(also posted in Rode Biking .. but figured it was applicable to this forum as well)


Background:
I have just begun road riding as a result of starting triathlons this year. I completed a sprint (18mile bike) earlier in the year and plan to do an olympic distance (24 mile bike).

I put skinny tires on my mountain bike for the sprint and was still blown away buy guys on their fancy road bikes because:
a) I hadn't trained much for the bike portion
b) I was riding a mountain bike

Well, I am enjoying biking for exercise now and rarely [if ever] go mtn biking anymore.

~~~

Now to the question:
I don't want to spend much $$ at all on a bike right now (under $800). I have the opportunity to buy an '03 TREK 1000C off a guy that I work with. The bike is my size.

1) Will I notice a decent improvement in my bike performance from this "comfort bike" over my mtn bike with skinny tires?

2) How much would you pay for a '03 barely used TREK 1000C?


~~~

My initial thinking is to buy it [if it gives me a few MPH on my rides], ride it the rest of this year and some of next year, and then sell it and buy a real bike ($1000-$1500) if/when I realize that I actually am getting serious about riding. I figure this bike (1000c) won't depreciate much more than $100 over the next year.


Obviously, I know I am not going to be super competitive with this equipment, but I would like a little extra speed for minimal investment.

thanks,
ssyba

IF your going to ride a roadie for your next race. Train on your heavy MTB and then ride the road bike right before your race and you will most likely do better than you ever imagine.