General Cycling Discussion - What bike? Where? how Much?

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moonman1989
07-01-02, 08:29 AM
Hi there - I'm an 18 year old novice triathlete, but am at a loss as to what bike I should be buying. Basically, as a student, I cannot afford to spend upwards of $1000, so I would probably have to resort to buying a second-hand bike, or a cheapish road bike. Can any of you guys recommend to me the best course of action to take?

Thanks

Tim

nathank
07-01-02, 08:52 AM
i have no specific recommendations but for less than $1000 you should be able to find a good quality road-race bike to use for training and make you competetive enough in racing.

i have had the best luck asking around at bike shops - most have very few used bikes for sale b/c they make more with new bikes - BUT employees often have old bikes that are well-maintained or know someone looking to upgrade who needs to part with their old steed.

maybe it's too old-fashined with the Internet now, but i also had great luck finding bikes in the local newspaper...

road bikes don't really change THAT fast, and if you find a good quaility frame and component group of a bike that's all you need - one of my good friends still rides and races (Cat III) his 1988 bike he got when he was in Olympic training camp and often wins his age group (35-40) in triathlons - yeah the new bikes are lighter, have more gears and have aero wheels, but even a 25 year old bike can do the job well!