Looking to buy my first road bike

I won't touch the road bike vs. tri bike debate too much. There are hundreds of threads about that. But you should do some reading about the differences in geometry and riding styles. Coming from a mtn. bike a road bike might be easier to transition to.

I would find out what you want to spend and start from there, even it's a range. Find out what bikes are available (trek, specialized, etc) and then compare components, look, fit, and style. Everyone's going to tell you fit makes all the difference so don't skimp on paying for a fitting (not a sizing).

Now, to come at it from the other end. I would highly recommend the trek 2.1 or specialized dolce elite as good bikes in the $1200 range. If you're planning on the bike lasting for a while, don't get anything with components LESS than shimano 105.

My 2 cents. Also, it may help to come back here and post some bikes once you've narrowed it down a bit.

Edited by merlin2375 2009-09-13 6:11 PM

also see...
http://www.beginnertriathlete.com/cms/article-detail.asp?articleid=1659

Disagree with the above comments that you need "105" components or better (Ultegra or Dura-Ace) for a long-lasting bike.

There are LOTS of people on roadbike forums who both ride and race for years without any shifting problems on the entry level Shimano 2200 or Shimano Sora components. You'll see these 2200 or Sora on most road bikes in the $650-$800 range, and there is NOTHING inferior about them. They will not break, will not fail prematurely, and will shift flawlessly when adjusted properly.

Bicycle components have been around forever now, and the intro-level stuff benefits from the technological and manufacturing upgrades of the prior years' state of the art stuff.

It is true that 105/ultegra/Dura-Ace is crisper and definitely lighter than the intro level stuff, but unless you know exactly what advantages you will be getting from spending on the higher level stuff, there is nothing wrong with the intro level components.
(I'm a FOP biker and I can beat competitive roadies on my intro level roadbike with the 2200/Sora parts and no special aero equipment.)

My roadbike is a 2009 Giant Defy 3 (Shimano 2200/Sora, $695 at LBS) and my tribike is a 2008 Cervelo P2C dura-ace ($2700). If you don't count the aero position advantage, I am equally fast on both bikes even though the Cervelo is nearly 4x as expensive. (I'm a FOP cyclist.)

What do you want out of the bike? Questions you should ask yourself.

Are you going to be training alone and doing only triathlons?
 
How much money do I have open to buying a bike? (Sometimes it's cheaper to buy a better bike instead of planning to "upgrade" in the next 6mo - year)

Does it have to be new? Have the shops discounted 09's yet?

Which bike get's you the most (I count experience of the shop mechanics in this) for your dollar. The frames you mentioned (considering they were to fit equally well) are all comparable in performance.

How serious (realistically) are you about cycling / triathlon?

Also, don't forget that pedals/shoes/etc can quickly raise the price of a bike.

Edited by Leegoocrap 2009-09-16 10:42 AM

Don't stress out so much!!!

People may argue against this, but buying a bike should be pretty simple - especially if it's an entry level bike, IMO.

In general, as you have found, you will get pretty much the same stuff in a given price range.  Go figure!  The bike companies want to be competitive, so they offer the same specs for the same price!!!

I DO agree with the above post about going with 105 or better components.  I shoot for ultegra or better, but will go with 105 easily enough.  Will lesser grade components work?  Of course!  And work pretty well!  However, if you get into this sport, you will want to upgrade sooner or later.  If you get better stuff up front, you can live with it longer.

Even though I didn't do this, I would suggest getting a road bike first.  They are multi taskers (commute, group rides, racing, etc).  Tri bike are more of a specialty tool  They are fast and good for training and racing fast, but not as good for group rides and commuting.  If you were only planning to have ONE bike, then I would get a road bike (you can also make some mods to get it close to a tri bike with a forward seat post and aero bars).

Talk to your LBS, give them your price range and have them take the time to fit you.  That is the MOST important thing.  You will narrow down you search a bit doing that.  If you were clothes shopping, there is no use looking for items in the sizes that don't fit, right?  Same with bikes.

They should help you narrow your search to several options.  In general, I would say that people in bike shops LOVE biking and will try to put you on the best deal.  If you trust them, they should steer you right.  If a bike has slightly better specs, they will suggest it to get the most "bang for you buck".  Granted, there is always the chance they may want to clear some items of inventory, so always be carefull.

Once you have some suggestions from them that fit you and your wallet, then pick one that just feels good to you!  Does it look cool?  Nice paint, color, wheels, etc?  You want something that will light up your eyes and lift your spirits when you see it in the garage.  You want something that just makes you want to ride!

Bike shopping is a lot like car shopping.  At a given price range, you are probably going to get about the same thing/options.  Then it's a matter of getting something that suits your needs (truck vs. family car vs. sports car) AND getting something you just plane LIKE!!!

Good luck.  It's always fun to buy a new bike!

Check out bikesdirect.com

from an information standpoint, I like how that bike the bikes into categories with how there loaded.  For 1000-1500 if that is your budget your can get a really nice bike loaded with quality components.  i have purchased on the website and its a quaility company and safe.

I am a fan of purchasing at the LBS too.  If they go the extra mile for you to get fitted thats definetly worth something.