Need help with bike purchasing

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2009-08-19 10:39 AM

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Bloomington, IL
Subject: Need help with bike purchasing
Hello all, I am in need of a little advice on which bike to buy.  I have done a few triathlons and plan on doing many more so I feel the need to get a decent bike to use. 

I am looking for something under $1000.  Now I know you get what you pay for, and most bikes are over that, but I am new to the tri scene so I am not sure how good of a bike you can get for that price.

Also the measurements for the bike, how do I find out what is best for me.

Any help/advice would be greatly appreciated!

2009-08-19 11:17 AM
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2009-08-19 3:21 PM
in reply to: #2357942


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Subject: RE: Need help with bike purchasing
For that price I would try to find a nice roadie with an aluminum frame and possibly some Shimano 105 components.  Some examples would be Specialized Allez, Trek 1.X, Fuji Roubaix and lots more.  A good shop should be able to find a bike that fits you.  getting fit on a road bike is easier than fitting a tri bike (in my opinion), but it's more than just raising and lowering the seat.  Try to ask other riders in your area which shop has the best reputation for that sort of thing.  
2009-08-20 7:08 AM
in reply to: #2357942

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Subject: RE: Need help with bike purchasing
We sometimes have a bit of a skewed perspective here on BT. You can get a very nice bike with a budget of $1000. There is really not a need to go spend $5000 on a tri bike. I also would consider a road bike - you get a bit more for your money.

If you wait until after Christmas and into the spring, you can get good closeout deals, and make your money go even further.
2009-08-20 9:01 AM
in reply to: #2357942

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Subject: RE: Need help with bike purchasing
I agree with the posters above.  There's a lot of value for bikes around $1000.  For my search I would do the following:

a)  Check Craigslist
b)  Check Ebay
c)  Wait until Winter/Spring for best buys

Personally I would get a dedicated tri bike, but that is my opinion.  If you are doing group rides for training or are really into more long distance riding, then a roadie might be best. 

There's a lot of information here if you do a search.  Happy hunting......

Edited by FurnaceM3 2009-08-20 9:02 AM
2009-08-20 10:33 AM
in reply to: #2357942

Champion
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Knoxville area
Subject: RE: Need help with bike purchasing
Find an aluminum frame, 105 (or better) equipped road bike that FITS well. Shouldn't be too hard.

08 model Speedsters, Allez's, maybe some CAAD's would all fall in that category

2009-08-20 11:30 AM
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Kenosha, WI
Subject: RE: Need help with bike purchasing
Best advice I can give is educate yourself on how the group set... the brake levers, shifters derailers, crank and cassette, seems harmless enough but thats where all the money is.  its easy to ge caught up in frames and brand names when looking for a bike.

You need to know whats on a bike when you buy it whether its new or used.
2009-08-20 11:33 AM
in reply to: #2357942

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Charlotte
Subject: RE: Need help with bike purchasing
There are some great deals at bike shops right now, call around. The 2010 models are showing up and discounts are being given on the 09 models. Just got a cannodale Cadd 9 for $850 , $250 off list price.
2009-08-20 11:52 AM
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East San Francisco Bay Area
Subject: RE: Need help with bike purchasing
Not too long ago i did the same thing. I went to LBS and told them my budget (same as yours), and what I wanted to do. Ended up with a Fuji Rubaix a nice comfortable ride. A few short tri's and a HIM later I upgraded.
2009-08-20 2:27 PM
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Subject: RE: Need help with bike purchasing
Also the measurements for the bike, how do I find out what is best for me.


There's an excellent tool here to determine the appropriate fit.

Use the top tube and seat tube measurements to help you determine what size to buy.  Then after you buy it you can use the rest of the measurements to help you get close to the right fit.

http://www.competitivecyclist.com/za/CCY?PAGE=FIT_CALCULATOR_INTRO
2009-08-23 12:00 PM
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Subject: RE: Need help with bike purchasing
I am thinking of buying a new Cervelo P2C. Can anyone give me some things to watch out for ,
pros and cons of buying, etc. Would appreciate any input .

Thanks in advance

2009-08-23 12:30 PM
in reply to: #2357942

Expert
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Fountain Hills, AZ
Subject: RE: Need help with bike purchasing

Under a grand and I am completely sure I would go bikesdirect.com, and road geometry .... although if you have experience riding aero you can stumble across a $1200 tri bike online pretty easy.... Cervelo aluminum, Kuota carbon, etc. But why not join a local tri club and see what the boys are selling at end of the season? Also, make sure it fits. If you have to ask "how will I know if it fits" then get some help from a pro bike fitter.

2009-08-23 12:37 PM
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Expert
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Fountain Hills, AZ
Subject: RE: Need help with bike purchasing
mrcurtain - 2009-08-20 3:27 PM
There's an excellent tool here to determine the appropriate fit.
http://www.competitivecyclist.com/za/CCY?PAGE=FIT_CALCULATOR_INTRO


.... this is a really good fit calculator.... for a road bike. Not so much for a tri bike. OP will probably end up with an inch or so (20-30mm) too much top tube using an online bike fit calculator, I think.

Bike fit for tri bikes is really tricky, in my opinion... one minute upright will kill ten minutes in aero, and then there are considerations like neck pain, field of vision, twitchy steering geometry.

So for a grand, OP should go road geometry, right? Maybe a slightly shorter top tube than normal, with a slightly longer stem, so OP can add jammer bars on a shorter stem later to mock-up a semi tri ride for relatively cheap? Doncha think? Just my opinion, but I am a MOP recreational racer still on a roadie at 18+ MPH.

Note: I am not a bike fitter so please take this with a shake of salt!
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