Triathlon - looking for a fast/durable/raceable commuter bike...any suggestions?

hey all, Im new to the forum and am looking a purchase a bike, primarily for city communting, but i would also like to race it in triathalons.... any suggestions?

Ideally this bike would:
be really fast and light
be durable for those messed up LA roads
be not too expensive...max $600.

I was also thinking of maybe trying to build my own bike...

I don't really know where to start or what is important to take into considerations...

Marin hybrids were suggested to me, but I was going to throw it out to the forum for your advice. any suggestions are highly appreciated! thanks...

I would suggest to focus on a bike that would suit your needs as a commuter primarily. Then temporarily use that bike for triathlon. Later when you can afford a dedicated tt/road bike, buy that. I think commuting is going to put a lot of undue stress on the bike and components. You may also need other accessories not wanted for racing: rack, heavier tires/rims, maybe different pedals. A triathlon bike you may want to add aero bars.

IMO, I think you are talking about bikes on opposite ends of the spectrum. Sure, you can use any bike to try out triathlon. But, do you really want to be commuting in a tri specific bike? Good chance of breaking things or getting stolen.

I think a hybrid could be a nice solution. Also, have a look at the under $700 bikes thread in the road forum.

Any serious triathalete would need a training frame to save their race bike from the daily grind. Plenty of racers use road bikes for commutes, they are plenty strong and durable enough.
You can make a road bike practical for commuting with a bit of foresight. For riding through the LA winter, you may need fenders, so pick a frame with eyelets. You will probably use 25mm tyrs, but its useful to fit wider ones for rough streets. Winter road commuters often switch to 28mm. You may need to look for a frame which is fitted with long-drop caliper brakes, which have extra clearance.
Most entry-level road bikes have these features.
You can fit a luggage rack onto the fender eyelets and brake bridge (3-point fitting), but a touring style 4-point fitting is better, with threaded eyelets on the seat-stays as well.
You wont be able to haul a touring load, but any road bike can take a commuting load and a few groceries.

Ideally this bike would:
be really fast and light--No such luck, it will be medium weight.
be durable for those messed up LA roads--The wheel are always the weak point. Shimano 105/Mavic open pro/32 butted spokes is a standard formula for good training wheels.
be not too expensive...max $600.

You can get a really good used bike for $600, but it may not be practical for commutes.

Hello,
I purchased a used Cannondale multisport500 from ebay about 2 months ago for a little over $600.00. It had been upgraded with Kestrel fork and Rolf Vector 650 wheels and cow horn bars w/ Syntace aeros. I use it to commute, train and race. I am very happy with it. I also bought a copy of Zinn and the Art of Roadbike Maintenance so I can do my own tune-ups. I think this is a necessity if you only have one bike.

I figuered this would be my first in what i hope to be a long list of bikes so I was looking for something that will fill all of my needs for now. I hope to buy a Softride next season and this cannondale will be my designated trainer.

Good luck in your search.

Try a 1968 Peugeot UO8. I use it for everything. It's steel and it's comfy, it's fast downhill!

Seriously, spend a season on something like this and then you will have a better idea of what you want. Getting on a modern sub-20 pound bike after you're in shape, will be a revelation.

Tyson