New bike - which one

Forum guidelines BT super discount
General Discussion Triathlon Talk » New bike - which one Rss Feed  
Moderators: k9car363, alicefoeller Reply
2006-10-14 4:32 PM

User image

Regular
93
252525
New York,
Subject: New bike - which one
I am new to this and am looking for an education in this sport:

Winter is starting up and I did want to purchase a bike, but not too sure if I should given riding outdoors wont be possible for much longer. If I did buy one I would get an indoor trainer.

Here is my problem. What brand?

Iron Horse from LBS priced about $550

Schwinn - $529
though there are others I am considering

Giant- I have no idea at all.


Basically, I am looking to spend max $600 for the bike. I assume I would need to spend another $200(more?) on gear(shoes, helmut, bottle cage, bottle, spare tires(kit?), pump,etc)

Then there is the trainer. But I will wait to see what bike I get, if I can find one.

Any advice/help is appreciated.


2006-10-14 4:48 PM
in reply to: #569154

User image

Master
3019
20001000
West Jordan, UT
Subject: RE: New bike - which one

As far as what you listed below, the Schwinn is the lowest quality.  The iron horse has Sora components which are the minimum I think you should have for racing.   Giant's cheapest road bike is the OCR3.  It is a really great entry bike.  It is generally about $650.    So from your list, I would say Giant is #1, Iron horse #2 and the schwinn is not worth the money.  The Trek 1000, and Felt F90 are also great bikes in the $600-$700 range. 

If you budget is really tight, you might be better off looking at a used bike.  You can generally find deals in the $300 range for a decent older bike.  Just make sure it fits you OK.  If you have a bike at all, you can just ride that on the trainer this winter.  It really wont matter which bike you ride until you start racing.   

2006-10-14 10:07 PM
in reply to: #569154

User image

Veteran
225
10010025
Dallas, TX
Subject: RE: New bike - which one
With shoes, you'll also need pedals. I spend $150 on some triathlon cycling shoes, 55 on aerobars, 44 on some shorts, 34 on a helmet. I bought a used trainer for $40 too. Just thought I'd give you some numbers to think about.
2006-10-15 8:56 AM
in reply to: #569154

User image

Regular
93
252525
New York,
Subject: RE: New bike - which one
Thank you tkbslc and hosayif!
I appreciate the information and advice. I will post back here and let you know how it turns out.
2006-10-16 10:21 AM
in reply to: #569154

Member
47
25
Plano, TX
Subject: RE: New bike - which one
Also, always keep your eyes peeled for some deals. The OCR3 goes for $650 but I got mine brand new for $550 just because I found a guy willing to make a deal. The OCR3 is the first road bike I have owned and I am very happy with it so far. Of course I'm always drooling over everybody else's bikes, but my Giant still gets me around pretty quickly. Many times quicker than the guys with the fancy bikes.
2006-10-16 4:12 PM
in reply to: #569154

User image

Master
1432
100010010010010025
Woodstock
Subject: RE: New bike - which one
Also check out fuji bikes- they are generally inexpensive- in your price range and you get a lot of features for the money. I dont know how well regarded they are but I race in one and it does well for me and I have had no problems.

New Thread
General Discussion Triathlon Talk » New bike - which one Rss Feed