Hi,
I just started getting into triathlons and am trying to find a good bike to ride as a beginner. I don't want to spend a ton of money on a bike and really just want one that will help me get to the next level. I do want a bike that fits though... and so I posted a "want" add and got a few responses... one in particular was an offer for a lamborghini rapido 17". Would this be a good size and a good bike for a beginner? If you have more suggestions... or are trying to get rid of a bike that you think would fit me well that would be amazing! Thanks guys (ladies :) )

I've used this online bike fit calculator before and to me, it is very close to my final bike setting:
http://www.competitivecyclist.com/za/CCY?PAGE=FIT_CALCULATOR_INTRO

There are a few tri people in this subforum. They may be able to help you out with bike recommendations if you mention your budget.

I've used this online bike fit calculator before and to me, it is very close to my final bike setting:
http://www.competitivecyclist.com/za/CCY?PAGE=FIT_CALCULATOR_INTRO

There are a few tri people in this subforum. They may be able to help you out with bike recommendations if you mention your budget.

Awesome link! Thanks for posting that up.


To the OP: You might want to consider getting fitted if you purchase from a local bike shop. You might be good with a 51-54ish CM bike.

5'8" = 58cm bike. <~~~~~Joke!!!

couldn't resist... Just make sure the shop you purchase the bike from does more than have you stand over the bike. Take into consideration the top tube lenght.

I'd start with a base of 54.

Many mfgs don't offer a 53 and a 52 maybe too small; a 56 sounds too big for a 5'-8" dude.

Agreed... More than likely it's gonna be a 54. And if budget allows, I'd avoid road bikes sized in inches.

You know it's not the easy to predict. I'm 5'8" and unfortunately have a shorter upper body so to accomodate my reach (more important than standover) I ride a 51cm - but's that's a Lemond which has a long top tube. My commuter bike (an alum. Leader) is a 54cm and actually fits better than my allegedly smaller Lemond.

Bottom line, don't assume anything about fit and size. You gotta go sit on the bike, reach the hoods and see what is comfortable. It will probably be something in the 51 - 54cm range. I know nothing about tri bikes and notice you mentioned the size of 17" which is generally used to size mountain bikes (that would be a medium).

If you are buying via Craig's List or eBay or something, still make sure you have sat on that bike somwwhere so the fit is good. Standover is not as important as reach. Something to remember.

I think a 54cm is a good starting point for the search though. If there's a name brand and its manufacturer has a geometry sizing spec, then it can minimize the drive to a bike shop/craigslist test ride. Different bikes do have different geometries, but having a rough idea can help.

Have fun!

Not sure what "a ton of money" is to you. I think a Cervelo P2 SL is a great value for someone who wants to do tri's. I ride a 51 which is probably the right size for you too. You can dial in your size with the seat post that reverses to 75 or 78 deg.

CJ you brought up a good point - there is a big difference between riding around town and doing Tri's. Your position is generally much more agressive (ie laid flat, sometimes using the drops) for tri's. Your reach is going to be very important to insured proper position. If the top tube is too short, it will be uncomfortable to get laid out, down on the top bar, if the bike is too short, it will be hard to reach the hoods if they are in the right position.

Should be alot of information on the Net about proper placement and riding position. Some alittle time beofer buying something. Even if a good price, if it's a bike you can't ride, price is meaningless.

The other thought is start purusing tri boards etc. Geneally those folks are always buying new which mean there maybe a really good bike for the right price out there for you. Try to get something with good components, such as Shimano Ultegra or Campy Chorus, maybe even Scram. And next update should be wheels.

Go to http://www.slowtwitch.com/Bike_Fit/index.html and you'll learn quite a bit about tri fit and which bike to get based on your experience and budget.

52-55cm, measured by top tube. 54cm would be my best guess.

There are tons of good bike shops in SoCal, I'd go to 2 or 3 and have them fit you to a bike and take a couple of test rides. You don't need to feel obligated to buy anything if it's not in your price range. Bike fit is very important, and is not something you want to "ball park" or get wrong 'cause it will end up just costing you more money in the long run.

Thank you guys so much for you advice!!! I almost bought a bike that was not a good fit for me just because it was cheap... I'm a grad student right now so I'm making very little... I'm gonna post a want ad but if any of you have a bike you'd like to sell and live nearby let me know! I appreciate all the input... this site is awesome!