Hello - have decided to do ironman by 2007 latest, and am looking at getting a bike. Are the triathlon-specific bikes really worth it, for someone who's not racing?
Someone told me the only real difference between road bikes and the extra swanky looking triathlon machines is the seatpost position, which is a bit different to allow you to use different bits of your leg for cycling and running, therefore making the marathon "easier".
Anyone have a view on this? Am looking at spending say 1200 on a road bike, and hoping this will last me up to and including my first ironman!
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You're correct that they have a different geometry, to enable one to achieve the correct aero position.
However, there are a few drawbacks. They are meant to be ridden in the aero position and are not really suited to a "normal" riding position. Therefore, not good in traffic or on hills.
I'd only look at buying a tri-specific machine if you can also afford another road bike to train on. If you can only afford one bike go for road - you can always get clip-on aero bars and a forward seatpost at a later date.
Or buy a cervelo which has a reversible seatpost to obtain the best of both worlds.
Do you have recommendations on road bikes also? Am thinking January is a good time to buy 2003 bikes cheaper - what do you reckon on specialized? Will they last a few years?
Fit is more important then anything. Go to a proper bike shop and get measured. Most good shops have equipment to measure you. Feed the measurements into a computer and get a sizing guide.
Best place to spend your money is on the frame. This will last for years and you can always upgrade the components. Also why fit is important.
Next place to spend money is on the wheels.
Obviously, this is easier to do if you just buy a frame and spec it yourself. If you buy a complete bike then you will have to take it as it is.
Again, good bike shop will advise.
Having spoken to a few people ive settled on a Cannondale R800 road bike, ill add the tri bars. The bike is 2004 model and available at Total Fitness Nottingham, costing me about £1100, guess ill spend another £300-400 on other equipment and bits (im new to cycling).
Cannondale wasn’t popular on my thread but I guess a bikes a bike, im not really competing so ive picked a bike I like the look of (lol), besides that there a mainstream make and supply bikes to the Seaco team etc etc.
Good luck with your choice.
Frame - the more you spend the better the quality.Don't compromise on fit = £1,000.
You will also need cycling shoes, bottle cages, computer, kit.
You can probably get cheaper prices by shopping around, buying last years models, some second hand.
2003 frame here i come, I think...hangover spending on 2 Jan - ideal!
And which one are you doing?
Where you based? I could recommend a shop in the SE.
Not familar with shops in Bristol.
I may be wrong but I think Evans deal more with complete bikes. I don't think you can buy just a frame and spec it yourself.
Also from my experience they are not the cheapest and won't budge on price. If your spending £1,500 - £2,000 expect to get a 10% discount. If not go elsewhere.
If there is a local dealer with a good reputation go for it. Personal recommendation is the most reliable guide.
I started training (from a base of being a couch potato - could only run 2 miles) in July. At that point id already decided on the Longest Day Ironman 2004.
Id say the training is not currently going well, shoulder strain is stopping me swimming (I was taking lessons but only got up to about 400m crawl). Had to lay off for nearly 4 weeks now due to flu, bad colds and Gastro Interitis. ill be back with a vengence when my 2004 training programme kicks in 2/1/04, 13 mile run this sunday.