Triathlon - older tri frame

Hi,

I am looking to get a mid - late 90's steel tri geometry frame. I don't need the weight of newer or fancier frames, I just want the geometry and price. I tried clip on aero bars on my road bike and it wasn't that great. I would rather assemble a new bike with parts I have than go to forward seat-post craziness. My plan was to test ride some bikes to find out what fits me (my road bike is 55cm) and then find a frame. I looked on ebay and craigslist but didn't see anything like this. Any ideas where to look further? Do specialty bike shops have used tri frames?

I also have to make a choice between bullhorn bars and drops. I have some drops already, so what are benefits of bullhorn bars like every bike I see has? Is it only that it is easier to move your hands around? The other descision is down tube shifters or aero bar-end shifters.

Let me know what you think. Thanks for any advice!

Dannl

Any reason for steel over Aluminium? As steel tubing usually lacks aero shapes.

Sound be a fair number of Al aero frames on the market. If not, have you looked into the Leader frames. A few BF members have built up Leader TT frames into solid TT bikes for a reasonable price.

Bullhorns tend to be more aero as you will be on the aerobars rather than drops anyway. If you plan on racing, then bar end levers is the way to go. As the levers are directly in front of your hands, it means you can change gears without moving from this position. The secondary positive is that you will more likely change into the appropriate gears more readily as it requires little effort and don't break the aero position.

chucksbikes.com has ridiculous prices on aluminum tri frames, rebadged Felt S32s and original Jamis. Fit your on your own.

What's your idea of budget?

Hi all,

Thanks for your responses!

Why steel? - I figured it would be cheaper and I haven't yet ridden an aluminim frame so I'll get back to you on that.

I will get bullhors and bar end shifters. I see lots of bar end shifters on ebay - Is this the place to get them and for how much (say 7 speed vs. 9 speed)?

Budjet - I would like to get the frame for $100 or less. I still have to get a back wheel, front deralliuer, chainwheels, bb, seat, brake levers, and shifters. I guess I don't have much yet.

I checked out chuck's bikes - saw the jamis didn't see the felt. Rebadged means another name? I would like to use a nice 700C wheel I already have. Thanks for the place to look. Should I look around more on the web or in stores? I'm in Philadelphia if anyone knows specific places or events.

Thanks,

Dannl

Yeah another name, it's $145 and 700c.

Edit that 165, named Tsunami