Triathlon - Brand new to Triathlons and looking for advice.

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TheSerge
12-09-08, 01:36 PM
Hey guys im looking to buy a bike and searched craigslist and i may have one but i want expert opinions on whether or not it would be a good tri bike. Its a trek oclv 5500 120 with full ultegra and carbon aero bars. he wants 900 for it... should i jump on this or no? Im really not sure my other option was a new madone 2.1 with aero bars.. Thanks in advance for all the help!

P.S. Im a broke college student and im looking for something thats not that bad and not too harsh on the wallet.. thanks again

ljholland
12-09-08, 02:58 PM
If you're "broke"....maybe get a less expensive bike? You'll need the $$$ for races, gu, and other gear! The costs seem endless.

I'm new as well...I picked up a 2001 Quintana Roo Tequilo w/ultegra for $400....it's fine to get started with. I've seen other tri bikes in that range as well.
KyleKranz
12-09-08, 10:38 PM
What year is the 5500? That may be a good deal, depending on year and condition.

TheSerge
12-10-08, 09:43 AM
the 5500 i believe is an 04.. I think i may take the deal when i check the bike out. He wants 850 for it now. I need something decent to start with and thats within my budget. Hopefully it will work out
toj
01-07-09, 08:32 AM
Serge,

Not sure where you stand on this now, but the 5500 should be a great deal at that price as long as the bike and components are in good condition. A 5500 is a pro-level bike and if you can get it in good condition at that price, it's a great find!

I assume it's in your size, right??? Also, I don't know anything about craigslist, so I don't know how often people get jipped on there. Are you able to see the bike before you purchase or is it going to be shipped to you? Try to make sure that it hasn't been wrecked.

Be careful with all that stuff, but as a bike, the 5500 is great. I've riden the 5500, 5200, and 5000 from Trek and they are all great rides. With the aerobars and the seat all the way forward (I actually use a Thomson "set-back" seatpost flipped around to get even farther forward) it's a great tri bike!

God bless,
Ray Doolittle