: No, there isn't: you're the master of your own destiny and your own
> wallet
>
> Q: Where can I get good deals online?
> A: What hemisphere, continent, country? try [Only registered and activated users can see links. ]. Where does
> the TLD 'invalid' reside?
>
> Q: What about buying a used bike?
> A: Hmm, since you're if tri is the thing for you: very wise. Your piggybank
> will like it
>
> > Many thanks for your help!!
> Anytime
>
>
> --
> Posted by news://news.nb.nu

09-18-2006, 01:45 PM

Notgiven wrote:
> I am new to cycling and intend on doing some sprint triathlons in the near
> future. I've been doing spinning classes but it's time to purchase a bike.
>
> Here are my goals and likely usage:
>
> Many thanks for your help!!

My 2 cents:

My case was very much like yours to start (goals, training, spinning
experience).

I bought a decent road bike in ebay. Mistake! Even though I thought I
was buying the right stuff, it was all wrong. Anyway, with the wrong
bike, I'm still making it to the top 3 to 10 in my age group (40-44
male) in the local races.

Lessons learned... You can buy a decent used road bike for less than
500u$d and do a very good job at the races, specially if its sprint
triathlons. But buy the bike at your local "good" bike shop. This is
where you will frequently go for service, spares, tech stuff. If you
buy it there, you will have some sort of warranty, and they will
service your bike, because they like happy customers. They'll fit the
bike for you, and they'll try to sell you the bike that better fits you
(if they are honest).

High tech stuff is expensive. You'll want it, and if you like the
sport, you will probably end up buying, but you don't need to start
spending today. A good road bike with aerobars will do the job to
start, and you can keep your budget low.

Good luck.

09-18-2006, 01:45 PM

<[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]> wrote in message
news:1158579759.231849.144810@d34g2000cwd.googlegr oups.com...
>
> Notgiven wrote:
>> I am new to cycling and intend on doing some sprint triathlons in the
>> near
>> future. I've been doing spinning classes but it's time to purchase a
>> bike.
>>
>> Here are my goals and likely usage:
>>
>> Many thanks for your help!!
>
> My 2 cents:
>
> My case was very much like yours to start (goals, training, spinning
> experience).
>
> I bought a decent road bike in ebay. Mistake! Even though I thought I
> was buying the right stuff, it was all wrong. Anyway, with the wrong
> bike, I'm still making it to the top 3 to 10 in my age group (40-44
> male) in the local races.

Well done on the races. It is hard to convince someone that the extra you
may pay at a good shop is worth it until after that eBay purchase. You
really do get what you pay for at the end of the day.

>
> Lessons learned... You can buy a decent used road bike for less than
> 500u$d and do a very good job at the races, specially if its sprint
> triathlons. But buy the bike at your local "good" bike shop. This is
> where you will frequently go for service, spares, tech stuff. If you
> buy it there, you will have some sort of warranty, and they will
> service your bike, because they like happy customers. They'll fit the
> bike for you, and they'll try to sell you the bike that better fits you
> (if they are honest).

Absolutely. A good shop is honest. It makes for happy customers. Happy
customers come back and often make recommendations.

[edit]

Skippy
E&OE

09-18-2006, 01:45 PM

"Notgiven" <notreallyme@invalid.invalid> wrote in message
news:raWOg.473$[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]...
>I am new to cycling and intend on doing some sprint triathlons in the near
> future. I've been doing spinning classes but it's time to purchase a
> bike.
>
> Here are my goals and likely usage:
> train 2 - 3 times/week
> race 4 - 5 times/year
> sprint triathlon before this November
> perhaps as much as a half ironman next year
>
> I went to a cycling store the other day and looked at the Trek 1000 and
> was
> told the 1500 is so much more of a long-term investment due to higher
> quality componants, along with a $400 price difference.
>
> Since I don't know if I will stay with triathlons or not, I'd like to
> spend
> less than $1000 on the bike and accessories with the understanding that I
> might want to upgrade in a couple of years if I am really into it. $1000
> is
> a lot of money to me, especially without knowing whether I will even like
> the sport of
> not.
>
>
> What should I look for in a good beginner bike?
>
> Is there an OVERWHELMING argument for the extra $400 to get a better bike?

No. As others have noted, the most important thing is the frame and fork.
Then it's wheels, then components. One thing I lean towards, is 9 speed
over 8 speed, mainly because the component makers better stuff is intended
for 9 or 10 speed. Shimano's Tiagra 9 speed is pretty good stuff for the
money. If you can still get Trek 1200s, that's what they had.

