Hello all

Hi Scott,
Welcome aboard. I hope you enjoy it here.

You are asking some interesting questions out of the gate - I think the first question back at you would be: How do you plan to use the bike?

The reason I ask is because a Tri bike is a pretty specific tool and if you are thinking of using the bike for other tasks you might be disappointed by it. Many people here own several bikes (I own two - one for road racing and a classic touring bike). I will leave it to the better informed to brief you about the bikes that are out there for Tri.

You don't mention your background vis-a-vis swimming and cycling. Have you any experience in either?

Welcome! I've been in and around Quincy a few times. My family came from MA, though I've lived in MD all my life.

Re your questions:

I'm 5'10" and ride a 56 cm bike. But it's all relative and very individual. If you trust the folks at your LBS you should try the 53cm bikes - but make sure they get you one (or more than 1) to test ride and take some long test rides. Above all the bike must fit you and be comfortable.

As for wetsuits, my personal preference is the Xterra suites - I use the Vortex sleeveless and love it. Very comfortable and performs very well. Again, it is a very individual preference (though I have at least 3-4 other training friends who bought Xterra at the same time I did and universally we all think very highly of them).

Welcome to the site!

Welcome to the the T-Spot!

Welcome!  Were you measured?  Get measured (and maybe by 2 bike shops) before deciding.

Mr. Fatman

I am looking I believe for a tri specific bike I think it will help keep me motivated towards my goal of competing. I do own a crappy mountain bike that I can hop on if I choose but would like something to work a serious training regiment, I have swam(swum) before but nothing close to competition swimming but am not afraid of the water and I do stay afloat.I'm still researching how I will go about a spot to swim I own a pizzeria and generally work mon-sat from 10-10 I'm hoping to find a pool i can work out in at night but I'm still working on that otherwise I will join the local Y but my only option would be to swim in the a.m. before work and after I have dropped my children at daycare so a night swim is prefferable to me. for the bike I will just purchase an indoor trainer to add to my cool collection of stuff amounting in my basement.

I was not officially measured the only bikes that were built up at the time were a little too large I'm going to start searching for another bike shop online I should be able to find something in the boston area.(I hope)

Welcome Scott.....you sound like a true tri convert already...a collection of tri gear in the basement...mmm...sounds very familiar.

Have fun training. Have you picked out any tris for 2005!!! Remember to register early, as the popular ones fill up fast. I missed one in June this year for that reason.

Good luck!!!

Darlene