First Tri, Craigslist or LBS?

[MaxBender]

I'm getting into multisport for the first time, aiming for an Olympic distance Tri in May. :)

My recumbent is not allowed in triathlons, so I need a road bike. I figure a Trek 1000 should work for a first timer. By my calculations, a 58 cm bike should be about right. I've put in a lot of miles this year, but switching to a road bike is a bit of a challenge. I know it will not be as comfy as a recumbent, but it needs to be tolerable enough for me to get my practice miles done.

Option 1: A used 2003 Trek 1000 from Craigslist. Good Condition, 58cm, $400

Option 3: Go to the local bike shop, get properly fitted for a 2006 or 2007 Trek 1000, $700

Option 3: ???

Is it worth the money to get fitted?

[maverick101]

Getting fitted is well worht the money, Im also new to the Tri world and went and was fitted and it was the best money I could of spent.

[svpatel]

I think getting fitted is important too, however, since this is your first time I wouldn't rule out getting a used bike. If you already have a good idea of your fit (it sounds like you do), then I would definitely try to used first.

[rplong]

Hey Jason, where did you go to get your fit done?

[rhodeshg]

You could buy the used bike, then take it in and get it fit. That would be an extra $75 or so. That would save you a couple hundred dollars if that is what you are concered about.

[jerky1280]

I recently bought my first road bike, so some advice from my shopping:

I'd highly recommend getting a used bike of higher quality than a Trek 1000. It's up to you, but after riding about a dozen bikes in the $600-$1200 range, I found the trek 1000 to have an unbearable harsh ride. Every little bump in the pavement sent a jar up my arms and rear. I'd think you could get a nicer used bike for the $700. I'd then take it to a LBS to have it fitted.

[ranger5oh]

I love my Cannondale R700... $1250. Carbon fork, and stock saddle. Its aluminum, but I dont find it to be harsh at all. I do long rides and centuries on it.

Glad to hear you joining the triathletes here! Good luck to you! Train hard!

[odl21]

try to find an 05 or 06 felt s32 or cervelo dual in LBS. get fitted.

might as well get a real tri bike - much faster and easier on the run.
getting fitted will make the biggest difference to your time - especially if you're not used to road bikes.

if you must get a road bike, make sure you get aero bars and don't get the frame too big - you'll want to get the bars nice and low.

[bspurrie]

New Triathlete myself. I own a 2006 Trek 1000 and love it. Did an olympic and a shorter one between and oly and a sprint with it. It's an awesome bike for starting out. If you can get one for $400 I say try it and see if you like it. That way your not out too much if it's not for you. I will eventually go with a tri-specific bike, but for now my Trek 1000 rocks!!!

[Flak]

Just fork out for a fitting. Should cost you close to $100 for a good one, but you'll save several times that buying quality used.

[udmdh]

I am just starting out training for a tri myself. I found that eBay has some really good deals on used bikes. I bought a Cannondale 58cm tri bike a little while back and love it. If you root around you can find reputable sellers and good deals.

Anyway, wherever you get your used bike, definitely take it to the LBS and get it fit, it can make a big difference and can prevent injury. The average racer will spin at about 90 RPMs, so if you do the 40k bike in an hour, your legs will spin the crank 5,400 times in the race alone. Plus all the training time, a little problem in your positioning can lead to back, knee and leg problems. Also, not sure if you realized but most road bikes do not come with pedals.

Good luck!

[vpower]

if you can avoid getting a sora Rear Derailleur or sora shifters do so at all costs. I would say that you would be better off buying a bike with downtube shifters and replacing them later because there is a good chance that you will have to replace the sora ones down the line too.