New tri bike or older road bike

Forum guidelines BT super discount
General Discussion Triathlon Talk » New tri bike or older road bike Rss Feed  
Moderators: k9car363, alicefoeller Reply
2008-10-03 7:35 AM

User image

Expert
1010
1000
Greer, SC
Subject: New tri bike or older road bike
I am going to be doing several tri's in 2009 (including a HIM) and looking for advice on bikes.  I currently have an old road bike (2000ish Trek 5200) that I used in a sprint.  It is a quality bike with quality componants (DuraRace), but think I should upgrade my technology.  Unfortunately I cannot afford a high-end tri bike, but did not know if I should keep what I currently have or go with a lower end tri.  I will not be using it for anything except tri training and races.  I am thinking low end Cervelo.  Is it worth it?


2008-10-03 8:35 AM
in reply to: #1714642

User image

Champion
7558
500020005002525
Albuquerque, New Mexico
Subject: RE: New tri bike or older road bike

A 2000 Trek 5200 is much nicer than the 1987 Raleigh Technium that I used for my HIM in 2006. 

Would I "upgrade" the road bike instead of buying a tri-bike?  No. 

Are there other places to blow $1500 (or more) on this hobby?  Sure. 

2008-10-03 9:00 AM
in reply to: #1714642

User image

Expert
986
500100100100100252525
Michiana
Subject: RE: New tri bike or older road bike

Jeepguy2358 - 2008-10-03 8:35 AM I am going to be doing several tri's in 2009 (including a HIM) and looking for advice on bikes.  I currently have an old road bike (2000ish Trek 5200) that I used in a sprint.  It is a quality bike with quality componants (DuraRace), but think I should upgrade my technology.  Unfortunately I cannot afford a high-end tri bike, but did not know if I should keep what I currently have or go with a lower end tri.  I will not be using it for anything except tri training and races.  I am thinking low end Cervelo.  Is it worth it?

I've done 2 HIM's, 4Olys and a Sprint on a 2005 Specialized road bike (105/Tiagra) with clip-on aerobars, and progressed into the top third of AG.

If what you have is in good working order, I wouldn't upgrade until you're ready to buy the bike you want.  Do you want to fork-over $1000-1500 to get something you'd want to upgrade again in a couple of years?

2008-10-03 9:10 AM
in reply to: #1714642

User image

Extreme Veteran
536
50025
Russiaville, IN
Subject: RE: New tri bike or older road bike
up until last year I have raced all my multi-sport events on a trek 5200 1992, I bought a new Tri Bike last year to get more comfortable for any Ironman while staying in the aero position. Plus it was a gift to myself for getting back into shape after years of doing nothing. As long as your comfortable on the bike I wouldn't change, use the money for some wheels or upgrades to make it more aero, it's a fantastic bike and I have put some great times down with it, I still ride it a little during group rides.

Ron
2008-10-03 9:16 AM
in reply to: #1714642

User image

Expert
2555
20005002525
Colorado Springs, Colorado
Subject: RE: New tri bike or older road bike

Until this year I did all my tris on an early 90s Bianchi road bike. Completely stock except for the addition of the original Scott aerobars and pedals. Downtube shifters, original wheels, triple crank. I won my age group a few times and the overall in a sprint duathlon using that bike. I would still be using it but a tri club friend was selling his barely used tri-bike for a really good price. This was a run focused year for me so I haven't biked as much as normal, but I'm not entirely convinced the tri-bike is any faster than my old bike.

Slap some aerobars on your road bike, adjust the fit, and you're good to go. No real need to spend money on a new bike or major upgrades to your old bike until you get really serious - by that I mean you are in contention for age group wins. Far too many people throw money at high end bikes when they would be better served by improving their engines. Max out what you have, then upgrade.

2008-10-03 9:25 AM
in reply to: #1714642

User image

Resident Curmudgeon
25290
50005000500050005000100100252525
The Road Back
Gold member
Subject: RE: New tri bike or older road bike
A "low end Cervelo" is a pretty friggin' decent tri bike. Just saying...

2008-10-03 9:44 AM
in reply to: #1714642

User image

Expert
1010
1000
Greer, SC
Subject: RE: New tri bike or older road bike

Thanks to everyone for the advice.  I recently found out that it was one of George Hincapie's team bikes.  I will take everyone's advice and made throw in some upgrades (wheels, aerobars, etc.)  I'm more than happy saving some money!!

2008-10-03 8:56 PM
in reply to: #1714642

User image

Expert
936
50010010010010025
Springfield, MO
Subject: RE: New tri bike or older road bike
for what it's worth I think your making a good choice.  Have Fun!
2008-10-03 9:08 PM
in reply to: #1714642

User image

Master
1848
100050010010010025
Canandaigua
Subject: RE: New tri bike or older road bike
Ride the Trek.  Upgrade and tune.  I keep thinking of upgrading my 30 year old Torpado to a tri bike but love passing luke warm carbon tri bikes on my cool Italian steel.  I was really close to buying a tri bike till a fellow tri'er came up to me and said it was nice to see these old bike and mine looked good.  I averaged 19.3 mph on my last sprint.  I've done two HIM and will probably do my IM next year on it.  I have added a pair of areo bars and my LBS mechanics know it inside out.  Engine is the business end. 
2008-10-03 9:15 PM
in reply to: #1714642

Subject: ...
This user's post has been ignored.
2008-10-04 1:21 PM
in reply to: #1717565

Master
1325
100010010010025
Lake Oswego, OR
Subject: RE: New tri bike or older road bike
JeepFleeb - 2008-10-03 7:15 PM

Everyone loves a new bike!

 That's especially true if it is hanging up in your garage and not teasing you at your LBS.

New Thread
General Discussion Triathlon Talk » New tri bike or older road bike Rss Feed