Entry level bike opinions

I have an Allez Sport and love it. For an IM, though, you might want to consider a tri bike? You should get some interesting answers from some people here who know a lot more than I do!

Hi Sub4fire,

I also have a Specialized Allez M4 Pro that I have converted to Tri bike.  I have done 4 Sprint tri events since November of 2009.  I just picked up a ROL SL wheel, and will be using the Allez M4 Pro for 4-6 more races in 2010.  I will decide in October on pulling the plug to pick up a Cervelo P2C.

Joe

Those companies make good bikes and those bikes are great first road bikes.  Throw on some aerobars, GET FITTED, and ride.

I personally would look very carefully at the componetry that come with the bike.  The deep low end components can ruin a ride. Other than that...

Just a thought.  If doing tris is your main goal with the bike, I'd highly consider a tri bike.  I bought a road bike last year intending to do tris and some road riding.  I really wish I would have just bought a tri bike instead because all I do is tris and tri training.  In my races last year, the only guys that passed me on the bike were on tri bikes.  This is only two cents.

  But they did not pass you because they were on those bikes. Well, it is unlikely that they passed you because they were on those bikes!

I have the allez elite and am quite happy with it.

I threw on some clip on aero bars and it does the trick.  A tri bike may be better for the IM distance, but is not necessary.  As long as you aren't using a MTN or hybrid bike, you should be fine.

I did my first tri in 2006 and bought a Giant OC3 as my first bike. I'm not sure, but it looks a lot like the Giant Defy 3 you listed. I finally upgraded to a Fezzari T3 triathlon bike a month or so ago.

For me the Giant was a great, affordable entry-level bike. I liked the upright stance (a bit easier on your back and shoulders) and it's been very sturdy. No real mechanical problems at all, and it's quite light. The gearing is fine (and I think the same 27 gears are on the Defy 3). So, overall I still really like my Giant and will probably keep riding it on climbs in the mountains, etc.

Why did I move to a tri-bike? Although the Giant was comfortable, I wanted a more aggressive stance on the flats and in aero position. The carbon frame is also a lot more absorbent when it comes to rough pavement, etc.

All said, though, you really can't go wrong with the Giant if you're just getting into triathlons and want to wait and see before you spend more $$ on a tri-bike.

Thanks for all the replies so far.  The reason I am looking at a road bike vs a tri bike is that I'm not yet sure how many tris I am going to do.  The IM is more of a bucket list thing, and while I would like to assume I am going to do more in the future, it will all depend on locations of races, costs (which I am finding out to be very high), and how much my family can handle.  If the tri thing doesn't work out, then atleast I have a good road bike to cruise around on.

All 3 of your picks will be excellent. Go with whichever one suits your fancy, either in looks or on which has a better price. 

I say this because I have both a $690 Defy3 and a 2008 Cervelo P2C TT Dura-Ace bike. There is nothing lacking in the performance of the Defy3, even compared to the pricey Cervelo.

Your thinking is correct. Get a roadie. For what it's worth, I volunteered at IMCDA last year and saw lots of road bikes--and several without aerobars.

And, I'm doing IMCDA and will be doing it on a roadie--without aerobars.

Edited by zed707 2010-03-08 5:50 PM

Get a copy of the bicycling magazine buyers guide. It reviews some of the bike you listed and has some good feedback.
I have been riding a Giant FCR2 for 3 years now. Although I WANT to upgrade, I don't think the bike is really holding me back in any way.

All of those are good bikes. As long as you get a good fit (important) and a setup at a price you like you will probably be happy. The only thing I would add, if you have not done so already, is look at the dealers near you and see what brands they sell. Also make sure you have a good LBS near you that you can get on good terms with for service and advice. Having a new bike is great but it is just as important to have someone to help you take care of it that you trust!

If you're going with Shimano components, I'd stick with 105s as the minimum.  My first bike was a Trek 2000 (from 2002) it had mostly 105s (only the front derailer was tiagra, everything else was 105s).  Never had any issues with it (beyond what normal maintenance any components will require) and they are still working well after having been transplanted to a new frame/fork.  It's what I used for a number of my first tris and I was extremely happy with it.  I still use it to commute to work, into the city, or when I don't want to take my nicer bike out because of the weather/street conditions.

Tiagra/Sora components are the low end for Shimano.  I'm sure when they are taken care of they'd last, but if you can manage it, step up the the 105s and you'll be happier for longer with that bike.  It'll shift smoother for you and be easier to maintain and adjust as needed over the years.  Plus I feel the STI shifting on the 105s is better than the tiagra/sora groups.

As for which bike... all the companies will make a quality first bike.  Best advice is to get out there and ride them all.  Go with the one that feels the best and has good components and you'll be happy with the purchase.  A cheap set of AirStryke clip on aerobars and you'll be ready for your tri.  But remember that an IM is long, so definitely make sure you're comfortable and fitted to whatever bike you get.

All of those brands make solid reliable bikes so any would be a good choice.

Just an extra thing - all bike frames have slightly different geometry so will fit you slightly differently so its best to go chat to your local bike shops and find one you trust. Get them to measure you up and recommend a brand/bike based on your measurements if possible...

If they will let you test ride the recommended bike/bikes thats even better... even if its just on the trainer in the store...

At the end of the day find what you feel the most comfortable on... if after that you still have more than one choice then go for whichever one really gets you excited to ride!

Good Luck!

PS: I agree if you can afford to go 105 components thats great... but if you take care of whatever components you can afford within your price range you will be golden. Regular servicing and cleaning your bike/greasing the chain etc after wet/dirty rides will definatley improve the shelf life significantly!

Enjoy the ride!

Have you thought about going used?  In that price range you can get a lot more for the same price.  Shop around and know what size/frame/geo you are looking for.  A lot of people "upgrade" almost every year so there are great deals to be had out there.  Good luck!

all 3 are great.

I have the Allez and love it. I've put aerobars on it for races, and it hasn't been a problem, and honestly, I'll prob continue using it for the Augusta HIM this year too. 

X2 on the suggestion to stick to at least Shimano 105 components.  I am also looking to upgrade (after only a year), mainly b/c my first bike has some Shimano Sora and some generic components and the shifting is really, really rough.  I'm currently looking for a bike with 105 or even Ultegra if I can find a good enough deal to afford it. 

I have a Defy 3 and I love it. I put a set of clip-ons on and got a fitting and it feels great. I know many have and will say that you should try and get 105's or better. Honestly I have had no shifting problems at all. Maybe I have just been lucky, but I don't think so. I think if you properly maintain your bike it will operate smoothly. Unless you have serious mechanical issues during your training or your race, it's really about the engine not the bike.

I would probably stick to the name brands as well.   BUT I bought a bike off of Bikesdirect.com.  You can get a LOT of bang for your buck.  The motobecane Nemisis is nice.  Even if you scrap it later, you can salvage all the great components and put them on a better frame.

I got the Trek 1.1 on sale last August for 10% off! I like it, its my first road bike.  I also do not have any problems shifting, but if I do, I have 3 years of free tune-ups via LBS.

Edited by ionlylooklazy 2010-03-09 1:46 PM

I recently got a felt F95 for my first bike.  I also looked at trek and specialized entry level bikes.  All seemed pretty nice. 

I bought an Allez on e-Bay, which conveniently is a Specialized, the brand my LBS focuses on. The LBS relationship was the main factor in a couple of other bike purchases.