Beginner Triathlete- i need a bike!

If it's a one time thing or you're not sure you're going to enjoy it...I'd borrow a bike from a friend you can use anything from a MB to a hybrid.

I would recommend a road-bike versus a triathlon specific bicycle. Additionally, I would suggest spending under $1,000, but more than $600. Check out bicycle manufacturers, Felt, Giant, Cannondale and Specialized, to name a few.

I bought my '05 Trek 1000 for $479 last July

I second the suggestion of borrowing if you can.  My hubby and I bought new road bikes last year, but didn't know how addicting this sport would be.  We now have 2 road bikes collecting dust while our tri bikes get most of the use.  Race first and see if a high-end road or tri bike is worth it to you.  Good luck!

How much does the Trek 1000 weigh, please. Thanks.

The weight depends on how big the rider is

Buying a bike opens up a world beyond tri's. I enjoy going on rides even when it's not a training ride.

I HIGHLY recomend going for what companies refer to as a entry level race bike. It's one step above above entry level and in the $1000 to $1500 range.

The big difference here is that the race level bikes will USUALLY have lighter frames made with exotic materials like gradient wall Aluminum and Reynolds 853 steel. You will also start to venture into carbon forks and away from Sora components. Basicly, it gives you a light bike with components and wheels you won't feel stupid showing up to a race with, that will still serve as an awesome touring and training bike while not blowing the budget. Also since you already have a good frame, you can start to upgrade components as the old ones wear out.

I'm not a huge fan of Trek, but for this level bike you can't compete with their prices. Just watch out as you can find some of the cheaper frames with good components next to the nicer frames with lesser components for about the same price. ALWAYS opt for the better frame. Specialized would also be a good option. I'd say avoid LeMond unless you ride one and fall in love with it. They use a more relaxed geometry which is really nice for the road racing world, as it balances the work more evenly across the quads and hammies, but isn't so great when doing a tri, as you want to save those hammies for the run.

So for a stradegy, Set your limit to about $700 but really know you can spend more. Tell the shop that you are looking in the $700 range and allow them with much effort to talk you up to a slightly higher price. Using this method I got my road bike for $200 cheaper plus a set of pedals.

Just remember that a bike is somewhat of an investment and even if you don't like tri, you will still have something fun to ride around on.

oh yea, and just make sure it's Yellow, but in a pinch, any color other then red will do

as for other gear..... I'd definatly get some goggles, a swim cap, running shoes (if you don't have them already) and some sort of tri suit. You don't have to go all out with the tri suit, but changing clothes in the transitions isn't all that much fun and doesn't make your times all that fast, so having one thing you can wear in all 3 events would make it much easier and more enjoyable.

Edited by vortmax 2006-01-12 6:37 PM

Beg and borrow a road bike for the season - see if you like it first.  Then invest next winter.

I was in the same situation you are in now, but i went and called around for good reliable entry level bike, since this year i will be doing my first tri. well i found a left over from last year and got it for 480.00 as for my gear i looked for sales at my local sporting goods store and i also ordered from Bike Nashbar also it helped that Christmas just passed and to know someone who can give you advice and support who has been doing this for years. This website has been really useful and everyone is so nice.
Good Luck to you!!!

http://www.fujibikes.com/2005/bikes.asp?id=13

Borrowing a bike is all well and good, but please borrow one that fits your frame. I did my first tri on my husband's mountain bike, and it was a very sad bike split indeed. I'm saving up right now to buy my own bike, and I'm hoping to spend about $600.

    I'd look at borrowing or renting a bike.  I have a local shop that rents for 75$ a day, for a high end $2000 trek.  I looked around for a good bike for a while.  Check out the components you get and how much your budget is.  Make sure you try and get the bike you can grow with and the best bang for your bike.

For equipment look at a helmet, bike shorts (VERY IMPORTANT), gloves, jersey, and then look towards additions towards the bike, clipless pedals, shoes, floor pump, tubes, patch kit, chain cleaner, etc. 

Myself was looking first at the trek 1500, then the 1200, then the 1000, and said screw it and just went with my dads old Schwin Continential.  Trying to upgrade the pedal system with speedplates, and also get it tuned up.  But I will be looking for a purchase later this year.

I'm really happy with a Felt f75 that I picked up recently for $1399. Just added aero bars and it is a fast, smooth ride. Comes as full bike w/clipless. No complaints yet and has carbon post, fork, etc. Good looking too. http://www.feltracing.com/06/06_bikes/f75/

I love it so far. A tri friend recommended getting a cheap bike (this isn't exactly cheap) but I couldn't take my eyes off from this bike and I kept looking up internet reviews (great) and other prices (same). So, I got it.

I wasn't going to ride a mountain bike anymore...too hard to train on now that I am on a road bike. But, call me spoiled.

good luck

derek

I would rent for the summer to be sure that you like the sport and then buy. I have even seen places that rent for as little as 25 bucks a day. I would recommend entry level road bike. Make sure that you hold off and buy it in August or September though to catch the end of season sale. I bought a Trek 1200 for 625. They normally run around 800ish if I remember correctly.

I have to agree with the Bear, Red bikes are the fastest. Mine is Fire Engine Red and sometimes I go so fast that you can't even see me. Well, you can probably still see me, and I'm probably not going too fast, but that is just because I'm not the greatest rider!

Edited by Drewwhite 2006-01-13 12:24 AM

I'm not sure how much my Trek weighs

Get a second mortgage on your house and buy a $4000 pound bike that weighs 17 pounds or less.

As everyone has said, shop around, try a ton of different bikes to find the best fit and bang for the buck. Trust your LBS employees to a decent extent but ask a lot of questions and do research AFTER going to the shop to see if they were right in their answers and suggestions. Budget in the $1000 range as a generous amount for bike and all associated goodeis you'll need to ride as an entry level cyclits and you should be able to cover everything.

(700 posts - once again appropriate that it is a cycling thread!)

I just bought all my tri gear last weekend and I will go ahead and say my budget doubled from my initial plan. I did this one because I feel this is a sport where qualiity gear is a necessity and two I know I will stick with it if I put that much money into it. But shop around, I purchased nintey percent of my gear from my LBS but i went to the net and got some great deals. My LBS also gives everyone a discount on all gear purchased a month after the bike purchase so that was also cool. My advice though like I am sure everyone else has said no matter where you buy your bike take it and get it fitted!!! And have fun I sure am having a ball.

Another quick tip on Bikes and Gear. If you decide to buy a bike, join their rewards program if they offer one. I bought my bike which cost a few ticks north of $1000. I joined the performance bike rewards program for $20. The points I received will end up getting me $100 bucks off future purchases and they have "special deals" for performance members.

I just used some of my points and got a free heart rate montior....something to think about as well.....now how can I use up the rest of those points...(maybe this is a bad idea after all)