Rookie with another bike question

[Breezer]

I am looking to do my first mini triathalon in September. To be specific, the Pacific Coast Triathalon. My local bike shop has a 2005 Trek Equinox 7 for $975. However, I think I may spend the extra for the Trek 5000 and add bars, etc... any thoughts on these two bikes?

I also have a 10 year old Miyata that is in good condition. I was thinking about having this bike fully serviced and using it with a trainer. I could possibly use the Miyata for training and go with the cost effective Equinox?

Any suggestions are appreciated. Thank you.

[Sprocket Man]

The Trek 5000 is a very good bike, but $975 for an Equinox 7 is a really good deal (assuming it's new). I'd say if you plan to use the bike for more all-around riding (such as riding hills or going on group rides), you'd probably do better off with the 5000. If you want to ride by yourself on mostly flat or slightly rolling terrain, the Equinox would be a good choice. Both bikes are really good, it really depends what your intentions are.

One more thing - have you investigated other bike brands? Nothing wrong with Trek (my wife and I both own Treks, as well as a lot of other brands), but unless you find exceptional deals like the Equinox you've been eyeing, there are other brands out there that may offer you more bang for the buck. Felt, Cervelo, and Specialized come to mind.

[cslone]

It definitely depends on your riding intentions. If you are going to do anything but tri's(centurys, crit's, leisure rides, road races), I would get the 5000. If you are planning on triathlons only, I would get the Equinox and use the Miata as my "every other day" bike.

[Breezer]

Thanks for the information. I see that my first tri bike course will be 18 miles with hills. Does one want to use a Tri bike on a hill course or is it designed for flat to rolling hills only?

To note, the bike shop did a body scan and recommended a 52" frame. I am 5'8" and I already knew that I have a longer torso with shorter legs. The 2005 Equinox leftover is a 52" frame and that is what they are recommending. To note, I was interested in the Equinox with the 52” frame before they did the scan. I am curious if a 52 sounds right for my height? I adjusted the seat up and it felt good on a test ride. I am leaning toward the Equinox because I will not be doing group rides, etc. and the price is sweet. If a buy the tri bike it will also motivate me to do it justice on race day. A lot of my training will be on the long flat bike trails that follow the riverbeds to the ocean in Southern California. However, the race is on a hill course.

[cjbruin]

Unless there's another Pacific Coast Tri in Sept. the bike leg is 12 miles and has a few challenging hills. I've ridden my road bike on it the last two years but I will use my tri bike this year. The only REAL killer is the one that goes from El Moro toward Laguna before the turnaround.

You're about my size with similar body dimensions (I also have short legs) so the 52 cm is probably right. My tri bike is a 51 cm Cervelo.

Is that the frame price only or is it for the full bike? What type of components are on it? If it's a full bike, I would have a tough time talking you out of it but if it's only the frame you can do better.

If you want to get the Miyata tuned. Take it to Edge Cycle Sports on Moulton & Ridge Route in Laguna Woods (over by Leisure World). They do the best wrenching and fits in Orange County. PM me if you want more info.

By the way, I assume you are planning to train on the San Diego Creek Trail. I ride there a lot, I'll look for the Equinox :)

[Breezer]

I tell myself 18 so 12 will seem easy. $975 at JAX for the complete bike.

I will be training in the Seal Beach area, small world.

I am buying the Equinox 7. My only fear is that I'll miss the brakes and end up in the spillway.

Decision made, work begins. Next thread.... Where do I find a swim coach?

[psycofish]

So Cal's resident swim expert moved to Washington and is doing Michelin commercials..

[Triguy]

$975 sounds pretty decent. The bike will be faster than a 5000 on almost any tri course if set up properly. 52 is close for a guy who is 5'8".

Personally I'd go with the Equinox, pending fit, and spend the money you would have on a race wheel or two. Good luck with the race.

As far as a "training bike" goes, if you're anything like me you'll love the triathlon position and your road bike will sit gathering dust but its always nice to have one around I suppose.

[Breezer]

52 is close for a guy who is 5'8".

as in too big or small?

[LBonney]

Funny how the bike they have ususally is the "right " fit for the person who is looking

Go with a road bike, log lots of miles, then buy a tri bike.

[RoadToad]

I just got an Equinox 7 last month and have really liked what time I have been able to spend on it so far. I think you will be pleased with your new baby. Enjoy it and keep us posted on you training!

[LBonney]

When I was looking for my Cervelo, the first shop I went to was convinced that I needed at 58 (what they had in stock), the next said "no, no you need a 56", (which is what they had in stock).

So in other words I was on my own to figure which one was the right size for me.

I bought a 56 ,somewhere else...........

[H2OChick]

So Cal's resident swim expert moved to Washington and is doing Michelin commercials..

LOL

[Triguy]

52 is close as in, no one can say for certain over the internet about fit. But I would guess most 5'8" guys end up on tri-bikes with top tubes between 51 and 53cm.

I stick to my original recommendation. fit pending, go for it.

[H2OChick]

Breezer, check your Private Messages... (just in case you didn't know they exist - up there in the upper right hand corner.) ;)

[Breezer]

Thank you for the information. I went in for my fitting on the Equinox and the 52 is short in both directions and they don't have a 54. The GM offered me a 2006 Specialized Allez Elite Triple for $740.

To start, I am bringing in my Miyata for a full service, pedals, computer, shoes and a helmet. I will log a 1,000 miles and earn the right to buy a new bike.

:D

[jennings780]

740 for an Allez Elite is a fantastic price. What year? '05?
The only thing that sucks about the Allez is the wheels. They are light but have too much lateral flex and don't stay true very well. You don't need to replace them right away, but may want so save up some $$$ to put some new wheels on it next year.

[Breezer]

[QUOTE=jennings780]740 for an Allez Elite is a fantastic price.

The Miyata would have run $200 to make it right. I bought:

2006 Allez Elite Triple (Red/White) 54
Bell Sweep Race Helmet (Red/White/Black)
Specialize Shoe
Shimano PD-A520 Pedal
Topeak Aero Wedge Cage, Tube, C02, Pump, Floor Pump
Metal Bike Stand
Aero Bars

$1,195 out the door.

[stickydpaul]

Don't forget the fast forward seatpost for when you're on the aero bars.