bbrriiaann113

I am looking to get a road bike to use in triathlons. I am looking for a road bike because that is what I mainly like. But I want one that is ok for both tris and road biking. Also I will add aero bars to it. So if anybody can suggest a bike in the $1000-$1500 range that would be helpful.
Thanks

fa63

There aren't any in that price range with full aero frames and wheels... I think you might want to take a look at Cannondale Sprint, Specialized Transition Multi-Sport; those have decent aero frames, and come with aerobars already installed. If you want to step it up a little in the price range and get better equipped bike (Ultegra vs. 105), there is always the perennial Cervelo Soloist ($2200) or the Kestrel Talon ($2500) and the Felt T23 ($2000).

As for regular roadbikes in that price range, well, there are just too many to choose from. I like the Specialized Allez lineup, but Cannondale's CAAD frames are also very nice. Basically in that price range, look for something with at least full Shimano 105 (preferably a combo of 105/Ultegra as you approach the $1500 mark), and go test ride bunch of them; Treks, Giant, Cannondale, Specialized, Felt etc... Whichever you feel like fits you the best and rides the best, that is probably what I would go with.

Good luck.

Saranac

Quintana Roo Trueno, Trek makes an entry level tri bike that still has aero bars, and drop down bars. So does Fuji. Felt has one in the upper end of that price range. Just go to each site, and click on road bikes or tri bikes if they break it down that far and you can see their list (MSRP) prices. I am in the middle of the hunt myself so I have been checking them all out myself.

munckee

I'm sure I'll get flamed for bringing this one up, but for bang-for-the-buck value you might consider checking out bikesdirect.com

fa63

Actually, I ride an Ebay special bike with aerobars added on, but it was good enough to help me get second place in my recent triathlon. It is actually true that it is more about the engine than the bike....

With that said though, when I got my bike I didn't know much about sizing so now I am having to ride a bike that doesn't fit me properly and there isn't much I can do about it (I am a broke graduate student, so can't afford to swap frames right now). The good thing about getting a bike from a LBS is that you will actually get something that fits you and is comfortable in the longer rides, and you also have somewhere to go to if you have any problems. That peace of mind alone might be worth the added few hundred bucks.

So I wouldn't recommend an online bike until you are absolutely positive that you know exactly what size frame you need. Good luck.

Triguy

Find a bike in the lower end of you price range, add a set of Jammer aero bars, get fit well. By a bike that you will want to ride, i.e it fits well, looks good, the bike shop will tune it up after the cables stretch a little. When you start riding a lot you want it to be easy and feel good. The better your bike fits, looks and functions the more you'll want to ride.

The reason I say the lower end of your price range is because you don't gain much going from 1000 to 1500. Maybe Carbon seatstays which I'm skepical about anyways...

I like steel, Jamis Quest has as a steel frame, easton components(name brand handlebar, stem, seatpost and fork is pretty rare), full 105 10 speed, around $1200.

I also think Scott has good Aluminum offerings in that price range.

Felt also has good bikes for a good price, if you could find a F75 on closeout thatd be at the lower end of your budget.

Personally I'd avoid Cannondale and Trek, you pay a lot for the name

I always believe that a person should get their first bike at a bike store for the help that it offers. Fitting, service and knowledge...

Things to think about, do you have everything else, helmet? shoes? pedals? do you need to make room for those in your budget? Two or three pairs of bike shorts and some good workout shirts or jerseys? Aerobars? I hope I didn't throw too much at you...

GOOD LUCK

not2fast

Not sure why he recommended Jammer specifically. There are lots of good bars on the market. Just like the bike, by the bars that fit you best.

rplong

Probably because they are the type of aero bar that least interferes with the fit of the bike. No elbow pads that move your upper body that far forward.

bbrriiaann113

Thanks to all of you that have helped me so far. But I have been reading older posts and doing more research. I am still trying to decide between a tri bike or a converted road bike.I have some questions between the two:

Why should you buy a road bike if you plan on riding with other people?

Anyone who has put on aerobars and a forward seat post on a road bike, How does it compare with a triathlon bike? Is it the same or different in ways?

What is a good road bike that is easily made into a triathlon bike?

Also if anyone can help with these bikes:
Specialized Transition Elite
Trek Equinox 7
Cervelo Dual
Or any other tri bike or a road bike that is easily turned into a tri bike Under $2000

I know that road bike are better to use in groups but, I rarely ride in groups and since I live in South Florida there is no climbing. So I am wondering if I should even get a road bike or if I should ride a tri bike all the time.

All input is appreciated

TomBouch

I have a Specialized Transition listed on ebay if you are interested. It is almost new. https://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...MESE%3AIT&rd=1

TomBouch

I have a Specialized Transition listed on ebay if you are interested. It is almost new. https://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...MESE%3AIT&rd=1