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Looking for the perfect bike
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 2013-11-03 2:22 PM |
 2 |  Subject: Looking for the perfect bikeI just started riding this last year and it has been something I have really enjoyed. I have also started training for my first tri next season. I am starting with sprints but plan on doing at least a half ironman. I am not looking to win but more so interested in finishing. Right now I have a 2004 Specialized Allez (58cm) with sora/tiagra components. I like the bike but I am having issues with shifting. (I know the most common answer is to do your first tri on whatever you can find) I looked into upgrading my group set but I can't justify putting $600 into a 10 year old bike; I feel like it would be a better investment to purchase a newer bike. I am a college student and not making a lot of money so I'm looking to get a bike that's a couple years old. I'd like to spend somewhere between $900-$1500 but willing to wait and save some more money if there is a bike that would better fit my needs. So basically, I want a bike that is not solely a tri bike. I still want to do long and short group rides. I want a bike that I can put aero bars and still have good geometry. I've been reading about the Specialized Roubaix but it seems that aero bars on this bike stretch the rider out too far. I would buy an Allez again in a heartbeat but I want to make sure it is something that would be comfortable on the longer rides with aero bars. Also, what about the Tarmac? How similar are the geometries on the Allez compared to the Tarmac? I am 6'2" 205, will I have flexing problems with the carbon fiber frame? I have only done research on the Specialized bikes but would consider other bikes too. I know my questions are kind of all over the place but this is a huge purchase for me so I want to make sure I get the best package I can for the money. -Eric |
| 2013-11-03 2:32 PM in reply to: ea1154 |
Master 2855     Kailua, Hawaii | Subject: RE: Looking for the perfect bike as for the shifting issues you mentioned with your current bike, have you taken it to a good bike shop to see if it can be fixed ? Perhaps if the shifting was fixed, then you can ride your current bike to get some experience down, and better focus your search for a better bike. Your thought may change after a few tri's. |
| 2013-11-04 5:21 AM in reply to: ea1154 |
Pro 5892 , New Hampshire | Subject: RE: Looking for the perfect bike The perfect bike doesn't exist… but you can get pretty darn close.  As a collage student, I would recommend hanging on to the Allez for a few years longer. Take it to the LBS and have them fix the gears for you. As if carbon will flex… if the Tarmac is strong enough for the pro sprinters not to flex it, there's absolutely no way you will. |
| 2013-11-04 5:46 AM in reply to: metafizx |
Champion 7036 Sarasota, FL | Subject: RE: Looking for the perfect bike Originally posted by metafizx as for the shifting issues you mentioned with your current bike, have you taken it to a good bike shop to see if it can be fixed ? Perhaps if the shifting was fixed, then you can ride your current bike to get some experience down, and better focus your search for a better bike. Your thought may change after a few tri's. x2 It may be that the shifters just need some minor adjustment or new cables. I'd also check to see if the chain has stretched and needs to be replaced. All that is going to cost way less than $600. Nothing wrong with a ten year old bike as long as it's been properly maintained. Mark |
| 2013-11-04 8:58 AM in reply to: RedCorvette |
Extreme Veteran 635 Ajo | Subject: RE: Looking for the perfect bike There are aero road bikes from Specialized, Cervelo, Felt, BMC, Litespeed, and others... all available used.. they are good dual use bikes, road and tri duty. |
| 2013-11-04 9:22 AM in reply to: ea1154 |
Elite 4048 Gilbert, Az. | Subject: RE: Looking for the perfect bike Originally posted by ea1154 I just started riding this last year and it has been something I have really enjoyed. I have also started training for my first tri next season. I am starting with sprints but plan on doing at least a half ironman. I am not looking to win but more so interested in finishing. Right now I have a 2004 Specialized Allez (58cm) with sora/tiagra components. I like the bike but I am having issues with shifting. (I know the most common answer is to do your first tri on whatever you can find) I looked into upgrading my group set but I can't justify putting $600 into a 10 year old bike; I feel like it would be a better investment to purchase a newer bike. I am a college student and not making a lot of money so I'm looking to get a bike that's a couple years old. I'd like to spend somewhere between $900-$1500 but willing to wait and save some more money if there is a bike that would better fit my needs. So basically, I want a bike that is not solely a tri bike. I still want to do long and short group rides. I want a bike that I can put aero bars and still have good geometry. I've been reading about the Specialized Roubaix but it seems that aero bars on this bike stretch the rider out too far. I would buy an Allez again in a heartbeat but I want to make sure it is something that would be comfortable on the longer rides with aero bars. Also, what about the Tarmac? How similar are the geometries on the Allez compared to the Tarmac? I am 6'2" 205, will I have flexing problems with the carbon fiber frame? I have only done research on the Specialized bikes but would consider other bikes too. I know my questions are kind of all over the place but this is a huge purchase for me so I want to make sure I get the best package I can for the money. -Eric Look around and get a Cervelo Soloist. /thread. John |
| 2013-11-04 11:42 AM in reply to: ea1154 |
Member 1748 Exton, PA | Subject: RE: Looking for the perfect bike Take your bike to a shop and make sure it is adjusted properly. If anything is worn out it is probably your rear derailer, chain, and/or cassette. You should be able to get all 3 replaced for under $200 and your ride will feel like new. |
| 2013-11-04 12:41 PM in reply to: mike761 |
Champion 7036 Sarasota, FL | Subject: RE: Looking for the perfect bike Originally posted by mike761 Take your bike to a shop and make sure it is adjusted properly. If anything is worn out it is probably your rear derailer, chain, and/or cassette. You should be able to get all 3 replaced for under $200 and your ride will feel like new. Better yet, learn to do it yourself, especially if money is tight. Adjusting derailleurs is really not rocket science and doesn't take any special tools like some stuff does. Zinn's book on tri bike maintenance is a good reference, the Park Tool website is helpful, and you can always find some good instructional videos on youtube. Mark
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| 2013-11-04 8:05 PM in reply to: ea1154 |
| 2 | Subject: RE: Looking for the perfect bike Thanks everyone! I am just going to try and get it fixed. The bike is in good condition so it sounds like it will be a minor fix. Thanks again! |
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