Advice on new bike?

[EX1855]

Ok getting ready to do my first tri this summer and I tried to buy a bike on Ebay, in retrospect probably good it didnt work out, it was a Dawes? whatever the heck that is, anyhow they sent me the wrong color and didnt have the color i wanted so getting refunded.

Im new to this so im not looking to spend an arm and a leg on a new bike, however I did see one at the local bike store, not sure what it was but it looked cool, it was a Trek, new it was like 679, which is a little more than I want to spend but thinking about it. it has the discovery channel logo on it?

Is this a good bike if u know which one im describing, is the price reasonable? or should I just get on ebay and buy used, if i buy used, which brands should I look for and which should I avoid? Looking for something for a beginer

thanks in advance :D

[Sprocket Man]

Trek makes some very good bikes, and if I recall correctly, I think several of them have the Discovery Channel logo on them so it's hard to tell if $679 is a good value or not. If you think that bike is something you'd like, would it be possible to go back to the bike store and get the model number and a description of some of the components?

A couple of things to be aware of as you shop for a bike:

1. Fit is the most important factor to consider. A $5,000 bike that fits you poorly is worse than a $650 bike that fits you well.

2. Because fit is so important, it's probably best to buy locally for your first bike. Go to a bike shop you can trust, and don't let them sell you something that doesn't fit you well. Some bike shops try to dump old stock on someone who doesn't know any better. That's why trust is so important.

3. Go to the Road Bike forum and check out the Under $750 bike thread (stickied at the top) to get a pretty good idea of where to start.

4. Don't cheap out by buying a department store brand. If you start to ride more, you will probably regret it.

[Sponge]

X2 on all he said and I just want to emphasize go to a local shop or two...or three! and test them out. Have them fit you so you get the best bike for you...its worth supporting a local shop and you'll likely get a better deal in the long run. Heck you may find a fun group ride out of it!

Good luck and let us know what you buy.

[EX1855]

Heres the bike its a Trek 1000, so is 679 a fair deal?

[Sprocket Man]

Heres the bike its a Trek 1000, so is 679 a fair deal?Yeah, if you go to the website, the MSRP on that is $710 so $679 is a good price.

[evanyc]

and for the last several years the 1000 has been Bicycling Mag's editors pick for the best bike for the buck.

[Fivetenfrank]

Actually, the lastest review said, and I quote:

"Its the best $700 bike we have ever tested!!"

'nuff said