New to the Sport - Looking for advice in Bike Buying
633
Member
749 days
tsilcyc posted 8 weeks ago.
A similar thread...
http://www.trifuel.com/forum/12958/suggestions-for-a-tri-newbie-bike
I wrote:
"Go down to your local bike shop, get fit, and find out what your options are. Bike geometries are different and it's best to know what will fit you before you fall in love with a bike. The fit will cover both a road and tri bike so even if you're looking at road now, they will have your numbers when it's time to get the tri bike. A fit will cost anywhere from $40 on up. Not all shops are the same so maybe list your location and somebody can make a recommendation. Good luck!"
Get fit and explore your options don't fall in love with a bike first.
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M posted 8 weeks ago.
If you don't get a recommendation and there are multiple shops to choose from, go to several of them before you buy. In one shop I was put on a 58, in another a 49; I wound up with something like 52 (different geometry). Mr. 58 said that you start with the "right" size frame and then adjust everything else to make it fit. Hard to argue with that kind of logic. Also there's a range between the guy not even willing to get up from behind the counter or utter more than 3 syllables to the guy who will come out and watch as you test ride.
95
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62 days
StephenPDennis posted 8 weeks ago.
I went to a great shop in Manhattan and spent maybe 2 weeks testing out different frames, wheels, components, shoes, and most likely gave the attendant a heart attack as "that shopper who will never buy a bike". After a lot of research I went with the Scott S20, a lower-middle range road bike, because it fit me well, didn't really have any fancy things to jack up the price (I'm not ready for Ultegra yet, maybe in a year or two...), and just in case Tri isn't my thing (I'm new as well) I'll have a perfectly good road bike. I have my first Sprint in about 3 weeks so I'll let you know how it does then! HA!
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59 days
mkrejcarek posted 8 weeks ago.
Anyone like Felt? Anyone own one or have had any experience with one?
408
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185 days
jsk85 posted 8 weeks ago.
I love the way Felt tri-bikes look...very sexy, but I'm not in the market for a tri-specific bike until next year, so I haven't ridden any and couldn't tell you how they ride. From what I hear they are quality, but certain bikes are better for certain people.
When I bought my roadie, my LBS stocked basically LeMonds and Treks exclusively. I didn't know much about biking at the time and assumed Trek was the best since "it's what US Postal rode." I tested comparable models of both with a initial bias towards Trek, but immediately found I was much more comfortable on the geometry of a LeMond, so that's what I went with.
Basically, see what your LBS's have, set your price range, and test all the bikes in it until you find the one that fits you best...regardless of brand, most top brands are quality bikes
My blog: http://jsktri.blogspot.com
903
Member
278 days
ChunkyB posted 8 weeks ago.
I'd get a road bike if I were you. Check out craigslist and see if you can find something used. You can get a lot more bang for your buck that way. Also, in response to the Felt question, anyone I've ever known that has owned a Felt is an absolute Felt lover. They seem to be one of those brands that everyone loves once they give it a chance (Apple?).
I'd say, if you're not in a huge hurry, keep an eye on craigslist or any other local classifieds. If you want to buy new, and there are reasons, then check out as many shops and bikes as you can. Some of the advantages of buying new include warranty (they usually don't extend past the original owner), the shop will usually give you a free fitting, and many shops will also include free service for life, so you can get free tune-ups and everything. You should be able to get a bike that will last you for years for under $1500.
Also, I'm in no way affiliated with Raleigh, but I love their bikes, and you can usually get a little bit more for your money with them, compared to the other big american companies. Their newer frames are really really nice. So it might be worth finding a shop who sells Raleigh or Felt to see what you can get with your money. You'll usually pay a bit more for the same bike from Giant or Specialized, and you'll pay even more for a Trek because of the "Lance Tax". Good luck, and be sure to hit us up with some pics when you get it.
"The melting point of wax means nothing to me": Thrice
1452
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955 days
tri-ac posted 8 weeks ago.
i got a Felt F75 (road bike) with pedals and shoes for under $1500 a few years ago. I suspect that model is still in the same price range. I'm very happy with it, and it has been ridden 6 days a week since I got it. The tri frames are outstanding from what i've read, and, if you know anyone that wants to give me a B2, my birthday is this summer...
408
Member
185 days
jsk85 posted 8 weeks ago.
tri-ac wrote:
i got a Felt F75 (road bike) with pedals and shoes for under $1500 a few years ago. I suspect that model is still in the same price range. I'm very happy with it, and it has been ridden 6 days a week since I got it. The tri frames are outstanding from what i've read, and, if you know anyone that wants to give me a B2, my birthday is this summer...
At my sprint tri this past weekend a lady rolled by me on the way to set up the transition area walking her '08 DA fully loaded (with the Zipp Disk, etc..) Exact replica of the $9400 bike on the website. I couldn't speak when I saw it. It was like seeing a celebrity on the street
My blog: http://jsktri.blogspot.com
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132 days
diva_mom posted 8 weeks ago.
jsk85 wrote:
I couldn't speak when I saw it. It was like seeing a celebrity on the street
celebrity porn star?
Success comes before work only in the dictionary
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59 days
mkrejcarek posted 7 weeks ago.
To finish this thread
I made a purchase Sunday....I bought the Giant OCR1 with 105 shifters, pedals and shoes and a computer for $750. I have already put 50 miles on the bike and so far I am very happy with my purchase. All of the help on this thread was helpful and I appreciate all who posted. Thanks and see you in the line up...
Hey all, I am new to Triathlons, I have my first one coming up in June - The Pineapple Man - and I am looking into getting a good first bike for something in the range of $900-$1500. I am coming from a history of mountain biking and limited road biking on a frame that is way too small for me. Any direction or recommendations would be awsome. Thanks