Subject: basic bike questions from a first timer doing a sprint tri hey there:
I have been getting bikes off of freecycle because i can't afford to buy one. we got one that we think will work for my honey (we are doing the tri together to celebrate one year of being hitched! ): it is a Trek 1000. It was in an accident and needs a new front wheel type, AT-450 and the handle bars are a little bit bent. other than that it seems okay.
Question #1: is this a good bike for a first time Tri on almost no budget. The wheels are over $100 for the pair, can one ever find single wheels?
We also collected two old (maybe from the 70s or 80s ) road bikes. One is way to big for me, but works, and the other is probably my size, but needs new brakes, a new seat, maybe to change the wheels. How can I tell if the parts can be exchanged bewteen the two bikes? would I be better of riding my Marin Hybrid....assuming we don't find another new and more decent road bike.
We probably have about $200 max to put into this, so we have to get creative and suggestions are welcome.
We are also looking to barter for help with bike repair/maintence lessons, so if you are in the DC area, let us know, we have lots of skills and some stuff we could exchange for bike repair sessions.
Thanks! |