Bike and Bike Shop Recommendations (Page 2)

Hey so if you're looking to stay at 1k American pesos, Tom at Bikesport was saying that they just bought a boatload of 2008 Felt S32 (pretty much all the remaining stock) and can put you in just about any size.  They are running a deal for just under 1k including a set of Look pedals!  He can also get a 50cm or 60cm S22 but that's only a good deal if it fits you. 

My bike is there now for a new set of bars but I don't think it will be ready 'til the evening so I may or may not see you there, Coop. Maybe I'll swing by for and grins anyway though.

 Was cool to meet you down there, Kristen; I'm sure you'll love your new bike!

I'm just entering this whole tri world, and I've registered for Hawk Island, so now I have a training goal.  I'm really looking forward to it!  But, when I decided to do all of this, I didn't think too  much about my bike, which I've decided is totally unsuited for tris (it's a Trek Navigator; just a comfortable bike that I use for leisure riding with my family).  So, I guess I'm going to have to invest in a new bike.  My budget won't be too overwhelming large, though maybe I'll get a decent tax return!, and I'll want just an entry level bike.  Is it unrealistic for me to think I can get one for under $1K?  Just curious.

Thanks!

There is nothing wrong with a hybrid for a while.  You will see tons of different bikes at Hawk Island.  I specifically remember seeing a couple full suspension mountain bikes with knobby tires.  Seriously, if another bike is not in the budget, do not feel funny about riding your hybrid, or a mountain bike with slick tires.

Slick tires can be had for about $20 a piece or less.  I'd be happy to teach you how to swap tires, if you don't already know. 

Ditto that.

Unless you go used, I think the only tri specific bike on the market in the 1000-1500 range is an S32 which is a nice bike regardless.

Like Matt says, ride whatchagot. I've been looking at pics from races and transition area and there is pleanty no tri spec bikes.  I'm the other guy.  I'll be the one on the fancy bike being passed by the knobby tired mtn bike people.

I just remembered something from the Grand Marais Triathlon last summer.  There was a girl that had a bell on her bike.  She was ringing it and cheering on other folks.  I passed her twice and asked her to ring it both times.  (It made me smile)

Anyways, when I came up on her the second time, she was passing other people.  She was riding a mountain bike, sitting VERY upright, ringing her bell and cheering on people riding "faster" bikes as she passed them. 

Pedal hard, ride often, and have fun. 

Well I just got back from the fit with Tom.  Sweetchicken it was nice to meet you - thanks for taking the time to stop in.

Tom was great to work with - very thorough and explained everything extremely well.  I couldn't have asked for a better experience.  I also ended up buying the S32.  After all the research getting a bike for $950 I thought was pretty damned good.

Thanks to everyone for all of their advice on this.

I just got a call from Bikesport and my ride is in....already!  I ordered it last week and they said it could take up to a month for it to be shipped.  I'm so excited!  I go in on Saturday for my fitting.

That is awesome!!!  Mine is supposed to be in sometime this week too (you're not stealing my ride are you?!!!!)