General Discussion Triathlon Talk » Road Bike Help Rss Feed  
Moderators: k9car363, alicefoeller Reply
2017-01-13 11:08 AM


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Subject: Road Bike Help
Hello all,

I recently introduced myself here (I'm brand new to triathlons).

I am needing to buy a bike for an Ironman series 70.3, and also a bike in general to train on. I've researched a ton, and the majority of what I've read suggests getting a road bike, and buying some clip-on aero bars for it. I'm okay with this, but don't really know where to begin in buying "the right road bike".

There are a few bikes I'm interested in, that won't break by bank. I know the basics of what to look for, but still don't know if these bikes are quality.

Are "lesser" expensive road bikes still decent? The bikes I'm looking at range in price from $500-$1000. I don't want to spend a ton, as I am new to this and just want a solid bike to get me started.

Any advise would be appreciated, as well as recommendations for bikes.

Thanks!


2017-01-13 1:00 PM
in reply to: Greg10556

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Subject: RE: Road Bike Help

First, welcome!  Choosing a road bike for your first bike is a good idea.  I'm still using mine after six years and I paid about $1K on it plus I upgraded a couple of parts over the years.

Most bike manufacturers make good bikes, even at entry level prices.  The key for you would be to find one that fits, and then one you like, in that order of importance.  Some of the bike shops will do basic fits but some of them are more interested in selling you a bike vs. getting you properly fitted.  You could go to a bike fit specialist and get a basic road bike fit for under $100, and that person should be able to give you some numbers to use to pick a brand and size that fits you. 

Then go pick out what looks good. 

Good luck!

2017-01-13 2:31 PM
in reply to: #5210142


3

Subject: RE: Road Bike Help
Thanks Mike, I've been to a couple local shops and have been "fit" for a 56 size or ML. The problem with these shops is the road bikes they have are very pricey.

There are a few online with decent reviews that I'm interested in. Like for example a 2016 Giant Defy 5. It's a $600-$700 bike with entry level Shimano parts. Also there is a brand called Tommasso that makes road & TT bikes. The road bike starts at $500 with entry Shimano parts as well. I just don't know enough about "entry level" bikes to know if I'm buying something decent
2017-01-13 4:38 PM
in reply to: Greg10556

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Subject: RE: Road Bike Help
When the local shops tell you a 56 or ML will fit you, you need to know what brand and model they refer to... There's no sizing standard, so a 56 from one brand might be a 54 from another, M from a 3rd, etc. etc. etc. But if you know the brand they refer to, you might be able to get a less expensive model in their offering. Also, for $1000, you could (and probably should) look used. You can get a pretty good bike for that kind of money if you're willing to wait for the right bike.
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General Discussion Triathlon Talk » Road Bike Help Rss Feed