Beginner's bike on a budget?

you can actually get a good starter road bike at a local target or walmart.  when you say budget. how tight is your budget? if you don't mind me asking.

Edited by Patch-Adams 2009-07-13 1:38 AM

You can get an entry level tri bike, not great but entry level for about 779 or you can get a higher end last year's model roadbike for around that price. 

http://www.onetri.com/scott-speedster-road-bike-2009-p-3531.html?osCsid=4b11484c09e474b6a5776895da40a52e

I got the bianchi Nirone7 for 950, i think it dropped to 799 ...I swapped the handlebars and its a tri bike until i get more experience...

http://www.jensonusa.com/store/product/BI298C14-Bianchi+Via+Nirone7+Carb+Tiagra+Bike+08.aspx

I've been into cycling before tri's so I made my purchase knowing what i needed. But at one point i had to buy a bike, i felt the same way you did.

I wouldnt worry too much about components at this point until you get more experience. You can always get a used bike. It all depends on how serious you are and your goals.



Edited by tri1984 2009-07-13 2:19 AM

Take a look at the classified here. A lot of times people will be upgrading and you can find a hell of a deal.

Start to develop a relationship with your local bike shop (LBS). I brought my mtn bike in for tune-ups, slicks, asked questions, I buy a few gels there just to show my face, etc. Talked to them about renting a road bike for my first tri, decided against it at their advice. Now I'm pretty comfortable going in there and not feeling totally awkward.

So, when I started shopping for a road bike, they were the first place I went. I knew they had sold off their rental fleet last year. They carry VERY nice bikes in their fleet and sell them cheap. The shop manager said IF he was going to sell his bikes this year (and he might not), it would be in Sept and he'd probably charge around $650 for them. These are easily $1200+ bikes, and have had the highest possible standard of maintenance, and are only a year old. So I tucked that away, was about to walk out, when one of the shop people said, "Wait, what size are you?" Gave my best guess...and she took me down the line of their used bikes. I'd already looked through them, most in the $1000+ range. Until you got to the back corner. Where there happened to be TWO bikes my size for under $400.

Moral of the story: get to know your shop(s). LBS's are NOT out to rip you off. The little local stores keep races running, host group rides, have mad beta about trails and routes, and the best maintenance options out there. Sure, you'll pay *maybe* 10% more on a new bike (don't forget shipping and putting the beast together if you buy it online!), but you get way more in return. And, they'll walk you to the end of the line, where they have their $400 bikes.

Try another local sporting good store that would have a lot of inventory. I purchased my Scott Contessa Speedster for $700 at a local EMS store.  It is an '08 and they really needed to move them.  It was not only on sale, but my very kind bf talked the guy down.  It was a great deal. 

Also, if you know what you are looking for bike-wise, try e-bay.  My bf purchased his online from a manager of a bike store and got a great deal with pedals, bike computer and tires thrown in.

I definitely recommend getting fitted by a LBS so you know what size you need.

Good luck!

My only advice would be to buy as much bike as you can afford that way you can grow into it more. If you've got $800 that could get you into a road bike that will be a HUGE improvement over your mountain bike.

If buying used, would be good to check ebay or craiglist. If you buy from the local bike shop, make sure to ask them about their fitting (not sizing) service and perhaps see if you can work that into the deal. Having a good fit will be enjoyable comfortable training and faster racing.

Good luck!