General Discussion Triathlon Talk » First Bike to train for Tri-Sprint Rss Feed  
Moderators: k9car363, alicefoeller Reply
2013-08-01 1:12 PM


1

Subject: First Bike to train for Tri-Sprint
I've looked at the entry level bikes, but they are all still a little pricey for what I'm trying to do. I want to train for a triathlon sprint, but spend only up to maybe $350, until I've got a sprint or two under my belt and then possibly dole out the big $ for a decent bike.

I know the bikes around this price range aren't practical, but it's not like I'm going to be winning my first triathlon sprint, so I want a good bike that will get me through.


2013-08-01 1:26 PM
in reply to: sib91

User image

Veteran
612
500100
Kennebunkport, Qatar
Subject: RE: First Bike to train for Tri-Sprint
Look for a used bike, I did my first Tri on a 10yo mountain bike that I put some road tires on. I'm sure you could find something decent on Craigslist or a your local bike shop.

Good Luck!
2013-08-01 1:38 PM
in reply to: 0

User image

Elite
5145
500010025
Cleveland
Subject: RE: First Bike to train for Tri-Sprint

Walmart Denali bike.

 

It isn't the greatest and certainly won't stack up to even an entry-level road bike at your bike shop (that will cost 3-4 times as much), but the price is right and it'll get the job done.   If you never do another tri, it won't be money wasted, and if you stick with tri's and get a better bike later, it isn't a lot lost to get you started and you can sell it for nearly what you pay for it.   Most importantly, it will definitely fit that $350 budget AND leave plenty of room left over to get other items -- this sport has no lack of things for you to buy.



Edited by cgregg 2013-08-01 1:39 PM
2013-08-01 8:31 PM
in reply to: cgregg

Member
326
10010010025
Subject: RE: First Bike to train for Tri-Sprint
Look for something used, but in good condition. I picked up an '05 Trek Equinox Tri bike for about $350 on craiglist a year and a half ago. Good bike for me, as I've got plenty to work on with my 'engine'. I've got a ways to go before my equipment is my limiting factor.
2013-08-02 9:47 AM
in reply to: sib91

User image

Pro
5361
50001001001002525
Subject: RE: First Bike to train for Tri-Sprint

If you get into the sport- you'll eventually understand why people spend a truly ridiculous amount of money on a bicycle to save 23 seconds in a race.  (your's truly included)  It's wholly unnecessary- merely a luxury. But bikes are great toys- and if you spend a lot of time in the saddle, it's worth it.

that said- having a poor bike, that doesn't shift well, fit well or ride well- can be demoralizing, and may cause you to give up the sport. You don't need anything fancy, or even fast (as the aforementioned poster noted he used a mountain bike with slick tires)- but you do need something that works well.  If you know a little about bikes, what their worth, how to maintain them (or have a shop you can throw $50 at for a tune up), then craig's list might be a great way for you to save money and get a decent bike for cheap.  (if you don't know what you're doing- you could also get a little screwed)

I don't advise the wal-mart route.  it will be the cheapest bike and will provide no service.  Better to get a good used bike than a lousy new one.  But if you have a chain bike shop nearby- such as Performance or Nashbar, they often have terrific sales and they do offer some pretty good service.  Often a bunch of enthusiastic young people in the industry learning and starting out.  They carry 2nd tier, but good quality brands (GT, Scattante, Fuji and such), for a much lower price.  Some nice choices between $500-$1000.

2013-08-04 10:09 PM
in reply to: sib91

User image

Extreme Veteran
717
500100100
Chicago, USA
Subject: RE: First Bike to train for Tri-Sprint
If you need a starter bike, used is the way to go.
But do you happen to already own a road bike, mountain bike, or hybrid bike?


2013-08-05 8:02 PM
in reply to: sib91

New user
11

Arlington, Virginia
Subject: RE: First Bike to train for Tri-Sprint
Can you borrow a bike? I'll bet you know someone with a bike that would fit that would be free on loan and at least as good as a WalMart bike.
I am a little unusual in that I did numerous seasons with a road bike, was a late adopter for clipless pedals and even did my first HIM distance with only an entry level road bike (although I did get a proper fit with aero bars). I only bought a tri bike very recently and that was because I got a great deal on a 2012 model. The point at the beginning is to enjoy yourself and although this sport does attract some really intense competitors, it is also okay to just have fun and allow yourself time to figure out if you need to spend the boatloads of money that you can invest in this sport. It's just fine to do that, but you don't need to empty the nest egg in order to do a sprint.
Don't forget to enjoy yourself!
New Thread
General Discussion Triathlon Talk » First Bike to train for Tri-Sprint Rss Feed  
RELATED POSTS

First Sprint Tri Gear

Started by easttx13
Views: 1099 Posts: 2

2011-07-30 5:10 AM jaja63

first sprint triathlon bike advice

Started by delilo
Views: 5676 Posts: 14

2010-02-17 10:14 AM drewbialk

Looking for advice on what to wear for first sprint tri

Started by GRAZER
Views: 907 Posts: 3

2009-07-09 11:28 AM ollie3856

first ever ride on a tri bike, from mountain bike commuter

Started by spinamatic
Views: 1039 Posts: 11

2009-03-14 8:57 PM spinamatic

basic bike questions from a first timer doing a sprint tri

Started by connietext
Views: 888 Posts: 5

2006-06-29 5:01 PM vortmax
RELATED ARTICLES
date : November 21, 2011
author : etra77
comments : 0
Aunt and Nephew do their first Sprint Triathlon together
 
date : April 13, 2010
author : kcowart
comments : 11
I have always been an athlete, growing up playing team sports like basketball and soccer. I also ran in a couple of 10K races every year, so I had no reason to worry about running a 5K...right?
date : October 20, 2008
author : AndriaLL
comments : 1
It was literally seconds after I started swimming that I felt the tightness in my chest. I couldn’t get a deep breath in due to the tightness of my wetsuit. I was being strangled by my wetsuit...
 
date : October 7, 2008
author : gczarski
comments : 0
This past spring I realized a few of us were heading in the wrong direction physically. We were getting together for poker games and kids’ birthdays, but that was it.
date : September 8, 2008
author : pjwalzphd
comments : 2
When I told my husband that I planned to work toward completing a sprint triathlon, he smiled and was supportive, but a bit disbelieving.
 
date : April 1, 2008
author : trvw
comments : 0
The challenge? The accomplishment? I want to do this because it is an opportunity to live life. The event is an indoor sprint triathlon. I get to experience the challenge on a safer scale.
date : August 17, 2007
author : mars
comments : 4
Remeber why we do this, we all have our reasons. I had trained for six months, and it was now time to actually do my first sprint triathlon.
 
date : September 3, 2005
author : aloufan
comments : 0
I couldn't believe that my splits kept getting lower! I started to run harder after I passed the "5 km" sign and picked a few people that I wanted to pass.