BFisher 

Trying to upload some motivational photos for ya, but keep getting an alert.

I encourage you to see the Ironman build through. I built one last year as a gift to myself.

Started with a bare frame, but did not do a repaint. Classic frameset, modern 9 speed group.

The bike.
Is.
Awesome.

I've got four kids. You can do it. There is help here.

ryansu

Ironman, make it work it is exactly what you say you are looking for and to get it rideable it doesn't need a repaint or even a complete tear down. I wouldn't normally suggest it here as we are mostly a DIY group but if needs must go to your LBS for a tune up.

What I find is that on those procrastination projects, and I have had a few, if I block out time and get started they create there own momentum and if you take the make it rideable option and skip the full high zoot tear down repaint riding it will make you want to spend the time on it.

Finally its the devil you know versus what you don't I can almost guarantee any used 80s race bike you might find is going to need something. IRONMAN lol and I am not even part of the tribe....yet

TriBiker19 

I just posted a couple photos in the Centurion thread, looking for help with the chain, tires, and cassette.

I can feel how different my bikes are based on the way it rolls, even with flat tires on the Centurion. Putting it into my bike carrier is a breeze.

TriBiker19 

Based on where I got it (coastal Massachusetts) and the condition, it looks like this bike has spent a good part of it's existence being ridden in triathlons. With ocean swims. So the salt water has dripped on it quite a bit. It needs to be repainted just because of the salt water corrosion. It's still solid, but the surface rust is taking over. I don't trust my LBS to fix it after seeing the half-a$$ job they did with my Shogun. They mentioned nothing about needing new tires on the bike and I didn't notice (and rode it in two triathlons) before I washed the tires and realized the sidewalls were coming off in chunks. The tires themselves fell to dust when I removed them. Heck, they didn't even clean the chain and cassette. I need to find a new LBS.

I needed a bike to ride for training while waiting on new tires for the Shogun, stole my husband's mountain bike and blew not one, but two tires on it within 15 miles. (Oops.) So I'm banned from using that, too. My kid is disappointed that mom won't be riding trails with him.

I just think the Ironman was a bit more of a project than I (and my husband) expected.

ryansu

That does sound like a bit more than just faded paint and yes you do need a new LBS by the sound if it. As others have said there are lots of options out there in addition to the Ironman you have Cannondale crit bikes, Raleigh made a Scott Tinley Trilite, Peugeot made a tri bike in the late 80s and of course the Ironmans, good luck in your search and post some pics of your current bike, we love pictures. I did see a few chain shots on the sticky thread but post some full profile drive side shots to this thread its where all the Ironman cultists hang out

Oh and in my experience you have to grab those chances to ride with the kids while they're interested in riding with you, fix those flats steal hubbys bike and shred with your kid

A Tri lite I saw at a garage sale in May

rccardr 

Well, I offered. As did Bill.

TriBiker19 

I do appreciate it! I'm looking into signing up for a 16 hour class in complete tear down and rebuilding at a shop about an hour away. I think that's one of the things that I need badly. To figure out how to do maintenance on it, take it apart with confidence that I can put it back together. At bare minimum, I'll be able to fix my kids' bikes when they break them.

Someone else in this thread mentioned another Ironman listed only a couple of hours away from me. Last night I emailed and asked for pictures. I haven't heard back.

If I come across any of the bikes listed on the website linked above, I'll jump on them, even if it's not in the best condition--who needs to park in the garage, anyway?

I agree that I just need to put time into priorities and the bike needs to be a priority for the race. I am not schlepping my current rider up 3200' of elevation over 56 miles.

Thanks for the suggestions!

-Carrie

squirtdad

what is budget?

thoughts

post a WTB in the C&V sales section for your size bike for racing be open to type

scan craigslist like a hawk be open to road trip

from boston craigs list not all are steel but example

52 cm from boston
https://boston.craigslist.org/nwb/bi...969109202.html

https://boston.craigslist.org/gbs/bi...984338659.html

https://providence.craigslist.org/bi...982407000.html

54 cm

https://boston.craigslist.org/gbs/bi...985121755.html

https://boston.craigslist.org/gbs/bi...972960254.html

https://newlondon.craigslist.org/bik...980622407.html

have frame powder coated not painted

consider (budget based) getting a new groupset.....and wheels save time in cleaning deals are there but going fast from uk bike shops like this tiagra 10 for 329 https://www.ribblecycles.co.uk/shima...uble-groupset/

or take the redo the bike a part at a time approach put the bike on the bike stand. Take 10 to 15 minutes to take off what you can. then clean and lube for 5 to 15 minutrs a day or one part or 1/2 of one part...done befoure tax season

RobbieTunes 

Update:
Ironman Empire is on it. I'll be reaching out to them.
Not a lot is needed. It will be fast, will climb, and it be an Ironman.

squirtdad

@RobbieTunes put his Ironman cape on

rccardr 

Good on you!

mech986 

Wait, didn't he step into his Ironman armor?

RobbieTunes 

It, uh, "chafed."

top506

Swap two Ironmen for one.

PM me, we can work something out. Both ready to ride.

Top

TriBiker19 

Mine would in no way qualify as "nice" by any stretch. Those bikes are gorgeous!

squirtdad

Go for it this is for the win !!! just getting one will make you faster. Time is not an issue then, Definitely less hassle. Probably cost effective in the the differential between what $$ you would need to put into your bike and the cost of one of these will be less that you think. And more training time. and you can make your old bike as you have time project

This is what this forum is about helping and enabling n+1 Why do we help each other out so much?

top506

They've been on CL and FB most of the summer and here for a month. I'm willing to break them up.
AND I drive from Maine to Cape Cod at least once a month, usually stopping at the Hampton state liquor store......

Top

TriBiker19 

There has been a different solution to my problem presented to me. One that has me completely dumbstruck and tremendously grateful to the members of Ironman group. (Mr. Tunes in particular.)

I'll be riding the Shogun for a little while longer, and that's okay. I need to get use out of those new tires I bought for her a month ago.

TriBiker19 

I broached the topic of my husband getting a road bike to go with mine...(Because I'm set at the moment, thanks to the folks here.) I probably just should have picked one up for his birthday and not given the option for him to refuse. Easier to ask for forgiveness, I guess?

Wildwood

.... i need help with a racing bike........

BFisher 

You are in for one sweet machine, TriBiker19.

Here's mine:


Best of luck to you.

Wildwood

Where are The People?








....just kidding, I get so much assistance and motivation from this group it's.....addicting.
Three project bicycles being reworked and soon to be added to the group.

TriBiker19 

Told husband that I wanted the 16 hour bike rebuild class for Christmas--where you work on your own bike. (Class is in late January.) He says, "the Shogun won't need work. The Centurion will be good to go. You're going to need another bike to rebuild for the class."

OH?

RobbieTunes 

Reaching out to the Empire for a cassette.
Then we're good to go.

qcpmsame 

Your reputation precedes you......

Bill