tribeginner

Hello,
I just started training for a triathlon and I'd like to purchase either a used road bike or an inexpensive entry level road bike. I've looked at two bikes including the trek 1000 and the giant ocr1. Supposedly these are good for women because of the compact frame? Any advice about either of these bikes, other bikes, or used bikes would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks!

cjbruin

I think the best advice I can give you is...go to a few bike shops and test ride everything they have in your size and price range. The bikes you mentioned are both good. Specialized, Cannondale, Felt, etc. all have good bikes in or about that same price range but the real thing will be the fit and the only way you can know what is the best is to ride it. Unfortunately, there aren't any shortcuts.

lilscotboy

one of the best kept secrets out there if you can find a dealer is jamis

at that price rangecheck out the ventura sport or the satellite

i'm biased of course, i ride a jamis quest....steel frame, carbon fork, 105 all round, alittle above your price range, but a great bike none the less (this'll be my third year of doing tri's on it aswell)

MHR

I would agree that you need to "try" before you buy. The one that fits you the best, and the one that speaks to you. Some mix of at least Shimano 105...better if it has some components with Ultegra.
Beyond a test ride you might think of a "demo". I know my LBS will allow you to "demo" for a whole day/over night for like 50 dollars - which can then be applied toward what ever purchase you choose.

I did this once with for a triathlon, (using the demo for the race) and applied the credit toward my purchase.

audiojan

Don't want to put down compacts, but I do find that they beat you up quite a bit. Probably related to the inherent stiffness gained from the compact geometry... Also, I'm not certain I would agree that compact geometry makes is better for a woman.. In general, women has longer legs and shorts upper body, which means that they will need a shorter toptube. Most compacts actually do have a longer toptube... The big difference is standover height, where compacts excel, something that may be of benefit to a shorter person (men or women for that matter).

Listen to advise from previous responces! Go to as many LBS' as you can and test ride. You may want to test ride even bikes slightly above your pricerange. Sometimes spending a bit more can be justified if the difference is big enough.

cjbruin

I agree with Jan about the compact geometry with reference to the fit...although I don't find mine to be a harsh ride. I'm 5'8" with short legs (29-30 inseam) and I ride a Specialized Allez compact 54 cm. It's a pretty good fit for me. My wife is 5'7" with longer legs and rides a Trek 1500 standard geometry that is also 54 cm...it fits her very well. Two very different body types, both on the "same size" bike. Hmmmmm.

Just an example of why you need to jump on some bikes and check out the fit as well as the ride. Good luck!

If you find a couple of bikes that you like the fit and want to compare them, feel free to post them and we'll all be happy to give our opinions.

ZackJones

Although my wife is tall enough to ride a standard geometry bike she prefers a compact due to the stand over height. Best thing to do is this:

- Go to several shops and check out their line of bikes
- Report your findings to us
- We'll tell you how to spend your money

Seriously though, try several and then buy the one that you feel the most comfortable riding. Be sure to tell the sales person that you are interested in using the bike for triathlons.

Good Luck!

tri-berkeley

When I was looking for bikes at the end of last summer, the Giant OCR1 was my favorite (I'm short at 5'1"). I had been keeping my eye on craigslist for a couple months though and ended up getting a 1998 Trek 5200 for about the same price from a woman an inch shorter than me who was giving up the sport due to a back problem. Used bikes could be a good option if you live in an area where there's a lot of choice - I'm in the SF Bay Area where there seem to be a couple hundred posts per day.

You might also look at the Specialized Dolce if you're looking for something women-specific. Be sure to try both the women-specific designs and the normal designs -- I think I actually tended to prefer the normal designs.