Ghoulies October: Team BT (Page 51)

And look at you now!! Triathlete! How long have you been a triathlete for?

This is my fourth year in tri.  I was supposed to do a HIM last month.  Had to back off after my horrible asthma flare in May that made me miss a LOT of time.  (turned into asthmatic bronchitis and a sinus infection.....thus the darn Levaquin and steroids for a month so that's my story leading up to my gastrocs tear) 
It has not been a good season.  But, I will live to tri another day. (and refuse Levaquin as long as I have a voice to do so)

My parents are visiting this weekend, so lots revolved around that.  A bike and a run...  My kids are dancing at a local Apple Festival on Sunday.  It should be...  interesting...

Family oriented weekend. Me too since it's thanksgiving here. Thanksgiving my parents on Sat, husbands family on Sun, and with friends on Monday. Monday I am making that chili recipe I posted several days ago. Oh, and a 9km run - my longest yet! (I've only been running since May 31)

Sounds fun....
we are child free this weekend.  The girls are off with the youth group.  My husband is watching the Phillies game.
Tomorrow we go car shopping, swimming.....cleaning....such a charmed life it is.

Judi's not just a triathlete ... she's one of the most HARD CORE triathletes I know. Crazy.

who, me?

What are the components?  I saw the Schimano rear derailleur but nothing on the other components.
There is a product review on the link....not favorable.  Might consider saving more money towards a better bike.

Edited by QueenZipp 2010-10-08 8:51 PM

I have no idea, I don't know the first thing about bikes. Let me see if I can find another link with more info.

Looks like a solid performer for the money. In other words, a value bike that will do you just fine for the first few years of triathlon. Be prepared to sink some dough ($50-$100 U.S.) into a new saddle and $100-$200 for a bike fitting (there's a way around this but you'd have to do a LOT of online posting with pictures and be prepared for a lot of trial and error, some of it possibly painful).

You sure the sizing is correct?

Opinionated toppage!

Mmmmm...  a weekend of food!  My kind of weekend.    My mom is making chili for us this weekend too... which is odd since we make a lot of chili around here for football.  But she wants to make it and it involves wine so who am I to say no? : )

Happy Thanksgiving!

Overall reviews on the bike weren't all that great.  A bike needs to be able to take a LOT of riding and not be a demanding piece of equipment other than routine maintenance and cleaning.  Much like a car.

I googled but nothing else seems to be coming up...

Fall and cooler weather, football = chilli in my book.

I make a vegetarian chilli with beans. (not vegetarian but I do try a few vegetarian meals every few weeks)

OK, ladies...  I hate to admit I am so pathetic but I'm off to medicate my ear and go to bed.  I can't even stay awake to watch a hockey game that we are winning!  And it's Friday.  Sigh...

I'm not sure if the sizing is correct... I thought that I could just find a unisex or women's bike and be okay. Still a lot to learn! What should I look for, aside from a professional fitting?

We're on the opposite meal plan - I'm pretty much a vegetarian and try to get a few flesh items in every few weeks.

Sleep it off, you'll be well soon!

Here's the thing--in the $350 range, that's about the best it gets.  It's not bad, for that. The other thing is I have a feeling it's not going to get ridden like YOU ride your bikes (do any bikes?)

HOWEVER ... if you anticipate falling in love with triathlon, or riding more than say a few hours a week, you are probably better off saving your ducats for a better bike. What are you riding now?

I see what you mean with the reviews. I wish I had a local friend who knew bikes that could come to the shops with me.

A rusty 7 year old mountain bike...

Go in person to the shop.  They can do a rough sizing based on inseam length and the torso length for reach.

Try out at least 3 bikes. 

You will "know" by what feels best for the reach and ride. 

Look for higher end components if you can afford them.  Seriously, the only things I have replaced on my 4 year old street bike are the chain and saddle.  Components will be replaced when I take it in for spring maintenance (maybe fall if I can't get on the bike any time soon)  Look for Ultegra or Shcimano 105's.

A professional fitting is NOT cheap, but well worth it.  You spend a LOT of time in the saddle, more as you go longer distances.  Think of your clothes, which ones do you prefer to wear when you want to look good.....some old bargain store sweatsuit or that nice dress you bought at the name store ?  (not that there isn't a time and place for the sweats)

Have you met any other BT'ers in your area?  I have a lot of Canadian friends on my BT freinds list.....but I know it's a large country and they may not be in your area to go to a store.