I had an aluminum bike for many, many years
(and, in fact, prefer it to carbon
). And I've ridden Zipps and Heds since I got it. Don't put down the Al-u-min-ee-um
(as the brits say
).
Skewers are a dime a dozen. Any bike shop has a box of them lying around and will give you one for a couple of bucks
(Gear West included
). Failing that, pull the skewer out of your training wheels on race day.
Tires: probikekit.com Great prices
(best I've found
), excellent customer service, fast turnaround, and you can often find a coupon for an additional 5-10% off. I just got a new set of Vittorias
(b/c, yes, I am lame...I wanted a color to match my bike...SEE WHAT I MEAN ABOUT PEOPLE WASTING $$ ON STUFF THEY DON'T DESERVE??? :p
) for about a third of what they retail around here for.
Cassette: same thing as skewers...grab a 105 or Ultegra cassette off ebay or nashbar.
You can pimp those puppies out for far less than $300.
Eventually you will want race wheels. Trust me. And then you will be stuck laying out a crapload more than $200.
If you need the cash, then that's one t hing. But if you really aren't strapped for $$, and you like tris...enjoy the free stuff. It's free speed. If nothing else...THEY LOOK PRETTY!