General Discussion Triathlon Talk » Best bike for under 3k?? Rss Feed  
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2013-12-14 8:57 PM

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Subject: Best bike for under 3k??
Obviously money is somewhat tight and I have 3k At most to spend on a tri bike.

So I wanted to see if there was a general concensus on what the best bikes where in that price range??


2013-12-14 9:08 PM
in reply to: dspursusa

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Champion
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Subject: RE: Best bike for under 3k??

The one that fits you best.

Do some research on bike fit, get a good quality fit, and get your stack and reach measurements. From there determine which bikes will fit you and then shop price/parts/ect.

2013-12-14 9:08 PM
in reply to: dspursusa

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Subject: RE: Best bike for under 3k??
I love my Giant Trinity Composite. IMHO, dollar for dollar the best bang for the buck. Great aero frame, group not bad at Ultegra/105 in front. The R501's are not super, but the Shimano hubs roll very well. The rear brake sucks, not a biggie for me. The best is I got this early this year, a 2012 model brand new for $1500 out the door, 1 year interest free financing. I have since made the needed upgrades, a fast bike indeed! This is a great time to start looking as dealers want to move out the old stock and in with the new.
2013-12-14 9:15 PM
in reply to: dspursusa

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Subject: RE: Best bike for under 3k??
Originally posted by dspursusa

Obviously money is somewhat tight and I have 3k At most to spend on a tri bike.

So I wanted to see if there was a general concensus on what the best bikes where in that price range??



3K is already a good budget. IT depends on what are your goals. Its just me if you are just looking into Olys and Sprints 3K I will get me a 2nd hand Carbon Tri bike with Carbon Wheels.

If i am looking into training for Half Iron or full Iron 3K can get me a 2nd hand Carbon Tribike+ Stock Wheels + Powermeter.
Well thats Just my honest 2 pennies

2013-12-15 5:54 AM
in reply to: KathyG

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Subject: RE: Best bike for under 3k??
Originally posted by KathyG

The one that fits you best.

Do some research on bike fit, get a good quality fit, and get your stack and reach measurements. From there determine which bikes will fit you and then shop price/parts/ect.




X1000! You could be faster on a well fitting $500 road bike than on an ill-fitting $5000 tri bike. Before you even start thinking about brands/models, get a fit first and then narrow down your search from brands/models that fits YOU.
2013-12-15 8:51 AM
in reply to: audiojan

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Subject: RE: Best bike for under 3k??

Totes agree (been listening to my kids too much, methinks) on getting a fit and basing the bike off of that.

Further, I'd add that going used and putting the money saved into wheels is a very good option for just that budget range.  I decided to do this last year (after a fit, of course) and picked up a P2 and race wheels within that budget (wheels were tubulars, with which I'm fine).

Like most things, it depends on what you want.  For ME, it was fit first, then a used bike in good condition but reasonable price and finally using that saved money toward wheels.  With a budget more or less than yours, another approach might be better, but this worked really well for me last season on similar money (although I **might** have added a wheel or other goodie that I didn't reaaaalllly need and pushed over the budget a little - but when doesn't that happen?).  

Most of all, enjoy the process!  You should be getting a sweet setup out of the process!!

Matt

PS - PM me if you want the name/number of the shop I used for the used equipment.  Great guy and he did a terrific job helping find exactly what I wanted (his website isn't up yet, but I can give you a number)
M



2013-12-15 10:32 AM
in reply to: mcmanusclan5

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Subject: RE: Best bike for under 3k??

I love "3K for a bike" and "money is tight" in the same sentence

 

Ohhhh triathletes

2013-12-16 9:01 PM
in reply to: dspursusa

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Subject: RE: Best bike for under 3k??
Cervelo P2.
2013-12-16 9:53 PM
in reply to: dspursusa

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Subject: RE: Best bike for under 3k??
Got this bad boy at REI for $2,200. Then got the wheels. My total $3,200. (got a deal on the wheels).

Then, realized it's built more for people who have long legs and short torsos (high) so I've pushed the aero bars all the way forward which makes the bike pretty twitchy. Also, I'm broad so I had to push the elbow pads way out.

It's got platform pedals on it because for my first ride out I was too intimidated by sitting in a full tuck to use my clipless. I purchased a $200 Wal Mart bike in July to do my first Triathlon. Kind of got the bug and decided I should be ready this coming year.

Anyway, just like everyone else said: GET FITTED. It's been a royal pain to fit my bike to me, however bad it looks.

If you've got long legs and a short torso check out REI.com. You may be able to make this work - but GET FITTED!





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2013-12-16 11:11 PM
in reply to: adelsud

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Subject: RE: Best bike for under 3k??
I scan ebay and constantly find plenty of bikes that fit in the under $3k description, both used and new.
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