Hello from a hopeful new Tri-athlete

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2009-07-06 9:03 PM


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Subject: Hello from a hopeful new Tri-athlete
Hey everyone,
   I'm Brandon and I live in Bowley's Quarters. I enjoy riding, and was on a swim team what seems like forever ago in high school. I also played soccer and baseball, so running was something I had to do (definitely not my favorite thing but I'll learn, and I think trail running will be enjoyable moreso than running on pavement). Anyway, I was looking into getting a decent road bike because I enjoy riding when I get time. I worked in Gunpowder Falls at the Hammerman area last year and watched some people that seemed to be training there. Anyway, I decided within the last week that I'd like to try slowly working at triathlons, and maybe compete in my first before the summer is out. As of right now, I am looking for a decent bike (roadworthy, I have a 70's era schwinn continental right now, but it's a bit small so it becomes uncomfortable on long rids and its HEAVY!)

Anyway, I'm looking for a 56cm bike to start out on, and cannot decide on what to look for. That would be the first thing I'd like to ask ideas on. I don't have a ton of money, but I'd like to find something better fitting and nicer than what I currently have. I have been looking at the Dawes 1200 and 2300 on bikesdirect.com because they are in my price range, but I am not opposed to buying a used bike. I'd like to not go above the $600-700 price range, and I know that won't buy me anything new besides those bikes.

I am lucky that I live so closed to Gunpowder so I can use that for training, and I'll hopefully be able to meet people that can lend advice and maybe even to train with. That being said, I'll be teaching myself to swim again, and working on my running slowly. I have a pretty crazy work schedule and I'm a grad student, so I'm not sure how I'm going to train. But I'll figure something out.


Any beginning suggestions would be greatly appreciated, but mostly this is a very long winded hello.

Brandon

Edited by blessner2 2009-07-06 9:05 PM

2009-07-06 9:59 PM
in reply to: #2266172

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Subject: RE: Hello from a hopeful new Tri-athlete
Try looking on craigslist. sometimes you can find a good bike to start out with. you have to keep in mind that even when you get a bike between $600-$700 you're going to spend money on accessories (i.e. shoes, pedals, etc.)

Right now, performance bike has a fuji roubaix for $1099 minus 15% so you would end up getting a brand new bike for $920. 

If you're interested in training over at Gunpowder Falls/Hammerman, I'm usually over there once or twice a week training. 
2009-07-07 11:44 AM
in reply to: #2266172

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Subject: RE: Hello from a hopeful new Tri-athlete
Definitely get your first bike from Craig's list. If it turns out you hate it, you can probably resell the bike for about what you paid, and that won't happen if you buy new. It may take a few weeks (I think I watched and emailed for a solid month before I settled on a bike, and I am super happy). Make sure you find out why they're selling the bike, as this may give you an indication of the condition the bike will be in before you go look at it. Also, make sure to google the make and model of the bike they want to sell you, to make sure that you aren't paying new price for a used bike.

Buying used, you'll also get more bike for your money and have more money left over for shoes, shorts, camelback, upgrading components, buying razors, etc.

Also, make sure you find a good local bike shop. There's a thread in the Maryland forum somewhere with bike shop recommendations. Lots of bike shops are offering all sorts of incentives, like free tuneups and discounts on gear, if you buy a new bike from them. Those savings might equal what you'd save from bikesdirect.com, and you'd have established a relationship with people who will be very important to your continued bike happiness.
2009-07-07 10:16 PM
in reply to: #2266172


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Subject: RE: Hello from a hopeful new Tri-athlete
Thank you both for the replies. I have been watching craigslist for a bike. I'm also going to post my schwinn on there for some additional money towards the new bike. I hope to start training within the week on my mountain bike or my schwinn until I sell it. Looking for a pool to train in is my next goal, since the closest gym to where I work is Gold's and the Gold's closest to home isn't affiliated with them, so it's not worth my money. Might try Bally's..... That way when I can't train at Gunpowder (probably should get some stamina before starting open water anyway). Any other suggestions for purchases that would be of great help to me starting out?
2009-07-08 8:47 AM
in reply to: #2269084

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Subject: RE: Hello from a hopeful new Tri-athlete
Ballys in runs some good promos for membership every so often.  I have a membership there for cold/ raining days.  The one problem is that sometimes it is really crowded.  As for buying gear and things of the sort, just keep looking on craigslist for a bike, depending on your size you might be able to find a wetsuit if you need it.  There are always great deals on the internet for clothing and gear as well. 
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