Benotto Triathlon Appraisal
 

Hello all,

Everyone in this subforum has been helpful and knowledgeable so I'd like to ask about this Benotto Triathlon bike.

http://i898.photobucket.com/albums/a...icture1859.jpg

I have asked the seller questions but it seems he does not really know much about bikes. He doesn't know what year it is or really what components are equipped.

The picture is not very good so I know I will have to look at this bike up close and personal.

The thing is that this bike is for a friend and granted it fits, I would like to know more as I have researched that the frame integrity of these Mexican made Benotto's are questionable. I don't want this frame cracking on him or to endanger him in any way during high speeds.

What can you tell me about this bike? We go on touring road bike rides but we are also gearing up for triathlons. Will this bike with the Triathlon name be good for that purpose? Would you be comfortable paying $150 if the components were in working order?

Whatever you can tell me about the bike would be much appreciated.

Thank you very much

The bicycle is circa 1986-1988. It's not really a dedicated triathlon bicycle. About the only thing geared towards triathlon are the seat and down tubes, which have an aero profile in the middle, but are round at the ends. Unfortunately, it's only hi-tensile steel, yet the bicycle is still relatively light. The derailleurs are Shimano Light Action which was their low priced, indexed system at the time. Brakes were typically Modolo Corsa. Many came with Thun cranksets that required a special BB tool. Others came with SR. Wheels were generally Miche hubs with Ambrosio 700C rims. Original price $275-$350 US, depending on the exact year. First thing I'd be doing is verifying the crankset. If it's a Thun, I'd walk away. Price may be fair if your market is above average, has a year round riding season and the bicycle requires absolutely no work.

Just joined up and picked up a Triathlon today. Mine is as described by T-Mar (which I would love to get some more info from). Mine has Shimano 105 shifters, Mavic rims with Maillard hubs and a Shimano MF-Z012 rear cluster 14-22. It does have the Thun cranks-(whats the deal with those and how soon should I replace them!). Brakes are Corsa's with Exage levers. I think it's a 1986 based on the spec. RR der is Shimano RDL525 and is black. Not a lot of info out there.

I am guessing this bike has lived in the Southwest (I am in Phoenix, AZ) as there is absolutely no rust what so ever on it. I am primarily a mountain biker who used to race very competitively from 2002-2007. I have owned high end roadies in the past that I used for MTB base training etc, and have been without for about 4 years.

I bought it to do some base miles again and just to log some bike therapy when I don't have time to load up and go to the trailhead. As I wear out stuff I plan to update/change components. Best thing the price. I traded a lightly used cell phone from a sponsorship deal I had (read free) on Craigslist for a Bianchi Valle commuter bike, washed it and traded it for this the next day. Needs tires and that is really it. I do plan to replace cables and tires while doing a complete lube and tune.

It looks nice, rides well and is cheap, which as I get older, the more I like. I have been lurking on here for a few months while toying with the idea of an older road bike and have found lots of info-especially from T-mar. Glad I found the site!