Introduction & Bike Question

Debbie,

You'll probably get a whole lot of different advice about your bike, but let me be the second to offer mine and to say "Welcome."

First, there is no substitute for getting a good fit You can spend all the money in the world, but if the bike doesn't fit you, it won't be a comfortable ride. Before you buy, I would highly recommend that you go to your LBS and spend the money to get get fitted correctly. If you're set on buying from BikesDirect, don't hide that from the LBS. Be up front and tell them you want their expert fitting advice. Be prepared to pay for it. Take info about the bike (e.g., sizes available and all the geometry measurements - which should be on the website). You'll want this because bike manufacturers' sizes are not all standard. A 52 cm Trek might fit you fine, for instance, but perhaps you need a 53 cm in another brand. Having the geometry info will help the LBS fit you better on the bike you intend to buy.

Second, all of the bikes you listed are going to be fine entry level bikes and suit you well for your triathlon endeavors. Since you're looking mostly (exclusively??) at aluminum bikes, you'll probably find a good price. You'd be better suited upgrading some of the components, however. Although some of the bikes you listed have some good components (Ultegra, for instance), not all of the components look good. The first Gigi, for instance, has a Tiagra front derailleur. Not a good component. For Shimano, you're generally going to want 105's, Ultegras, or Dura Ace.

On these bikes, perhaps you can pay just a bit more to upgrade any Tiagra and Sora components to 105 or Ultegra. These are generally better components that will shift better/cleaner, and not wear out as fast if you take care of them.

Consider upgrading seat posts and forks to carbon fiber if possible. It will cost more, but having those two items as carbon fiber will likely dampen the road vibrations a bit more than a full aluminum bike is likely to do.

All in all, though, for an inexpensive entry level road bike, these aren't bad.


Edited by Sharkboy 2008-09-23 11:10 AM

Thanks so much for the info. I have just started getting into riding this summer and so far I've been doing it on my mountain bike....which I love....but not really good to compete in. I would like to get a less expensive bike for now but don't know much about what is out there. So all the info is much appreciated. I love this board and learn so much from just reading everyones posts. Thanks.

May be, but the cost difference is $10.00 (maybe $20.00 with a mark-up), and the 105 is noticeably quieter and smoother.

That said, you can certainly get by with what's on there. My first bike was mostly Tiagra. I only used it for 1 1/2 years before I upgraded and was MUCH happier.