As this is your first bike, you might want to see if you can get something
that takes fenders / mudguards, if it rains where you are! I think the 1000
will. Not sure about the 1500.

>
> Where can I get good deals online?

Especially for your first bike, I'd avoid online shopping. A good shop will
fit the bike to you for free instead of having to go and buy new stem,
pedals, saddles... Ask nicely and you might be able to get a bit of a deal
if you're buying a package. Amongst other things, if you're getting a first
bike you'll want some or all of: helmet*, shoes/pedals, gloves, shorts,
jersey, pump, tubes, tools, oil.

*As far as I know all triathlon bodies require helmets to be worn for the
bike phase or races

>
> What about buying a used bike?

Shops may have suitable second-hand bikes. Bikes in your price range have a
tendency to end up as bad-weather bikes. You're in a bit of a hurry so you
might be out of luck on that. You can always ask shops to call you if they
get something suitable in of course. Often they only take bikes as
part-exchange. They're not making huge margins, so they have an incentive
to call.

>
> Many thanks for your help!!
>

Good luck and enjoy!

Skippy
E&OE

funklab · 09-18-2006, 07:17 PM

Q: What should I look for in a good beginner bike?

A: I think you should definitely get a used bike, preferably from a bike shop, where you can try it out and at least sit on a few to get a feel for them. I got a used bike about 3 years old from a bike shop for $250 it was over $1000 new, but it was a 59cm frame, and they were having trouble finding tall people.

Q: Where can I get good deals online?
A: I would try craigslist if you are from the US, and check around local bike shops. Remember, you NEED a tri specific (time trial) bike for your first one.

Q: What about buying a used bike?
A: Definitely the way to go for your first (imo).

If i was you, i would go scout out a triathlon (maybe one you dont even compete in), check some of the bikes that people are riding (not the $10,000 beast that the winner was riding), the ones that people around your skill level are riding. Why not see if you can get a cheap bike from craigslist, just any old bike and do your tri that youre trying to do before november. Maybe after one or two races, you will have a better idea of what you need (or figure out that you dont want to tri without wasting $1000). I bought my first bike cheap, completed my first season on it, and then bought a used fuji aloha for $800.

In my opinion, if you're serious about doing the half ironman next season, you will probably not do it on the first bike you buy, better to start cheap till you really know what you want.

BTW yesterday I went to a tri, and a guy completed the International distance on a mountain bike, he was hella slow, but he finished (on a mountain bike!!! wtf). You really can do it on any bike.

just my 3 cents...
keep the change

09-18-2006, 10:29 PM

On Mon, 18 Sep 2006 20:46:30 +0100, "Skippy" <[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]> wrote:

>
>"Notgiven" <notreallyme@invalid.invalid> wrote in message
>news:raWOg.473$[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]...
>>I am new to cycling and intend on doing some sprint triathlons in the near
>> future. I've been doing spinning classes but it's time to purchase a
>> bike.
>>
>> Here are my goals and likely usage:
>> train 2 - 3 times/week
>> race 4 - 5 times/year
>> sprint triathlon before this November
>> perhaps as much as a half ironman next year
>>
>> I went to a cycling store the other day and looked at the Trek 1000 and
>> was
>> told the 1500 is so much more of a long-term investment due to higher
>> quality componants, along with a $400 price difference.
>>
>> Since I don't know if I will stay with triathlons or not, I'd like to
>> spend
>> less than $1000 on the bike and accessories with the understanding that I
>> might want to upgrade in a couple of years if I am really into it. $1000
>> is
>> a lot of money to me, especially without knowing whether I will even like
>> the sport of
>> not.
>>
>>
>> What should I look for in a good beginner bike?
>>
>> Is there an OVERWHELMING argument for the extra $400 to get a better bike?
>
>No. As others have noted, the most important thing is the frame and fork.
>Then it's wheels, then components. One thing I lean towards, is 9 speed
>over 8 speed, mainly because the component makers better stuff is intended
>for 9 or 10 speed. Shimano's Tiagra 9 speed is pretty good stuff for the
>money. If you can still get Trek 1200s, that's what they had.
>
>As this is your first bike, you might want to see if you can get something
>that takes fenders / mudguards, if it rains where you are! I think the 1000
>will. Not sure about the 1500.
>
>>
>> Where can I get good deals online?
>
>Especially for your first bike, I'd avoid online shopping. A good shop will
>fit the bike to you for free instead of having to go and buy new stem,
>pedals, saddles... Ask nicely and you might be able to get a bit of a deal
>if you're buying a package. Amongst other things, if you're getting a first
>bike you'll want some or all of: helmet*, shoes/pedals, gloves, shorts,
>jersey, pump, tubes, tools, oil.
>
>*As far as I know all triathlon bodies require helmets to be worn for the
>bike phase or races

Though the greatest risk of cranial injury during a triathlon is getting kicked
in the head during the swim.

