Looking for a Road/Tri Bike

Forums

Forum guidelines BT super discount

Updated posts

My threads
No new posts

My favorite threads

General Discussion

Triathlon Talk » Looking for a Road/Tri Bike

Rss Feed

Moderators: k9car363, alicefoeller

Batlou

2009-06-29 9:42 AM

Expert

1203

Subject: Looking for a Road/Tri Bike

I am looking to purchase a road bike in the next couple of weeks. My bike was ruined in a recent auto accident and I need a replacement when I get the check from insurance.

I need a Small or XSmall frame, Trek 50CM fits me nicely. I don't have a set price but I am looking at a new Trek 1.2 or 1.5. If I can find something that is only a year or two old that maybe someone is upgrading from to save a little that would be perfect.

I was also in Dicks Sporting goods this last weekend and saw a Diamondback Podium 1 for 599. Components are comparable to the Trek 1.5 so I am looking for the catch. Does anyone know anything about this bike? I know they made great BMX's when I was a kid but know nothing of them now.

My Race Log

roch1009

2009-06-29 2:14 PM

in reply to: #2249874

Veteran

1097

Elizabethtown, KY

Subject: RE: Looking for a Road/Tri Bike

The Podium appears to be a decent entry-level bike, and you're right, comparable to the 1.5 (I have a 1500, earlier version of the 1.5), assuming it comes with 105 or better components.

The reviews online, limited though they may be, are generally favorable. Why don't you take the one at Dick's out for a test ride (if for some reason they won't let you, I wouldn't buy my bike from them).

Might also post this question in the Gear forum.

Good luck in shopping!

My Race Log

Batlou

2009-06-30 8:27 AM

in reply to: #2249874

Expert

1203

Subject: RE: Looking for a Road/Tri Bike

I think I am going to go for the Diamondback Podium from Dicks. I shopped the Trek and while I liked them and it's a trusted name I don't see any value in going the extra 400 to get the comparable 1.5. If I spend 1K I feel like I might as well spend 2000 or 2500 and get what I really want. Season is already half over and I can hand this DB down to my son next year if I decide that it's not enough.

Having said that, I would still consider a used bike if I can get something for a good value.

Thanks for the reply.

My Race Log

za29

2009-06-30 12:50 PM

in reply to: #2249874

Member

Subject: RE: Looking for a Road/Tri Bike

Another consideration is that assuming you get the Trek from a LBS, they will likely include tune-up(s) and a fitting. That definitely closes the gap in cost.

One more option for you - bikesdirect.com. If you do a search here you will find that there are several folks who seem to be pleased with their purchase from there, and the value is pretty good.

My Race Log

TeamAngel

2009-06-30 3:16 PM

in reply to: #2249874

Expert

763

Behind you

Subject: RE: Looking for a Road/Tri Bike

Try craigslist so that you can see the bike and ride it before you buy it, as not so much with ebay.

timdude

2009-06-30 11:15 PM

in reply to: #2249874

Extreme Veteran

510

Louisville KY

Subject: RE: Looking for a Road/Tri Bike

If you are in Louisville go over to Clarksville Schwinn ask to look at the older model Treks he has down in the basement great deals talk to Bob the owner great guy. I would not buy from Dick's go to a reputable LBS.

My Race Log

Batlou

2009-07-02 7:45 AM

in reply to: #2249874

Expert

1203

Subject: RE: Looking for a Road/Tri Bike

Thanks, I have been checking Craigslist and will head over to Clarksville Schwinn this weekend. I went to Schellers this last weekend and the dude was kind rude. He answered my questions but kept pushing me to get a more expensive bike than I wanted. When I explained I had to wait to get my insurance check in a couple of weeks he quickly lost interest and moved on to somebody else. Not sure I am going back there.

My Race Log

Batlou

2009-07-17 10:29 AM

in reply to: #2249874

Expert

1203