General Discussion Triathlon Talk » Bike for Less than 1500? Rss Feed  
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2015-07-19 5:26 PM

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southern pines
Subject: Bike for Less than 1500?
Wrecked my bike that I had had for 10 years in a race last year and totaled it. Right now riding the wife's road bike (Cheap Trek) which is slightly too small for me.

I'm weighing doing an Ironman sometime in October of 2016. I've already done an half, a number of internationals and sprints. Never been a huge biker but manage 2 or 3 bike rides a week with one of them being in the 50 mile range. The rest between 20 and 30 miles.

I know almost nothing about bikes other than how to change a tire and basic maintenance. So picking out a bike is tough for me.

I have $1500 dollars to spend and want to get a used or new bike.

I've only ridden road bikes in the past but I would not turn down a good tri bike if the price is right.

Any suggestions for a decent bike that can get me through an Ironman bike ride in around 6:30.

What should I look for?
What brand?

Any help would be appreciated.


2015-07-19 5:57 PM
in reply to: swofford11

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Regular
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Portland, Oregon
Subject: RE: Bike for Less than 1500?
You can absolutely get a great bike for $1500. Especially if you already have the extra gear and accessories that turn a $1000 bike into a $1200 credit card bill.

The first step is to decide whether you want a road bike (budget in $50 for clip-ons) or a tri bike. Then, find out your sizing. Finally, start searching.

I am finishing my 3rd season on a 2008 felt S22 that I got from the classifieds on here. It was $800 and has done well for me. The carbon in the frame is far less a determining factor to your final time than the lump of carbon sitting on top of it.
2015-07-19 6:07 PM
in reply to: swofford11


467
1001001001002525
, Wisconsin
Subject: RE: Bike for Less than 1500?
You should be able to get a GREAT bike for that kind of money. Most importantly, it has to fit your body, you can do a lot of research to find out about proper fit, or you can spend some money to get a professional fit. I'd consider spending approx. $175- $250 for a professional fit and spending $1200 or so on the bike and you'll be a lot happier than the wrong bike. Since your goal is to do and Ironman, I'd very likely look toward a true tri-bike vs. a road bike with clip ons. Me, I love road bikes, but cannot get very comfortable with any clip on setup, certainly not for 112 miles. A tri bike is designed for that position and is much less of a compromise.
2015-07-19 7:08 PM
in reply to: MikeD1

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409
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Durham, North Carolina
Subject: RE: Bike for Less than 1500?
You could get a new bike in that budget. I would recommend used though. I got a 2014 used for 1500, but I only wanted a certain year/model because I loved the color so I overpaid a little. Search facebook for a group called "online swap meet." Also check craigslist, the classifieds here, and slowtwitch.
2015-07-19 7:25 PM
in reply to: swofford11

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Clermont, Florida
Subject: RE: Bike for Less than 1500?
Remember that fit is first - you will need to have a good idea what size fits you before pulling the trigger, and hopefully get a professional fit. Once you have an idea what fits, you will have a better handle which brand/model to consider. Don't hesitate to look at a used bike - there are plenty of high quality tri/tt bikes you can get well equipped way within your budget and you will end up with a lot more bike. Check the classifieds here or on SlowTwitch or local Craigslist. If you find what you think is a deal (but aren't sure) there are plenty of folks here who can help you figure out whether the price is right or not. If you are uncomfortable with that, you may want to check out an online store like mybikeshop.com - pretty good prices and (based on reviews) great support on used/rehabbed road and tribikes and pretty good selections. The owner posts in the classified section now and then and seems very anxious to help

Hope that helps.
2015-07-19 8:59 PM
in reply to: swofford11

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Silicon Valley
Subject: RE: Bike for Less than 1500?
There are a lot of sales going on right now. You can get a really good price on a 2014 especially. I just picked up a new 2014 bike at 45% off. If it hasn't been mentioned you should check out mybikeshop.com. They had some good deals.

Happy hunting.



2015-07-19 9:16 PM
in reply to: swofford11

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Indianapolis, Indiana
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Subject: RE: Bike for Less than 1500?

Kestrel Talon - $1,399.99 with Shimano 105.

http://www.kestrelbicycles.com/road/talon-shimano-105-road

2015-07-20 1:07 AM
in reply to: swofford11

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Subject: RE: Bike for Less than 1500?
What you should look for is a fitter that isn't tied to X brand of bikes, that you can pay to suggest specific geometry, and then buy a bike brand and model based on that.

Once you have this info, whether to go new or used is up to you, but I got an amazing bike ( amazing to me ) for $750 canadian that just needed some wheels.

Just picked up a set of used aero wheels for $600 as well a few weeks ago, but totally not necessary, I used it for almost 5 years before grabbing those ones.

Last week I averaged 26 mph for a local 10 mile time trial, which is even slightly undulating, which isn't a stellar pro time, it can definitely get someone through a 6:30 ironman bike split.

If the bike fits, and the components aren't crap, it will work well if maintained well
2015-07-20 8:28 AM
in reply to: swofford11

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Manassas, Virginia
Subject: RE: Bike for Less than 1500?
Craigslist.

Wife and I both got fully carbon tri bikes (excellent condition) for under $2k total.

Be careful of postings with little information or deals that seem way to good to be true -- they could be stolen. I checked with local PD before I purchased either of the two bike to make sure they were clean.
2015-07-21 9:11 AM
in reply to: 0

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Subject: RE: Bike for Less than 1500?
Originally posted by k9car363

Kestrel Talon - $1,399.99 with Shimano 105.

http://www.kestrelbicycles.com/road/talon-shimano-105-road




+1

I have a kestrel talon and love it. I have the road version. I'm new to tri's but have been a roadie for a while. The Talon has treated me well. Bikes direct has the 2014 model for $1199

Edited by amalgamate 2015-07-21 9:12 AM
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