Being curious and in the hunt for a bike I googled "tri bike brands" and came up with a about 65 major and minor builders - WOW!!! Of course some of those are small European builders that have no US retailers so that puts them out of my search. But still...there are a lot of options to look at.

So, how does one go about picking a bike? I know I need to go to a shop and get fitted and talk to the pros but more than likely they will only push the bikes in their store...what if none of those are the best fit?

I don't have a lot of cash to throw down on a bike but I can't keep borrowing the one I've been using. I would really like to try to get a bike of my own by next season.

Thanks.

As a starting point, I would read this sticky thread. It will answer many of your initial questions. Once you've read it, let us know if you have any more specific questions! Best of luck!

OK top brands-Cervelo, Felt, Kuota, QRoo, Trek, Specialized. those would be pretty much the top tri brands you will see. Agree with above on sticky thread, also you can ask us if we think something is good or bad. What is your pricepoint for starters? Do you want a pure tri bike or do you do road cycling as well?

I have two or three local shops to choose from and they carry all the top brands - generally leaning towards the $3000 and up range. But, there are a few $1500-$2500 bikes as well. That is my range but more so on the low end, as I stated above cash is tight but I need to get my own bike. All of my racing will be triathlon, I have no interest what-so-ever in road racing. My triathlons will be Olympics and some sprints. I have been competing for 2 years and I am hooked on the sport so this is not a "maybe" purchase...I will be riding this bike.

My price range can not stretch to include race wheels. So, for now, whatever comes on the bike stays on the bike. I will have to purchase some shoes and pedals. Everything else - I have.

I read and understand you position on getting a road bike if money is an option but I would really like to try to get a tri bike instead. The bike that I have been riding the last two seasons is a road bike converted for triathlons. I was able to reposition it a little to get as aero as I could but I would really rather get a tri bike.

Is there any chance that one of these stores would allow me a weekend testride on some bikes in order to get a feel for them? Ever had a store offer payment plans on a bike? I know that e-bay and craigslist are options and I scourer them often. I am not necessarily looking for a new bike but I'd like to stay in the last decade.

Thanks.

get a fit and then figure out what bikes fit your geometry. Find the bike that fits you, don't try to fit the bike by compromising position. Slowtwitch has some good information about this and you'll get a better response seeing that it is primarily a triathlon website

if you like it, the Cervelo P2 is about as good as it gets-It won the Kona Ironman once so definitely race ready. $2700 I think but you can upgrade to DA for an extra $700

Pedals-Look Keo classic will be fine Shoes-whatever you prefer Sidi Shimano Specialized, probably one of the tri shoes.

any (good) bike shop will definitely let you test ride a bike, and you might want to wait until around september when the 2010 models come in, then buy a 2009 model on sale. maybe even a P3

Did you call CT today? I work down in the shop and was told to take the call since it was about tri stuff but I didnt. If that wasnt you sorry.

But I work there and there is another girl in the shop that does IM.

I personally ride QRoo and love it to death. the transition was my second option which was nice. As said before fit is the most important part and being properly fit is even more important. Ride as many of your options as possible.

pm me also if you want some help in nashville

You will be faster on a $1700 aluminum-framed bike with an aero helmet and race wheels than a $3000 carbon bike with a regular helmet and training wheels.

I'd suggest you look at bikes in a slightly lower price range, leaving yourself room to upgrade to some nicer wheels and an aero helmet.

Test rides tend not to be as helpful for tri bikes as for other bikes. There are simply too many points of customization to get a good idea of how the bike will feel, such as tire type and pressure, saddle type and aerobar choice.

Learn what kind of tri bike best suits your body type. The stack/reach articles, combined with the stack/reach database of bikes over on Slowtwitch are a great resource for that. Then, see which bike shops in your area sell bikes that would fit you and begin shopping!

What do you have to spend? Start there.
Everything else is a matter of preference....most in a given prie point will have similar stuff so start withwhatya can get with the $$$$