Pirate at 40

Hello all! This looks like a pretty friendly place with some good knowledge. My question is this: I am looking (I think) for a triathlon bicycle. Comfort and value are my most critical requirements. What is the best bang for the buck, so to speak? Something I can grow into, not grow out of! Are there any resources for previously owned bikes? Any bikes that I definitely want to stay away from? Etc, etc.....
Thanks in Advance,
Mike

roadfix

Are you a triathlete?

Pirate at 40

No, (not yet anyway)...Just wanted to add this to my exercise routine.

cindy

Pirate,

Any reason you prefer to get a Tri bike over a road bike? You may want to review the differences of a Tri bike vs. Road bike before you make any purchases.

Also, may I suggest being REALLY careful when purchasing a used bike-- even when you purchase it from a reputable LBS? It takes a lot of time and money to maintain a road bike (especially if it is used often)-- so be weary of used bikes that seem to be selling for too cheap. You may be better off purchasing an entry level bike with the knowledge that you are not going to be in the bike shop every other week tweaking or checking every little thing.

deliriou5

uh i would reccomend getting a road bike unless you want to get serious about triathlon specifically. a road bike is much more versatile and practical for just adding cycling to your exercise routine. just because you also happen to run and swim doesn't mean you HAVE to get a tri bike

deliriou5

value, triathlon may win, since STI shifters add considerable cost to a bike.

however, comfortwise, a road bike will win quite easily...

on the tri bike, riding on the aerobars compromises bike control, and then riding on the bullhorns is not comfortable for long periods of time.

Pirate at 40

Hmmm, so it seems the general consensus is a road bike. I 'would' like to occasionally go out in the dirt. Would I just put on some different tires, or what? What is the best road bike, working with a budget of less than a thousand dollars? Thanks for the input!!
Mike

B1105

I would say get a road bike and just stick nice aerobars on. The less than 1000 dollar range limits you to buying a bike with 105 compoents and below or Veloce/Mirage(Campy) components. I would say look around used for something with ultegra on it, as it will perform better and last longer. i belive supergo is selling their house brand of bike, "scattante" which come with ultegra for 995.im not sure of the quality of the frame, but its good deal

MichaelW

If you want to race or ride for fitness only in fine weather, then a standard road bike is great.
If you want to commute or ride in wet weather, then you need a frame which has threaded eyelets to take a luggage rack and fenders. If you want to ride on rougher roads and occasional good trails, then you need slightly wider tyres. These more practical road bikes include cheaper training bikes like the Fuji Ace, light touring bikes like Bianchi Eros, cyclo-cross bikes and touring bikes.

multisport4life

I agree with most on this post. A tri bike is really only a wise purchase for someone with a serious triathlon obsession. I wouldn't mind having both (the bike and the obsession) but I like riding the roads too much to part with the comfort of my road bike. You also mentioned you wanted to get a little dirty, which isn't something you can do on a road bike. If you really want to do all three things here is my recommendation....get a cyclocross bike like the Bianchi Axis or something similar. You will get road bike gear ratios, clearance to put meatier tires on, a tough frame that is designed to handle some bumps, yet the bike will be pretty light and will come with regular drop road bars. If you find you want to do more triathlons you can clamp on aero bars and use skinny tires. If you find you like commuting you can throw on a straight bar with bar ends and you've got a good commuter (although actually i don't know how easy that is to do). If you get into cyclocross, you'll be cool cause there aren't that many of them out there compared to roadies and triathletes (at least i don't hear about it). If you end up wanting to do road rides with the local club every weekend, you can put on good road tires and you're set for that too. Just my $0.02 and if I'm off-base on any of this please feel free to correct me.

Pirate at 40

Cyclocross....I had not heard of it, but it sounds intriguing. Thanks! I will check it out!
Mike

roadfix

Mike......you mentioned getting out on the dirt. Do you currently own a road, mountain bike, or something in between? If not, a tri bike is something you should definitely not be looking at. As others have suggested, a good road bike seem to be what you should be looking at.

Owen

Here is an excellent web article on the tech dif bet road and tri bikes. It was posted on an earlier thread
https://www.bikesportmichigan.com/bikes/difference.shtml

kwikrnu

Thanks for that link. I have been trying to decide what type of bike to get also. I think a Tri bike would be best for me according to that article. Now, I just need to find a good used one...