Ron

09-20-2006, 05:05 AM

RonSonic wrote:
> On Mon, 18 Sep 2006 20:46:30 +0100, "Skippy" <[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]> wrote:
>
>> "Notgiven" <notreallyme@invalid.invalid> wrote in message
>> news:raWOg.473$[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]...
>>> I am new to cycling and intend on doing some sprint triathlons in the near
>>> future. I've been doing spinning classes but it's time to purchase a
>>> bike.
>>>
>>> Here are my goals and likely usage:
>>> train 2 - 3 times/week
>>> race 4 - 5 times/year
>>> sprint triathlon before this November
>>> perhaps as much as a half ironman next year
>>>
>>> I went to a cycling store the other day and looked at the Trek 1000 and
>>> was
>>> told the 1500 is so much more of a long-term investment due to higher
>>> quality componants, along with a $400 price difference.
>>>
>>> Since I don't know if I will stay with triathlons or not, I'd like to
>>> spend
>>> less than $1000 on the bike and accessories with the understanding that I
>>> might want to upgrade in a couple of years if I am really into it. $1000
>>> is
>>> a lot of money to me, especially without knowing whether I will even like
>>> the sport of
>>> not.
>>>
>>>
>>> What should I look for in a good beginner bike?
>>>
>>> Is there an OVERWHELMING argument for the extra $400 to get a better bike?
>> No. As others have noted, the most important thing is the frame and fork.
>> Then it's wheels, then components. One thing I lean towards, is 9 speed
>> over 8 speed, mainly because the component makers better stuff is intended
>> for 9 or 10 speed. Shimano's Tiagra 9 speed is pretty good stuff for the
>> money. If you can still get Trek 1200s, that's what they had.
>>
>> As this is your first bike, you might want to see if you can get something
>> that takes fenders / mudguards, if it rains where you are! I think the 1000
>> will. Not sure about the 1500.
>>
>>> Where can I get good deals online?
>> Especially for your first bike, I'd avoid online shopping. A good shop will
>> fit the bike to you for free instead of having to go and buy new stem,
>> pedals, saddles... Ask nicely and you might be able to get a bit of a deal
>> if you're buying a package. Amongst other things, if you're getting a first
>> bike you'll want some or all of: helmet*, shoes/pedals, gloves, shorts,
>> jersey, pump, tubes, tools, oil.
>>
>> *As far as I know all triathlon bodies require helmets to be worn for the
>> bike phase or races
>
> Though the greatest risk of cranial injury during a triathlon is getting kicked
> in the head during the swim.
>
> Ron

Here's my two cents worth.

This is the time of year that bike manufacturers are closing out the
2006 models, so you may be able to get a sweet deal on a new bike,
especially if it is in an uncommon size. I've purchased my last three
Treks this way and saved a ton of money.

The other option is to seek out the local bike club and see if anyone is
upgrading their bike. These people can also tell you which bike shop is
the best along with a lot of other info. Plus it's a great way to meet
friendly people to train and socialize with.

Bob

09-20-2006, 05:05 AM

"RonSonic" <[Only registered and activated users can see links. ].com> wrote in message
news:[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]...
> On Mon, 18 Sep 2006 20:46:30 +0100, "Skippy" <[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]> wrote:
>
[edit]
>>
>>Especially for your first bike, I'd avoid online shopping. A good shop
>>will
>>fit the bike to you for free instead of having to go and buy new stem,
>>pedals, saddles... Ask nicely and you might be able to get a bit of a
>>deal
>>if you're buying a package. Amongst other things, if you're getting a
>>first
>>bike you'll want some or all of: helmet*, shoes/pedals, gloves, shorts,
>>jersey, pump, tubes, tools, oil.
>>
>>*As far as I know all triathlon bodies require helmets to be worn for the
>>bike phase or races
>
> Though the greatest risk of cranial injury during a triathlon is getting
> kicked
> in the head during the swim.
>
> Ron

I only said that the helmet was a requirement for racing on purpose! I
don't want to start that 'debate' off.

Skippy
E&OE