Bluespicker

Hi, I'm pretty new to biking and am looking at getting my first real road bike. I've found one that's a great deal and in excellent shape, but it has a tri-bar setup on it and I'd really prefer the normal run of the mill setup.

What I would like to do is buy the bike anyways because it is a really good deal, and maybe buy some regular handle bars and brake levers/shifters with a portion of the money I'll save over buying a new bike. My question is, how feasible is this plan and how much do you think it would set me back? I've done a little research and see that something like the Shimano Ultegra 6600 can be had for less than $200, and I figure I should be able to sell the aerobars to offset a bit of the price.

So what do you think, wise idea or should I give up on this bike and find another?

capwater

First off, most likely a tri or tt specific bike will have a different geometry than a road bike. Something to consider. Parts wise you'll need; brifters, cables and new handlebars. Might need a longer stem as well. You could sell the bar end shifters, brake levers, aerobars and bullhorn bars to help offset the cost.

Personally, I would not tear apart the tri bike. Go find a bike that fits you because it is the right bike, not simply because it is a good deal.

Bluespicker

It's not a tribike, it's a pretty good road bike which has been modified into a tribike, so that's why I am wanting to do it.

What will be the determining factor in the bike needing a new stem or not?