HEYA FOLKS=)

im new to these cycling forums and would appreciate some much needed help..i need to find a nice
starter road bike, that i can possibly, compete in some sprint triathalons. im an avid mountain biker,
that really enjoys a nice long 2hr cycling class. i really want to get the most bang for my buck, but im
open to all the advise i can get.

first-limit is about 1500max
second-have a lot of gear so dont really need any extras
third-if a model is worth the couple hundred over that limit, i may be able to pull a bit out of savings!
fourth-please oh please remember i want to get the right one, the first time, but i really, really want a
sweet bike, with shimano 105s or better...any brand is fine, but equal to that!


thanx and glad to meet you all,


HAPPY_VALLEY

The right one is one that fits. Every manufacturer has a bike that fits your initial criteria of price and use but it will take a shop to size you correctly. I'd strongly suggest you not spend as much as you can and spend the time to try bikes out.

yeah, i really agree with that, because i took that approach with my other bikes. i guess i should've not been so specific(tell me what kind of bike for me,) but i guess why you like your bike in that price range? im sorry for that, and i'll post my sized suggestions from the local bike shops. i will hit the 2 locals and then head to sheels to ride theirs. if i dont get a good idea there than i don't know if i ever will lol!

post back soon and thank you for the response-shows me that these forums are filled with actual riders, and not just posers=-) hehe i guess that would be me..at this point hehe!

thank you,

HAPPY_VALLEY

Hi happy valley, fun times, nothing like bike shopping! Your're at a nice price point there and should be able to find something that meets your spec. I believe Felt makes some road bikes (F series) with a slightly more agressive geometry that may prove beneficial in sprints. Although, I've ridden my road bike in sprints, which has very traditional geometry, with no real issues. To help folks with just these types of searches we've begun to compile a list of links to the major bike companies, as well as some review sites. If you think we are missing some good ones, please let us know. You can find the page from the Bike tab on our site - see sig. Have fun!

If you want a specific TT/Tri bike I have seen the Cervelo P1 in your price range and its Ultegra SL.

If you have just one bike, I would stick with a road bike. You can add aero bars. I say this for two reasons. One is there are lots of last year's models on sale now so you can make a really good deal. The other is a tt/tri specific bike is hard to train on for 100% of your riding especially if you get the full "bull horn" bars.

Plus I didn't know until last week that there are a couple of road bikes out there that have frames with adjustable saddle positions so you can go between Tri/TT position to road position. I saw a Kestrel Talon on clearance at an LBS I went to last week selling for around your price range.

I had forgotten about the Kestrel! I've never ridden one, but have heard some nice things. I saw that Bikes Direct had the Talon Road and Tri (which may have the same geometry?) and the Evoke all in your price range. Looks like pretty nice prices for CF rides.

From the looks of the it from kestrel website the Talon and Talon Tri are the same exact frame with adjustable saddle angle on both. The LBS selling the 105 Talon for $1650 and the SRAM Force one for $2250 on clearance. Maybe the OP can find one as well locally.

Cervelo Soloist is another. S1 can be had for $1999. It has a two position seatpost stem. Besides Soloist has an aero frame (just no rear wheel cut-out). Add aero bars and you are good to go.